Dual-fuel heating systems have become highly popular for their many advantages, including optimized energy usage. As the name suggests, these systems combine two fuel sources: electricity and gas. Depending on outdoor temperatures, these systems switch between those energy sources. Understanding the advantages of these heating systems is essential if you want to consider an upgrade. The experts at Cool Power LLC in Ronkonkoma, NY, want to help you understand why dual-fuel heating systems are a wise investment. With our professional installation, maintenance, and repairs, these systems will provide reliable heating service.
How Dual-Fuel Heaters Work
Dual-fuel heating systems combine a heat pump and a gas furnace for double the heating options. The heat pump operates on electricity and works best during mild winter weather. The system may use the heat pump portion when Long Island temperatures exceed 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If temperatures drop below that point, a heat pump warms a home less efficiently.
When temperatures drop significantly, the heating system automatically switches to the gas furnace because it delivers much more heating power. Automation ensures that your home uses the most economical and effective heating system for the weather.
The key to efficiency with these systems is their ability to switch between fuel sources based on external temperatures. The switch happens through the dual-fuel thermostat, which features special sensors that monitor the outdoor temperature and your indoor heating demands. The system does not need human input to switch heating functions automatically.
Advantages of Dual-Fuel Heating Systems
You’ll find there are many benefits to this type of arrangement. Let’s explore them.
Energy Efficiency
One of the primary advantages of dual-fuel heating systems is their energy efficiency. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, these heating systems are up to 50% more efficient than traditional furnaces. The system relies on the heat pump on mild winter days, saving you money on heating costs over a gas furnace alone. The heating system only uses the gas furnace when necessary, helping to reduce fuel consumption.
Cost Savings
Dual-fuel heating systems also offer short-term and long-term cost savings. Although the initial purchase price is higher than that of a traditional furnace, the efficient performance will lower energy costs and help offset the up-front investment.
Installing high-efficiency heating systems may qualify you for federal and state incentives. Tax breaks and rebate programs are available for Long Island residents.
Increased Versatility and Comfort
Winter temperatures in New York fluctuate daily, with most days rising above 40 degrees Fahrenheit and nights dropping below 30. Single gas or electric systems may be unable to keep up with the changing heating demands during winter. Dual-fuel heating systems adapt to the changing heating needs to produce consistent comfort.
These systems also offer advanced thermostats that allow you to control your home’s comfort. The system can perform integral switches, and you can control your system through a smart thermostat, even on the go. To save on electricity costs, set your temperature slightly lower when no one is home, and increase the heat before you get home from work.
Environmental Advantages
As demands for energy-efficient systems increase, dual-fuel heaters rise to the challenge, helping protect the environment. They maximize heat pump use during winter, reducing your home’s reliance on fossil fuels. The heat pump portion can operate from electricity generated by renewable energy sources. These systems offer a greener choice for heating your home.
When the gas furnace takes over, the system regulates fuel consumption to keep it at a minimum. Regulation results in lower greenhouse gas emissions and a reduced carbon footprint compared to fuel-only heating systems. Installing a dual-fuel heating system can help contribute to a more sustainable environment.
Increased Component Life Span
Single-fuel heating systems have no backup component, so they bear the brunt of wear and tear. As a result, they usually only last 15 to 20 years but can experience premature breakdowns, especially with maintenance neglect. Common parts experiencing wear and tear include the blower motor, electrical connections, and belts.
Improved Indoor Air Quality
Dual-fuel heating systems lead to better indoor air quality in multiple ways. Each factor below contributes to maintaining cleaner, healthier indoor air inside your home.
- Reduced combustion
- Improved humidity control
- Enhanced air filtration
- Cleaner heat pump operation
- Reduced dust and particle circulation
- Improved ventilation
How to Choose a Dual-Fuel Heating System
Selecting the right dual-fuel heating system involves considering several factors and getting professional input from our technicians at Cool Power LLC. After selecting your system, you will need professional installation services to ensure safe and efficient performance.
Assess Your Home Needs
It’s essential to consider your home size when determining the system’s necessary BTU rating. BTUs refer to the system’s heat output. Homes in Long Island will likely require 35 to 50 BTUs per square foot of space. Your home will also likely need a more powerful gas heater component to combat the bitter cold of New York winters.
Our HVAC technicians will also consider your insulation and windows. Homes with drafty windows and poor insulation will require more robust systems to combat heat loss in the winter.
The Department of Energy reports that most homes lose 25% to 30% of heating energy through their windows. Inadequate insulation can result in a 20% to 30% increase in heating costs. A home energy audit can help you select the right heating system to ensure the most efficient heating possible.
Seek Energy-Efficiency
You need to look for systems with a high SEER and AFUE rating and pay attention to the heating season performance factor (HSPF). SEER ratings for dual-fuel systems range from 13 to over 30. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficiently the heater will produce warmth.
The AFUE rating should be at least 80% but can go as high as 98% for high-efficiency systems. A 98% AFUE rating means the system only loses around 2% energy.
An HSPF rating of 8.2 or higher is a good choice though top-tier systems can rate up to 10. A higher HSPF rating ensures efficient heating. You should also look for ENERGY STAR certification, which indicates that the system meets the EPA’s strict guidelines.
Get Professional Guidance
Seeking professional guidance is essential when selecting a new heating system. HVAC technicians can offer suggestions based on your home’s unique characteristics, ensuring optimal performance. They can also help you stay within your budget and explore financing options.
Our HVAC professionals have the training and knowledge to help you select and install a new dual-fuel heating system. They have the expertise and experience to assist you in comparing makes, models, and their various features.
The technicians on our team will ensure you have the facts to make an informed purchase. They can also help you maintain your warranty through regular professional maintenance appointments.
At Cool Power LLC, we offer professional heating and cooling installation, maintenance, and repairs for residential and commercial customers. We also offer dual-fuel, heat pump, geothermal, boiler, and ductless HVAC system services. In addition, our technicians provide indoor air quality services that include testing and filtration solutions.
When your heating or cooling system breaks down, rely on us for 24/7 emergency repairs. We service all makes and models and stand behind our work 100%.
Contact our expert HVAC technicians at Cool Power LLC to learn more about the advantages of dual-fuel heating systems. We are here to answer your questions!
