A dual-fuel heat pump is an electric heat pump and a gas furnace all in one. In South Carolina, where temperatures are typically above freezing a heat pump is the most efficient way to heat your home. In those instances when the temperature drops below freezing, a gas furnace provides heat more economically. By combining the two, you can have the benefits of both systems.
How it works
When the temperature is above 35 degrees or so, the dual-fuel heat pump uses electricity to heat your home as necessary. This type of heat circulates evenly throughout your home, and isn’t too dry. When it gets really cold outside (around 35 degrees or lower), the heat pump automatically switches to supplemental gas heat for better efficiency. Because there are advantages and disadvantages to both a heat pump and gas furnace based on the outdoor temperature, the dual-fuel solution really does give you the best of both worlds. It’s the most comfortable heating system at any outdoor temperature, as well as one of the most efficient, versatile, and economical heating-and-cooling systems you can buy.
Why Dual Fuel?
York Electric wants its members to have available as much electricity as they need. However, when the Cooperative nears peak demand, we want to cut back on total energy demand, thus keeping rates from climbing higher. During mild winter temperatures, the heat pump operates with incredible efficiency. During the coldest times, the fossil fuel furnace burns at its greatest efficiency. By using these two sources of heat at their greatest efficiency, you can actually heat your home for less than if you use only one source of heat. By switching to gas heat at peak winter times which are typical in early morning hours, you alleviate some of the increased demand on your cooperative and all members will benefit.
It’s been hard to capture the big “all electric” development with developers wanting the ability to advertise both electric and gas utilities. This has been the case with an overwhelming majority of new buyers being from the North or Midwest where gas is still strong in people’s minds. Dual fuel heat pumps can be the marketing factor that helps us capture that load while keeping peak demand down.
[PDF] Dual-Fuel Heat Pump Incentive Form
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Related Topics:
South Carolina Energy Tax Incentives
Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency