The Pros And Cons Of Dual Fuel Heating
Both traditional furnaces and heat pumps are excellent for heating homes, but there are situations where one system performs better than the other, and those conditions can change back and forth throughout the year. The good news is, you don't have to make an either/or choice between furnaces or heat pumps when a dual fuel heating system can give you the best of both worlds!
Dual fuel systems are the ideal solution to maximize comfort and efficiency. In the summer, the heat pump efficiently cools and dehumidifies your home. In the shoulder seasons, the system will provide the exact amount of heating or cooling that your home requires -- no more, no less. In the colder months, the system senses when it is more economical for the heat pump to shut off and the gas furnace to take over. Installing a dual fuel system is the best choice to optimize both savings and comfort in the Fraser Valley.
The Pros
1. Increased Efficiency
As outlined above, efficiency is the name of the game with dual fuel systems. During milder weather, the more energy-efficient heat pump is used to transfer heat from outside using electricity rather than natural gas or propane. However, heat pumps can struggle to keep up with demand in extremely cold temperatures, so when temps drop significantly, the furnace takes over instead. This combination ensures that the system runs at peak efficiency at all times!
2. Cost Savings
An awesome side effect of the dual fuel system's efficiency optimization is that it can lead to substantial cost savings over time. Because your dual fuel system is designed to always prioritize the most efficient operating method for its conditions, users can expect lower heating bills and fewer repairs necessitated by wear and tear!
3. Enhanced Comfort
With a dual fuel system, homeowners can enjoy more consistent indoor temperatures. The system's ability to switch between heating sources means it can adapt to changing weather conditions quickly, ensuring that your home always stays at a consistently comfortable temperature no matter how much conditions fluctuate outside. With most heat pumps being equipped with variable speed heating and cooling, think dimmer switch vs a standard on/off light switch!
The Cons
1. Higher Initial Costs
One of the major drawbacks of installing a dual fuel system is that they tend to incur higher upfront costs than either heat pumps or gas furnaces do alone because you're installing both systems at the same time. While the long-term savings from using a dual fuel system are significant, the initial investment can be a challenging hurdle for some homeowners to clear.
However with large government rebates available from Fortis BC and other companies, the final investment can actually be lower than installing a standard furnace or AC alone!
2. Maintenance And Repairs
Since it combines two different technologies, maintaining a dual fuel system requires more specialized knowledge for repairs and upkeep compared to a single heating source. If you're planning on installing a dual fuel system, it's important to have a reliable local HVAC company that specializes in them to help you if you ever need maintenance or repairs done. It's also worth considering that dual fuel systems need more basic yearly maintenance than systems than single heating sources because they're two-in-one.
Rebates
Currently, Fortis BC is offering a $10,000 rebate for homes upgrading to dual fuel systems. We understand these rebates can be confusing and are here to support you with the process from start to finish.
What's The Verdict?
Dual fuel heating systems are incredibly impressive, ultra-efficient setups that can put more money back into your pockets over time and maximize your comfort and efficiency at home. Still, their high upfront costs may mean that they're not the right fit for every homeowner. However, with rebates available, this option is in popular demand. The question is, how do you know if one is right for you?
If you're debating whether or not making the switch to dual fuel is right for you, we can help. Specializing in dual fuel systems, we can help our clients assess their properties and their budgets to determine if a dual fuel system is the right choice for them, or if there's a better alternative we can explore. Whatever the verdict, we'll make sure you get set up with the heating system that's best for you!
Get in touch with any questions and request a free quote from us at 604-751-2412.
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