The cold can be brutal. Not only is it uncomfortable, but it’s dangerous. Many homes are too cold because of an insufficient heating source. Most people think of their heating options as a combustion furnace or a heat pump, yet there’s another option. A hybrid heating system, also known as a dual heating system, combines a heat pump and a furnace – you get the benefits of having both. To be a little more specific, a hybrid heating system is an air-source heat pump backed by a combustion furnace. When temperatures dip below a certain number, the combustion furnace is activated to keep your home warm and toasty during the coldest weather conditions. You can either specify the furnace to turn on a certain number or manually switch it. If you struggle with getting your home warm enough because you live in a particularly cold climate like Boston, MA, you’ll want to consider a hybrid heating system for various reasons.
Always Sufficient Heat
When it’s extremely cold, the heat pump failing is a common worry. In Boston, the average temperature from December to March is 32 degrees, but it’s not uncommon for temperatures to drop to 5 degrees or less. Hybrid heating systems eliminate the worry of being stuck without heat. Since the system is able to detect when the heat pump is struggling, the furnace automatically turns on to ensure you’re not left in the cold. You’ve got the security of a back-up furnace ready and available without you having to do anything at all. In the event of a grid outage, the electricity produced can keep the heating system running. There are no extra steps for you to take. The peace of mind a hybrid heating system brings in an incredibly cold location like Boston, MA, is a major benefit in itself.
Energy Efficient
Another main benefit of a hybrid heating system is the energy efficiency. Heat pumps extract and transfer warm outdoor air to the inside of your home rather than generating heat, thus requiring less electricity to run. Less energy results in a lower utility bill. Estimates indicate a hybrid heating system saves homeowners up to 50 percent in energy costs a year. The savings aren’t just limited to the heater’s use during the winter. Since hybrid heating systems work as air conditioners in the warm weather, you’ll save on those costs too thanks to a high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). The ease of going from a heater to an air conditioner is just an extra perk, in addition to the substantial monthly savings that offsets the cost of installing a hybrid system.
Environmentally Friendly
Hybrid heating systems in Boston, MA are very environmentally friendly and leave a smaller carbon footprint than the alternatives. Like hybrid cars, hybrid home heating systems also help cut emissions. A hybrid home furnace in a cold climate can reduce carbon emission by about 1 ton annually. While you’re staying warm, you’re also doing your part to save the earth.
