As heating and cooling expenses continue to climb, many homeowners are looking for more efficient heating and cooling solutions. One smart and economical option is to use a dual-fuel heat pump system. Also called a hybrid heat pump, this system pairs an electric heat pump with a gas-powered furnace — alternating between the two systems based on weather conditions. When it's hot outside, your heat pump can even keep you cool!

Using a dual-fuel heat pump system has several advantages. In this blog, the experts at Heartland Heating & Cooling will explore some of the top advantages of using this energy-smart HVAC system.

1. Dual-Fuel Heat Pumps Are an Extremely Energy-Efficient HVAC Solution

Dual-fuel heat pump systems are extremely energy efficient because they automatically switch to the more efficient heating system — the heat pump or the furnace—based on the weather outside. When the weather is more moderate, the heat pump is the more efficient system. When the weather is extremely cold, your gas furnace may be the more efficient way to keep your home comfortable and protected.

2. Reduce Your Monthly Energy Expenses with a Heat Pump-Furnace Combo

A gas furnace and heat pump combo can help you lower your energy bills compared to a furnace-only system. This is possible because of the difference in how heat pumps and furnaces work. Heat pumps don’t create heat; they move existing heat using the difference between the temperature inside and outside your home. Gas furnaces create heat by burning fuel and warming air, which is then pushed throughout the house through your ductwork. Transferring heat requires much less energy than creating it, so having the option to use the high-efficiency heat pump is a cost-effective heating method.

3. A Dual-Fuel HVAC System Provides Steady, Even Comfort in Your Home

One of the benefits of a dual-fuel heating system homeowners often appreciate is consistent home heating. Because the system modifies its heating source according to outdoor conditions, a dual-fuel heat pump system is highly adaptive and always uses the more suitable heat source for the weather. That helps minimize temperature swings in your home, especially during wide swings in the outdoor temperature.

4. Make Your Home More Environmentally Friendly with a Dual-Fuel Heat Pump System

Dual-fuel HVAC systems are more environmentally friendly than gas furnaces alone because of the high efficiency of heat pumps. Because they rely on electricity, heat pumps emit fewer greenhouse gas emissions than gas-powered furnaces. Being powered by electricity also allows heat pumps to make use of green energy, such as clean energy from solar or wind.

5. Your Heat Pump Also Cools Your Home

An added perk of a dual-fuel HVAC system is that the heat pump is also able to cool your home in hot conditions. The two-in-one functionality of heat pumps means you benefit from the advantages of their energy-efficient nature year-round, not just in the winter!

Heartland Heating & Cooling: Your Dual-Fuel Experts in Des Moines

Curious about how dual-fuel heating could benefit you? The team at Heartland Heating & Cooling is available to assist. We’ve helped families in and around Des Moines take advantage of dual-fuel heat pump systems and would be glad to explore what they could do in your home. Already have a heat pump? We can help you maximize the potential of your equipment with heat pump maintenance. And, if anything ever goes wrong, we’ll get things working again with our heat pump repair services in Des Moines.

Learn how energy efficient your home can be. Set up your free consultation for heat pump installation by calling 515-344-3579 today.