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These days, either for environmental concerns or the desire to save money on ever-increasing energy costs, some homeowners are investing in energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions. In particular, the hybrid HVAC system is gaining popularity as one of the most optimized and versatile heating and cooling options on the market, offering homeowners an improved HVAC system that reduces energy costs and consumption.
As Honey Brook’s heating and air conditioning company of choice, we at Topline Heating & Air will gladly discuss the benefits and drawbacks of a hybrid HVAC system, repair your existing system, or install a new one if needed.
To help you weigh your options, this article will explain what a hybrid HVAC system is and the potential benefits as you consider whether or not this type of system would be best for your home.
How Would My Hybrid HVAC System Work?
Not unlike hybrid vehicles, which can autonomously choose to run on electric power or gasoline for fuel, hybrid HVAC systems either run on an electrically powered heat pump or burn fuel, such as gas, oil, or propane. This dual-fuel system allows hybrid HVAC systems to adjust how they produce heat and cold depending on the temperature outdoors.
In most hybrid HVAC systems, homeowners can manually program the temperature settings to their liking.
This means you can select a temperature threshold at which the system will automatically change which power supply it’s using. For example, if you set your threshold at 50 degrees Fahrenheit, your hybrid HVAC system will use electrical power to heat or cool your home when the outside temperature is at or above 50 degrees. The system will switch to burning fuel when the temperature dips below that threshold.
So, electric heat pumps generally power the system when it’s warmer outside, while gas, propane, or oil will take over when it gets cold.
When You’ll Save the Most on Energy
The most obvious benefit of a hybrid HVAC system is increased energy efficiency and savings on energy bills. A hybrid HVAC system has the potential to save you money on energy costs all year round, but energy cost savings tend to be the highest during the colder months of the year.
In fact, some professionals even refer to hybrid HVAC systems as “hybrid heating systems” due to their improved energy efficiency during winter.
To understand why the hybrid system provides the most financial benefit in winter, you must first understand how it functions. When it’s warm or slightly chilly, the electric heat pump consumes electricity to provide heating and cooling using a refrigerant. However, the HVAC’s internal computer switches over to the furnace when the temperature drops substantially.
Then, when it gets warm again, the system switches back. The hybrid HVAC system reduces the use of electricity and the internal heat pump during the winter months, decreasing overall energy consumption. Likewise, the switch to electrical cooling during the summer saves you money on fuel.
Hybrid HVAC systems offer dual fan options. With dual fans, the HVAC system can conserve energy when the temperature is mild by automatically selecting a slower fan speed. When the weather gets cold, the system can kick on the increased speed setting to warm the home more efficiently.
How to Decide if a Hybrid HVAC System Is Right for You
Which type of HVAC system will best serve your home depends on your location, your existing monthly costs, and the resources available to you in your area. When trying to determine whether or not a hybrid HVAC system is right for you, consider the following factors:
- Fuel Options: How readily available is furnace fuel in your area? Is this cost of fuel mostly unchanging, or is the price fluctuating often? How will the price of fuel impact your energy costs?
- Climate: What kind of climate do you live in? Are your winters bitterly cold or mild? How often will you need to run your furnace to keep your home warm?
- Existing costs: Consider your energy costs in addition to the cost of fuel. Could a hybrid HVAC system save you money in the long run?
It’s true that hybrid HVAC systems cost more upfront than standard HVAC systems, but research shows that they can more or less pay for themselves in less than five years. Likewise, as more homeowners shift toward attitudes that prioritize energy efficiency and conservation, a hybrid HVAC system could increase the value of your home.
Choosing a hybrid HVAC system means paying a bit more initially to save on energy costs throughout the year. It’s an investment for your home that can increase energy efficiency, reduce energy costs, and ensure a comfortable home environment at a lower price.
Install Your Hybrid HVAC System With Topline
When choosing a new HVAC system for your home, it’s essential that you do some research to determine which system is best for your needs. Every home and homeowner has different needs – from financial responsibilities to physical comfort – and your HVAC system should provide you with the heating and cooling you require without expensive complications.
At Topline Heating & Air, our expert technicians provide residential repair, maintenance, and installation services for all types of heating and cooling equipment. As a fully licensed, bonded, and insured HVAC contractor, we proudly serve homeowners in and around Honey Brook, PA.
We hope to see lives changed and improved with every job we do, with our top-notch and highly-rated services tailored to meet the needs of each individual or family we serve. With expertise regarding the inner workings of hybrid HVAC systems, HVAC system ratings, and technical repair, we’re ready and happy to complete any HVAC job you have for us.
Discover Topline Heating & Air’s exceptional HVAC services today. If you need hybrid HVAC system repair or installation, contact our friendly team at (717) 628-6825 to learn more.