Homeowners throughout Lexington, Kentucky tend to rely on their heat pump or furnace for indoor heating. These traditional systems still dominate the heating market. With newer technological advancements, indoor heating systems have taken a step up by combining the two. GreenBox Home Services is here to help homeowners understand the ins and outs of a hybrid heating system and why it’s a great energy-efficient solution.
What Is a Dual-Fuel Heating System?
A dual-fuel heating system, also called a hybrid heating system, combines a heat pump with a gas, propane furnace, or boiler. This allows for a home heating system to provide the best performance when it comes to energy efficiency and comfort. For these reasons, this style of home heating is becoming more popular among homeowners.Â
With a heat pump component for milder weather and a furnace for extreme cold, hybrid heating systems operate depending on the outdoor temperature and energy demands. On top of being able to maintain warm temperatures, hybrid heating systems also allow for the reduction of fossil fuel consumption.Â
How Do Dual-Fuel Heating Systems Work?
Here is how hybrid heating systems work:Â
- The outdoor heat pump starts by extracting heat from the outdoor air. Refrigerant is then circulated through the air to absorb heat and is further compressed to raise the temperature.
- Once the refrigerant is hot, it’s circulated through a heat exchanger inside the home’s furnace unit. A blower fan then blows air across the heat exchanger to warm and circulate it through the home’s air ducts.Â
- Once the outdoor temperature goes above 30-40°F, the heat pump will be triggered to run at maximum efficiency. This is turned on by the outdoor sensor connected to the indoor thermostat.Â
- The thermostat will automatically switch to the home’s furnace for heating when temperatures dip below 30-40°F. This helps avoid running the heat pump at an inefficient level when temperatures become frigid.
Advantages of Dual-Fuel Heating Systems
There’s a reason why hybrid heating systems have grown in popularity. Through these numerous advantages, hybrid heating systems have become the sought-after heating solution option for homeowners.Â
Energy Efficiency
Hybrid heating systems are more efficient than traditional furnaces and heat pumps. The hybrid system can reach up to 50% more efficiency than conventional heating solutions. Because the hybrid system allows for the switch between systems, much less energy is consumed.Â
Environmental Impact
Traditional systems rely on fossil fuels to provide heating, which pollutes and damages the environment. Through the heat pump addition to the hybrid system, the level of pollution takes a huge decrease. Thus, reducing the carbon footprint of the entire home. Renewable sources of energy can be paired with hybrid systems as well.Â
Comfort and Consistency
Hybrid heating systems also boost home comfort with much more consistency. Compared to traditional heating systems, hybrid heating keeps the home more comfortable around the clock at a consistent temperature level.Â
Cost Savings
With the reduction of energy consumption, homeowners will see their heating bills dwindle in cost. Additionally, homeowners can potentially take advantage of tax incentives upon installation.
When it comes to saving money on home heating, hybrid heating systems are the way to go.Â
Who Should Consider a Dual-Fuel Heating System?
Homeowners should consider a hybrid heating system if these criteria apply to them:Â
- Live in an ideal climate such as a region with variable winters
- Looking for an energy-efficient upgradeÂ
- Looking to reduce their home’s impact on the environment
Among the many advantages of a hybrid heating system, Lexington, KY homeowners can particularly benefit from this system considering the variable winters of the region.
Factors to Consider Before Installing a Dual-Fuel Heating System
While hybrid heating systems come with many advantages, there are some factors to consider before installation. Here are some areas of consideration for homeowners when it comes to hybrid heating system installation:
- There’s a higher upfront cost
- Compatibility with existing home systems plays a role
- The size of the home and current insulation propertiesÂ
- Regular maintenance is required to get the most out of the system, which can last up to 20 years
Dual-Fuel Heating Systems vs. Traditional Systems
Here is a side-by-side comparison between the hybrid variety versus the traditional style:Â
Dual-Fuel Heating SystemsÂ
ProsÂ
- Consistent temperaturesÂ
- Energy efficientÂ
- Backup heatingÂ
- Automatic operationÂ
- Saves money long termÂ
ConsÂ
- Higher installation costs
- More maintenance requiredÂ
- Doesn’t fit every climateÂ
Traditional
ProsÂ
- DurabilityÂ
- Simple maintenance requirementsÂ
Cons
- Adds pollution to the environment
- Higher energy consumptionÂ
- Higher heating costsÂ
Hybrid Heating Solutions From GreenBox Home ServicesÂ
Due to the many benefits of a hybrid heating system, the growing popularity of this style is hard to deny. For Lexington, KY homeowners looking to save on their utility bills and have a home with better comfort and efficiency, it’s time for a consultation with the heating professionals at GreenBox Homer Services for personalized advice. Contact us today for our hybrid heating solutions for improved comfort and energy savings.Â
