Buying a new HVAC system for your Las Vegas, NV, home is a significant investment. You might want to explore all your options before making any decisions. To do that, you must know as much as possible about the kinds of systems offered by HVAC installers. You’re undoubtedly familiar with the more common options like central ACs and furnaces. You may even know about heat pumps. However, the odds are that you’re unfamiliar with dual-fuel HVAC systems. They’re an option only some installers offer, but they warrant serious consideration. Here’s everything you need to know about them.
What Is a Dual-Fuel HVAC?
A dual-fuel HVAC is a system that combines a heat pump with a gas furnace. It can deliver all the benefits heat pumps offer but with an efficient backup heat source. They’re a best-of-both-worlds approach to heating and cooling that aims to provide maximum energy efficiency. You will also see dual-fuel systems marketed as hybrid heat pumps.
How Do Dual Fuel Systems Work?
In cooling mode, a dual-fuel HVAC operates precisely like a conventional air conditioner. It uses a chilled refrigerant to extract heat from your home’s air and carry it outside for expulsion. In heating mode, dual-fuel systems differ from standard heat pumps. They begin the typical heating season by relying on their heat pump component. Then, when temperatures dip below a preset threshold, they switch to their gas burners to provide heat.
Why Would You Want a Dual-Fuel HVAC?
Energy efficiency is the primary reason many homeowners opt for a dual-fuel HVAC instead of an ordinary heat pump. Most ordinary heat pumps are incredibly efficient in mild weather. In optimal conditions, some heat pumps achieve 400% energy efficiency in heating mode. However, they don’t maintain that efficiency throughout the heating season. By the time the mercury drops to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit, they’re no more efficient than an average furnace. Also, heat pumps may engage inefficient electric heat strips for backup heat production at extremely low temperatures. That can cause your electricity bills to skyrocket with little recourse.
If you want a heat pump that doesn’t suffer from low-temperature efficiency issues, you can get one. Cold-weather heat pumps can remain efficient at temperatures as low as -15 degrees Fahrenheit. Unfortunately, they’re not a great fit for our area. For one thing, a cold-weather heat pump will cost significantly more than a standard model. For another, many cold-weather heat pumps sacrifice efficiency at high temperatures to offer low-temperature performance. That’s not ideal since we see triple-digit temperatures regularly in the summer.
A dual-fuel HVAC solves the standard heat pump efficiency problem without trade-offs. It uses whichever heat source is most efficient based on outdoor temperatures, helping keep your home’s heating costs as low as possible, no matter the weather. You can also fine-tune your system’s switchover point as you collect operating cost data, helping you squeeze maximum savings out of your dual-fuel system.
Dual-fuel HVACs also give your home some heating redundancy. Since the two heating systems work independently, they can serve as backups to each other. So, if the heat pump fails in the winter, your home will still have ample heat from the furnace burners. The same logic applies if the furnace component fails. Although the heat pump component won’t be as efficient in the cold, it will keep your home warm. That can buy you the time needed to have the failed component repaired.
What Are the Drawbacks of Dual-Fuel HVAC Systems?
If dual-fuel HVAC systems were perfect, every home would have one. The reason they don’t is that dual-fuel HVAC systems can have some drawbacks. One is that they’re costly. Dual-fuel HVAC systems can cost twice as much as a standard heat pump or standalone furnace. They also take up more space than a heat pump alone.
Another drawback of dual-fuel HVAC systems is that they require more maintenance than other options. However, if you replace a central AC and furnace with a dual-fuel model, your maintenance needs will remain the same.
Additionally, if your home doesn’t have an existing natural gas connection, you’ll need to pay to install one. This means paying your gas company’s monthly fees even when you’re not using gas, which can reduce the savings generated by your system’s efficiency.
Deciding if a Dual-Fuel HVAC System Is Right for You
Unfortunately, there are no clear-cut criteria you can use to decide whether a dual-fuel HVAC is right for your home. Generally, your decision will come down to a few significant factors. They include the following.
Your Budget
A dual-fuel HVAC is likely a poor choice if you’re looking for the cheapest HVAC option. However, some models qualify for tax credits and subsidies that reduce upfront costs. Working with our experts to find a qualifying system is wise if you’re on a tight budget.
Your Comfort Preferences
If you’re used to gas furnaces, switching to a heat pump may give you pause. Some heat pump owners report a drafty feeling while using their systems on cold nights. That’s because heat pumps operate at lower air temperatures than furnaces. A dual-fuel system avoids that problem by only running its heat pump in mild weather. The rest of the time, you’ll experience the same heating performance you’d expect from a furnace. That means hot supply air and even heating throughout your home.
Changing Climate Conditions
It’s no secret that Las Vegas is getting hotter every year. As a result, we see fewer frigid nights than we once did. That trend will likely continue for some time. Therefore, investing in a dual-fuel HVAC now means preparing for freezing weather that may never come. However, it’s worth pointing out that the shifting climate is increasing the frequency of unusual weather events. So, the Las Vegas area may still experience cold snaps in the future, which would justify owning a dual-fuel HVAC. As a homeowner, you must decide how much you’re willing to invest to protect your home from them.
The Las Vegas Heating Specialists
Since opening in 1998, Polar Air & Heating, Inc. has provided quality heating solutions to Las Vegas residents. We offer HVAC installation, repair, and maintenance services. That includes installing the latest heat pumps, mini-splits, and dual-fuel systems. We also provide indoor air quality and light commercial refrigeration services. We’re even available 24/7 to meet your emergency HVAC repair needs. Our team of NATE-certified HVAC technicians is among the best in the business. Plus, we are a Lennox Premier Dealer and a Mitsubishi Electric Diamond Contractor. That means we only sell quality HVAC solutions to keep you comfortable.
At Polar Air & Heating, Inc., we’re also proud to be a multi-year winner of the Expertise.com award for best HVAC service. Add that to our Better Business Bureau accreditation and A+ rating, and you’ll see why locals love us. So, if your Las Vegas home needs a new HVAC system, give Polar Air & Heating, Inc. a call today!
