Dual-fuel heat pumps are truly the “best of both worlds.” These pumps take the advantages of both gas powered and electrical powered heat pumps and eliminate the disadvantages. These systems are technically air source electric heat pumps, but they combine that system with a gas furnace. This enables consumers to enjoy cost-efficient and very high temperature heat in practically any season.
One of the primary disadvantages of air source electric heat pumps is that they do not function quite as well in extremely cold temperatures. If you are living in a below freezing region and have to contend with -35 degree temperatures for months on end, a typical air electric source pump will eventually prove to be too problematic. This device extracts heat from the cold air—naturally, it’s going to be unstable, as the weather itself is unstable.
Unlike geothermal heat pumps though, you do not have to create a complex system of pipes or trenches to enjoy a more efficient and economic heat solution. You can invest in a dual-fuel heat pumps system and simply turn a gas furnace on to power up your heating mechanism in the coldest of days. Whereas air electric source heat pumps are limited in this respect, a duel-fuel heat pump can turn on and relieve the electrical system, bringing you more heat at a lower cost.
You wouldn’t want to use a gas-powered heat pump constantly, as this could be expensive. However, if there were a way to combine the cost-efficiency of the air pump with the heat efficiency of the duel-fuel heat pump, then you would have access to a superior system, and one far less complicated than using geothermal heat pumps.
Whenever there are warm or cool temperatures, electrical heat will suffice and will continue to be cost-efficient (probably the only advantage electrical technology brings you). This type of heat is appropriate for cool days, and occasionally cold days in autumn or early winter. However, by the snowiest periods of the season, the duel-fuel heat pump will activate and bring you a temporary fix to your heating problems.
Most of these systems activate automatically so you don’t have to do anything requiring great effort or technical know-how. The only disadvantage to speak of is that this technology tends to be expensive. Some units can cost $500 to $1,000 or more. Over the long-term however you will find some substantial cost savings.
Chris Brown has been researching the top efficient heat pumps for heating his home in the winter and cooling it in the summer. Heat-Pump-Review.net provides an overview of the top heat pumps from the top manufactures.