When winter arrives in Brighton, CO, you need your home’s heating system to be ready. Heating expenses likely comprise a significant portion of your household budget. That should provide ample motivation to upgrade your house’s heating system to a more efficient one. If you want to do so, you’ll undoubtedly come across hybrid heat pumps. Their proponents tout their best-of-both-worlds heating approach and potential operating cost savings. Here’s how to choose between a hybrid heat pump and a traditional heating system.
What’s a Hybrid Heat Pump?
Heat pumps rely on already-present heat energy in the outdoor air to heat your home. It’s a process that works extremely efficiently in mild winter conditions. At outside temperatures of 40 degrees and above, a heat pump can be up to four times as efficient as a furnace. The trouble is, as temperatures drop, so does a heat pump’s efficiency. Most conventional heat pumps reach efficiency parity, with the average furnace at around 20 degrees. Below that, they perform significantly worse. Heat pumps use inefficient electric heat strips to augment their heat production in frigid temperatures.
A hybrid heat pump solves that problem by including a small gas burner, like a conventional furnace has. At a preset temperature, the system switches to the burner and disengages its heat pump. The result is that your house enjoys the most efficient heating option at any given time. It also gives you peace of mind that you won’t get stuck without heat if a component fails. As long as one of the two options works, your home will have heat.
Do Hybrid Heat Pumps Save Money?
According to some estimates, installing a hybrid heat pump can save you up to 25% on winter heating costs. That depends, of course, on how efficient your existing furnace is. Most currently installed gas furnaces are around 80% efficient. If you paid extra for a high-efficiency model, your relative savings with a hybrid heat pump would be smaller. Additionally, your savings will depend on how you set your system switchover temperature. Finding the optimal point to engage your gas burners will significantly affect your operating costs. Your savings drop if you’re too aggressive and engage your burners at a high outdoor temperature. The same is true if you let your heat pump struggle in cold temperatures before switching to the burners.
Hybrid Heat Pump Disadvantages
At this point, it may seem like switching to a hybrid heat pump is a no-brainer. However, there are a few disadvantages you should know about. One is their high upfront cost. A hybrid heat pump system costs an average of $9,500, roughly double the average gas furnace’s cost. That means it can take years for your energy savings to justify the added installation cost. It’s worth noting that some hybrid heat pumps qualify for subsidies and tax credits that reduce their cost. In some cases, those can make installing one cost-comparable to a gas furnace.
Also, hybrid heat pumps are mechanically more complicated than standard furnaces. That means your maintenance costs will increase, and the likelihood of part failures will increase. You’ll also need a service partner with specialized training to maintain your unit. That can limit your options if your heating system needs service or a repair.
Local Hybrid Heat Pump Experts
Since 2016, TYCO Plumbing has been a local leader in hybrid heat pumps in Brighton. Our highly trained team of plumbers and gas fitters has years of experience. We’re top-rated on HomeAdvisor and hold their Elite Service badge. We’re also accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating. Plus, we’re a Top Rated Local Award winner. We can even provide financing options on approved credit to help you pay for a new hybrid heat pump. So, if you think a hybrid heat pump is a good idea for your home in Brighton, give us a call. We can also help with all your plumbing services needs, with experts in all repairs, installations, and more. Contact TYCO Plumbing today!
