Are you looking for a great way to save money this winter in your southeast Virginia home? If so, a dual-fuel hybrid heating system might be exactly what you need.
What is a dual-fuel hybrid heating system?
A dual-fuel hybrid heating system makes use of both an air-source heat pump and
gas furnace to keep your home warm as cheaply and efficiently as possible during the winter. Depending on the needs of your home and your local utility costs, you can switch between the two systems to help save money.
Why should I invest in a dual-fuel hybrid heating system?
Though more expensive than a heat pump or furnace by itself, the savings you'll receive from a dual-fuel hybrid heating system can be substantial, which means the system eventually will pay for itself.
The secret to savings is in the automatic transfer from your heat pump to your gas furnace. A standard air-source heat pump can heat your home efficiently in temperatures as low as 32 degrees. Once the temps drop below freezing, in a regular heat pump, an electric resistance heater will take over, using up costly electricity. In a dual-fuel system, your furnace will take over, with relatively cheap natural gas or propane providing the heat.
Hybrid heating systems also come with other benefits. For example, as electricity costs fluctuate, you might want to only use the gas furnace. Plus, you can set your thermostat to a specific temperature, below which your system will switch to the gas furnace automatically for heating. And, of course, with a heat pump, you'll have efficient cooling in the summer.
The states that are most likely to see a big benefit from these hybrid systems are the ones located in the upper half of the United States, due to the frequency of sub-freezing weather. In the Hampton Roads area, we're probably sitting at the climactic dividing line between North and South, though our night-time winter temps often fall below freezing.
As energy prices continue to fluctuate, more homeowners are learning the benefits of utilizing a hybrid system in order to
save both energy and money during the winter months.
For more expert advice about dual-fuel hybrid heating systems, or for all questions relating to home comf
ort, please contact us at
Russell's Heating & Cooling. We have been serving the Hampton Roads area since 1977.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Chesapeake, Virginia and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about dual-fuel hybrid heating systems and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Image courtesy of Shutterstock