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What Is A Hybrid Heating System And Why Should You Consider It For Your Home?Hybrid heating systems, also known as dual-fuel systems, combine the advantages of electric heat pumps and gas furnaces in order to maximize energy savings.

Much like a hybrid car which uses electric and gas power, a hybrid heating system uses an electric heat pump and a gas furnace. The system automatically switches between the two components depending upon which is the most economical heating option for the current weather conditions. To understand how these systems work, you first need to understand a little more about the components that make up the system.

Electric heat pumps work by extracting heat from the air. As long as outdoor temperatures remain relatively mild, they are one of the most energy efficient heating options. However, as soon as temperatures drop below freezing, they quickly lose efficiency.

Unlike heat pumps, gas furnaces don’t extract heat from the air. Instead, they burn fuel. This makes them a more economical choice than a heat pump when outdoor temperatures are below freezing.

By switching between these two heat sources based on which is the most energy efficient choice for the current weather conditions, a hybrid heating system can improve your home’s efficiency and lower your annual heating costs.

Best of all, these systems have a hidden bonus. During the summer months, you can reverse the direction on the heat pump and it will act as a central air conditioner instead. That means that a single system can handle all of your home’s heating and cooling needs regardless of the weather conditions outdoors.

In northern states such as Michigan, temperatures remain above freezing for much of the heating season, especially when you factor in autumn and spring weather. This makes dual-fuel systems particularly well suited for use in northern climates.

If you live in southeast Michigan and would like to learn more about the benefits of hybrid heating systems, contact us at Aladdin Heating & Cooling.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about hybrid heating systems and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Aladding Heating & Cooling services the Detroit, Michigan and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!

 

Home heating system image via Shutterstock