Dual-fuel systems have become a very popular choice for residential HVAC. Many homeowners appreciate the benefits of a hybrid heating system, including its energy-efficient design and cost savings on their utility bills.
Our techs at Weiss-Johnson service and install hundreds of dual-fuel systems around Edmonton, and we’re here to help you get your new build move-in ready with the benefits of a furnace and heat pump combo. Keep reading to learn about the benefits of a duel-fuel system and why Weiss-Johnson is your go-to HVAC contractor in Edmonton!
What Is a Dual-Fuel System?
A dual-fuel system is a hybrid heating system that combines a gas furnace and an electric heat pump. Pairing these two units together allows them to operate at their highest efficiency and prevents their capacities from being overtaxed.
Heat pumps are two-way systems that operate like air conditioners during warmer months and switch to heating once temperatures drop. In a dual-fuel system, the heat pump will do the majority of the cooling and heating until temperatures drop below its maximum capacity (every unit’s capacity varies).
At that point, the heat pump will switch off, and your furnace will take over until the weather warms up again.
The dual-fuel system set-up allows homeowners to switch between heaters based on which is more efficient for certain times of the year. Is it too warm outside for the furnace but too cold for no heat? Switch to the heat pump. Are you getting some warmth, but not enough to prevent your window from frosting? Time to turn on the furnace!
The dual-fuel setup maintains comfortable, safe temperatures for homeowners year-round, improves their HVAC system’s energy efficiency, and saves money on their energy bill by avoiding overuse or overtaxing their heating system.
Why Dual-Fuel Systems Work in Edmonton’s Climate
So, where does the dual-fuel system fit in for Edmonton homeowners? As we all know, Western Alberta’s climate is very changeable. While we generally experience frigid winters, in recent years, we have often been affected by periods of El Niño and La Niña, resulting in rapid temperature fluctuations throughout the colder months.
If we have a few days of warmer weather in the middle of January, the heat from a furnace and the energy it requires to operate may not be necessary. The option to switch to a heat pump allows your home to maintain a warm, balanced temperature and can reduce your energy consumption by switching from heat generation to heat transfer (which can save you money if the warm weather lasts for more than a few days).
Of course, eventually, Edmonton will be hit with extreme cold temperatures, and a heat pump can’t operate optimally during these spikes. Even heat pumps designed for cold climates will have to work overtime to accommodate those few days of -45°C weather. That’s where the furnace comes in to save the day.
Overall, a dual-fuel system is ideal for the varying cold and hot temperatures experienced in Edmonton year-round.
Need an HVAC Contractor for Your New Build? Contact Weiss-Johnson
If you need a quality dual-fuel system installed in your new build, contact Weiss-Johnson! We’re proud to be the go-to HVAC contractor in Edmonton for many residential building companies, and we’re excited to help you get your project off the ground.
Contact us today to learn more about our HVAC and plumbing services, and check out our Testimonials to learn why we’ve been the go-to heating and cooling partner for nearly 50 years.
