This month we will talk about dual fuel systems. These are heating systems that use two sources of heat to warm your house. The first source is the heat side of a standard heat pump, with the back-up or second source being gas heat. These systems are a very efficient way to heat your home in our area(Aiken,SC). Following are two ways to operate a dual fuel system.

The first way is to have the heat pump operate all the time, with gas heat coming on as needed. A quick review of how a normal heat pump works is that as the temperature outside gets lower, your heat pump generates less heat. When this happens, it becomes necessary for the auxiliary heaters in a normal heat pump to come on to supplement the heat pump. Most homes with a 3-ton system will have a 10 kw auxiliary heater. This auxiliary heater will cost about $1.20 an hour to operate(based on 12 cents per kw). With a dual fuel system, instead of auxiliary heaters, your gas furnace would come on and be your auxiliary heat source. An advantage to using your dual fuel this way is that there will be less chance of needing a humidifier. As many of you know, one of the biggest issues homeowners have with gas heat is how dry the air will get in the house. By using your dual fuel this way, you will cut down on the run time of the gas furnace. Thus, reducing the possibility of needing a humidifier.

A second way to operate a dual fuel system is with an outdoor sensor(or thermostat). With this sensor, you pick a temperature that will switch your heating system from the heat pump to gas heat only. Normally this setting is between 35-40 degrees. For example, if you have it set at 40 degrees, the heat pump will run as long as the outdoor temperature is above 40 degrees. Once the temperature reaches 40 degrees, the heat pump part cuts off and the system uses strictly gas heat to heat your home.

Another option you have with a dual fuel system is the ability to use strictly gas heat only. Right now, gas prices are the lowest they have been in years. By switching the thermostat to the emergency heat position, you can bypass the heat pump part of the system altogether and take advantage of these low prices. Another reason for doing this is if there is a problem with the heat pump portion of the system. You can go to the gas heat part and continue to stay warm.

All manufacturers offer a dual fuel system in a split system(gas furnace, cooling coil, heat pump condenser). Most but not all, offer a dual fuel system in a package unit. For more information, please give us a call at 648-0387. As always, Thank You for the opportunity to serve you.