You have a wide range of options to choose from when it comes to installing a new HVAC system. Some options are inherently better than others in certain ways, such as how effectively they work or how much energy they use. One option that’s definitely worth considering is a hybrid HVAC system, as it can provide some fantastic benefits compared to a traditional system.
An Overview of Hybrid HVAC Systems and How They Work
Also known as dual-fuel systems, hybrid HVAC systems are where you install a heat pump and a traditional gas furnace as part of a single system. This type of setup is specifically designed to provide enhanced year-round comfort while reducing energy consumption to save you money. The heat pump does the job of keeping the home fully cool and comfortable during the summer. It also serves as the primary source of heat throughout much of the winter. The furnace is mainly there as a backup and will only run in certain situations.
Hybrid HVAC systems are usually controlled by a smart thermostat that connects to Wi-Fi and continually gets updates on the current outdoor temperature. The thermostat can then be programmed to switch from the heat pump to the furnace once the temperature outside drops below a certain point, such as under 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
While heat pumps are incredibly efficient, they can cost more than a furnace to run when it’s too cold outside due to them not heating nearly as quickly. This is just one of the many ways hybrid HVAC systems help to save money, as the thermostat will make sure that the most efficient unit runs. You can also program the thermostat so that the furnace always takes over when the system needs to increase the temperature by more than a certain amount, say 4-5 degrees.
Once the weather starts to warm up in spring, the heat pump will always run whenever your house needs to be heated. You can also program the thermostat so that the heat pump automatically switches to cooling mode if the temperature in your house rises above a set point.
This can be especially useful in spring when there can be major differences in temperature throughout the day. For instance, your house may be cold enough in the morning that you need to run your heating. However, it may then end up getting too hot in the afternoon before you get home from work. As long as your hybrid HVAC system is programmed correctly, it will ensure your house never gets too hot or too cold.
Can a Hybrid HVAC System Save You Money During the Summer?
The main benefit of a hybrid HVAC system is that it can greatly reduce your energy bills during the summer due to just how energy efficient the heat pump is when heating. This type of system will also lower your carbon footprint by eliminating the need to rely solely on fossil fuels for heating your house.
Installing a hybrid HVAC system can reduce your energy bills as well compared to what you’d pay to cool your house using a traditional HVAC system with a standard central AC. One reason is that the heat pump in many hybrid HVAC systems uses variable-refrigerant flow (VRF) technology.
A VRF heat pump continually adjusts the compressor speed based on factors like the outdoor temperature, the current indoor temperature and your desired temperature. This allows the heat pump to cool the house more effectively while at the same time using as little electricity as possible. A VRF heat pump won’t just save energy; it will also cool your home more evenly to prevent any hot spots in the house.
Another great thing about hybrid HVAC systems is that they can run on renewable energy as well as traditional energy sources. For instance, many people choose to install solar panels that are specifically there to provide power to the heat pump. With solar panels, you’ll receive free energy to run the heat pump whenever the sun is shining.
You can also choose to install a solar battery, allowing you to store all of the electricity the solar panels produce during the times the HVAC system isn’t running. This can be especially beneficial if your utility company charges higher electricity rates during peak hours.
In this case, you can set things up so that your HVAC system draws electricity from the grid during certain times and the solar battery stores all of the power the solar panels produce. The HVAC system will then automatically start using the power from the solar battery during the peak hours, allowing you to save money by avoiding paying the peak rates.
How to Keep a Hybrid HVAC System Working Efficiently
A hybrid HVAC system will generally cost quite a bit less to run than a traditional system. However, that’s only the case if the system remains in good condition and works like it’s supposed to. Any type of HVAC system requires regular maintenance to remain in peak working order. Maintenance is especially crucial for a hybrid system due to how much work the heat pump has to do for much of the year.
Part of the reason is that it helps in preventing and eliminating certain issues that can lead to a fairly substantial reduction in both the system’s performance and energy efficiency. This includes things like dirt and dust coating the condenser coil and evaporator coil. If these coils aren’t cleaned regularly, the heat pump will cool and heat slowly and your energy bills will increase.
Twice-yearly maintenance also helps to protect the lifespan of your HVAC equipment. The heat pump in a hybrid system will often last a bit longer than it would in a standard heat pump system. This is because the furnace in a hybrid system helps to lessen the workload on the heat pump during the winter.
Nonetheless, you almost certainly won’t get as much life out of it as you potentially could if you don’t have the system serviced and inspected by a professional HVAC company twice a year. HVAC systems typically also experience fewer breakdowns and require fewer repairs when serviced regularly.
The ideal time to get your HVAC system serviced is when you’re making the transition between seasons. That means sometime in the spring before you need to switch the system to cooling mode and then again in the fall before you need to switch over to heating mode.
If you want to make sure you always get the most out of your HVAC system, signing up for the maintenance plan from DeWolfe Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is the perfect solution. Depending on which plan you choose, you’ll receive one or two full inspections and maintenance appointments per year. Joining the plan also entitles you to other great benefits, including a 10% discount on HVAC repairs. Plan members receive priority scheduling as well, ensuring you can get any of your needs taken care of as quickly as possible.
Contact Us Today
DeWolfe Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is a family-owned company with more than 90 years of experience providing top-tier heating and cooling services. We have locations in West Boylston, Falmouth, Yarmouth and are the area’s top choice for heating installation, maintenance, and repairs. For more information or help with deciding whether a hybrid HVAC system is a good solution for your home, call us today.
