Many Colorado homeowners are switching to hybrid heating systems, also called dual-fuel heat pumps. These systems are among the most efficient HVAC technologies on the market today. Switching to a hybrid system is easy if you already have a traditional air conditioner and furnace setup. It is a great way to add whole-home cooling while cutting down on heating costs for homes with just a furnace. Is a hybrid heating system right for your Colorado home?
Air-Source Heat Pumps
A heat pump transfers heat from one place to another using its refrigeration cycle. An air-source heat pump moves heat to and from the air outside your home, making it a flexible option for both heating and cooling.
Efficient Cooling
In the summer, heat pumps work like traditional air conditioners. They use refrigerant to absorb heat from the air inside your home through the evaporator coil. That heat is then moved outside, where the condenser coil releases it into the air. A fan helps speed up the process by blowing air over the coil.
The efficiency of a heat pump or AC is measured using the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER2). The SEER2 rating is on the yellow EnergyGuide label that comes with each unit. The higher the number, the more efficient the system will be throughout the summer. According to the Department of Energy (DOE), heat pumps and air conditioners must have a SEER2 rating of at least 14.3.
Efficient Heating Down to a Certain Point
What makes a heat pump different from an air conditioner is its ability to run the refrigeration cycle in reverse during the winter. This allows it to pull heat from the air outside and move it into your home. However, as the temperature drops, less heat is available in the air, making the system less efficient.
This is where hybrid heating systems shine. The system switches to the furnace when the outdoor temperature gets too cold for the heat pump to work efficiently. This way, you get the best of both worlds: efficient heating when possible and reliable furnace heat when needed.
The efficiency of heat pumps in the winter is measured by the heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF2). The higher the HSPF2 rating, the more efficient the system. The DOE requires a minimum HSPF2 of 7.5.
Furnaces
Furnaces differ from heat pumps in that they generate heat rather than just transfer it. This makes them particularly useful in colder climates where a heat pump alone may not be enough.
Fuel-Burning Furnaces
Most hybrid systems pair a heat pump with a fuel-burning furnace. These furnaces use natural gas, propane, or oil to produce heat, which is then transferred to the air through a heat exchanger. Natural gas furnaces are the most common, but homes without access to a gas line can use propane or oil stored in the property’s tanks.
Electric Furnaces
Electric furnaces use heating elements to generate warmth. They are typically less cost-effective than gas or oil furnaces because of higher electricity rates, but they are still an option in hybrid systems. All-electric hybrid systems can save you significant money compared to using an electric furnace alone—up to $1,000 a year in many cases.
Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency
The efficiency of fuel-burning furnaces is measured by the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating. The DOE requires furnaces to have an AFUE of at least 80, meaning that 80% of the fuel is converted into heat. High-efficiency furnaces can have AFUE ratings over 90, but for most hybrid systems, that efficiency level is unnecessary because the heat pump handles much of the work.
Keep in mind that AFUE ratings only apply to gas, propane, or oil furnaces. For electric furnaces, efficiency is measured by wattage, not AFUE.
Outdoor Temperature Sensors
Some hybrid heating systems use outdoor temperature sensors to determine when to switch between the heat pump and the furnace. Early hybrid systems relied exclusively on these sensors, but newer systems often use algorithms that monitor the heat pump’s performance and switch to the furnace only when necessary.
Programmable and Smart Thermostats
Hybrid systems with outdoor sensors can usually be controlled with any thermostat, including manual and basic digital models. However, systems without sensors may need a programmable thermostat to manage the switch between the heat pump and the furnace. Either way, installing a programmable or smart thermostat can save you up to 15% on your energy bills. A Wi-Fi thermostat can give you added control over your heater and AC. It can send updates via e-mail, detailed reports of energy use, and alerts when to change your air filters.
Be sure to consult an HVAC technician before buying a new thermostat, especially if you plan to use it with a heat pump. Not all thermostats are compatible, and using the wrong one could reduce your system’s efficiency.
ENERGY STAR: Rebates and Tax Credits
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certifies heating systems, including heat pumps and furnaces, that meet high-efficiency standards through its ENERGY STAR program. Many local utility companies, as well as state and federal agencies, offer rebates and tax credits for purchasing ENERGY STAR-certified systems. This can help reduce the upfront cost of switching to a hybrid heating system.
Humidification
Maintaining a relative humidity (RH) level of 30% or higher during the winter is essential for comfort and health. It can also help protect your home from dry air damage. Whole-house humidifiers are a great addition to any hybrid heating system, as they ensure optimal humidity levels whether the heat pump or furnace is in use.
Whole-home humidifiers offer more consistent control compared to portable models and can help you feel warmer at lower temperatures, reducing energy costs.
Maintenance Requirements
Regular maintenance is a must to keep your hybrid system running smoothly and ensure that it remains under warranty. We recommend two tune-ups per year—one in the spring before you switch to cooling mode and another in the fall to prepare for heating season. Regular maintenance helps prevent unexpected breakdowns and keeps both the heat pump and furnace operating efficiently.
HVAC Zoning
Hybrid systems are well-suited for HVAC zoning, which allows you to divide your home into different zones that can be heated or cooled independently. Zoning helps you save energy by only heating or cooling the areas you are using, and it can extend the lifespan of your equipment. Zoning systems require additional components, such as variable-speed blowers and adjustable duct dampers.
Would You Like To Install Hybrid Heating in the Denver Metro Area?
Premier Heating and Air proudly serves homeowners throughout Denver, CO, and the surrounding areas. Our NATE-certified technicians specialize in installing, maintaining, and repairing hybrid heating systems. We also handle standalone furnaces, heat pumps, air conditioners, and ductless mini-splits. In addition, we offer indoor air quality solutions, such as whole-house humidifiers and in-duct air purification systems. For more information or to schedule an appointment, give us a call or contact us online today.
