Dual-fuel
Two ways to heat one house
The heat pump and the furnace share the same ducts and the same thermostat, so you never choose between them. The system does.
Outdoors, one unit moves heat out of the air, even in cold weather, and indoors a coil sits on the furnace's ducts. When the air outside gets too cold for the pump to keep up, the control turns it off and lights the furnace. In summer the pump runs backwards and cools the house.
One thermostat, one set of ducts
The furnace is your heat on the coldest days
The heat pump is your air conditioner in summer
Settings
What decides the switchover
There is no one right number. We choose it with you, from these.
Your house
How well it holds heat, from the load calculation.
The heat pump
Each model gives less heat as the air outside drops; the maker's data shows how much.
What gas and electricity cost you
The switchover moves when your rates move, and we can reset it.
What you like
Some households want the furnace's warmer air sooner. That is a setting too.
Is it right for you?
Who dual-fuel suits, and who it doesn't
A good fit
You already have gas, or can have it run to the house
You want a furnace behind the heat pump on the coldest days
Your ducts are in decent shape, or you are willing to fix them
Maybe not
There is no gas line, and none is planned. A heat pump on its own, or another system, may fit better
Your ducts leak badly and you won't repair them
You plan to leave gas altogether
Questions
About the handoff
Will I notice the switch?
The air from the vents is a little warmer when the furnace is running. Most people notice only that the house stays comfortable.
What does emergency or auxiliary heat mean on my thermostat?
Settings differ by system. We label what each one does on your thermostat and leave it written down.
What happens if the heat pump fails in winter?
The furnace can still heat the house. Call us and we'll look at the pump.
Want it drawn for your house?
We'll set the switchover with you at the visit and write it down.
Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to noon