A heat pump is energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. However, back in the day, these heating units developed a reputation for not heating homes well during cold winters. Nowadays, these units heat homes effectively in winter, increasing interest in this heating method among homeowners. But if your home uses natural gas, you may wonder whether you can still install a pump.
Why Opt for a Heat Pump
For one, the unit can act as both your heating and cooling system. That sounds a bit odd, but even the freezing air outside has heat energy. To heat your home, the pump pulls the heat from the outdoor air and transfers it indoors.
On the other hand, when you need to cool your home, rather than blowing cold air, it moves the heat from inside your home to the outside. It uses a refrigerant that flows through the indoor coil. The refrigerant will absorb that heat. Through evaporation, it’ll convert it into gas before carrying it outside.
Because this equipment doesn’t generate heat, it uses less energy, decreasing how much you spend on your utility bills. Similarly, a pump doesn’t use gas or oil to generate heat, so it can have lower operating costs overall.
In general, a pump can keep your home a more even, consistent temperature. Since it removes moisture, it helps to keep humidity down in your home.
Moreover, it can improve air quality and can reduce your carbon footprint. It operates quietly, and you may be eligible for a tax incentive if you install one.
Can You Install a Heat Pump if You Have Natural Gas
Before you start figuring out the unit size you need and begin choosing based on the type, efficiency, and performance, you should first know if you can actually have a pump in your home if you currently have natural gas.
The Simple Answer
Yes, you can install a pump in your home despite having a natural gas line that’s currently used to heat your house. You’ll increase efficiency this way and lower your energy costs.
While the initial price of the unit, whether you’re replacing one or adding to your system, is a little steep, you can make up for the cost in how much you save on heating and cooling throughout the years.
How you set up your system will depend on your budget, utility rates, and insulation. Because the climate in Alabama is humid subtropical, your main concern is often cooling in the summer rather than heating in the winter.
What to Know About Replacing Your Furnace with a Heat Pump
As you’re deciding if you should replace your furnace with this type of heating unit, consider your insulation. When your home has adequate insulation, it’ll retain heat and conditioned air more effectively. Ultimately, it’ll keep your home more comfortable, no matter the type of heating system you have. If you’re looking for something that supplies very hot air for prolonged periods, a pump isn’t typically the answer. However, the insulation will help.
The climate in Alabama is ideal for this type of switchover because it doesn’t tend to get very cold here. Average daytime winter temperatures are around 58°F, while nighttime temperatures frequently drop into the 30s. Therefore, you don’t necessarily need to keep your gas furnace, though you might want to in case of an emergency when your pump breaks down or if extreme cold temperatures do hit unexpectedly. This could also be an option if you like your home warmer.
Your existing ductwork is often compatible. A technician will inspect it to determine for certain. Sometimes, you’ll need to have it repaired, resized, or sealed before using the pump.
You may need to upgrade your electrical system to handle running the pump. The technician will evaluate your electrical system and let you know before the installation.
To prevent future leaks or gas-related issues, a technician will either remove or cap the line.
What to Know About Adding a Heat Pump to Your Current Heating System
The other option is a dual-fuel system, which combines both units. They don’t run together. The gas furnace will only kick on if the outside temperature drops below a certain point. When that happens, the pump will stop running, and the gas furnace will turn on to provide more heat. You essentially get the best of both worlds with this setup because you get a pump that’s more energy-efficient and a furnace that’ll heat more effectively when needed.
Moreover, today’s smart thermostats automatically determine the ideal outdoor temperature at which to switch from the heat pump to the furnace. However, many of these thermostats will let you choose the temperature at which the system switches to the furnace.
You’ll also reduce your heating bill by having a pump since it runs more efficiently, especially when the temperatures aren’t too cold.
In addition, you’ll benefit from fewer temperature swings because the pump heats steadily. You’ll also protect your furnace from heavy wear and tear since you won’t be operating it all the time. This will extend the life of your furnace.
For a system that uses both a pump and furnace, you won’t have to upgrade your ductwork. The technician will just want to make sure it’s free of leaks and damage and is the right size.
Like with a standalone pump, you may need to upgrade your panel or electrical capacity because it runs on electricity.
Even if you don’t use both units, you don’t necessarily need to take out the furnace if it’s in good condition.
You can install this variety of heating system if you have a natural gas furnace. You have the option to use it as a dual-fuel system or remove the furnace completely. It’s up to you. A technician can help you weigh your options if you’re unsure.
Call One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating, serving Bessemer, AL, and the surrounding areas, at (833) 238-7100 to discuss whether a heat pump is the right heating option for you.
