Hybrid Flexibility Isn’t Just for Cars, Is a Hybrid Heating System Right for Your Home?

Hybrid Flexibility Isn’t Just for Cars, Is a Hybrid Heating System Right for Your Home?

You have fuel-powered engines, electric cars, and the cross known as a hybrid that runs on gas and electricity for optimal efficiency. Did you know that there are hybrid heating systems, too? A hybrid heating system blends the energy efficiency of a heat pump and the heating capability of a furnace. If you haven’t explored this effective, energy-efficient HVAC system, Air Blue Heating and Cooling is here to tell you all about it.

What Is a Hybrid Heat System?

A hybrid heat system has two components that handle your heating and cooling. You have a heat pump for cooling and warmer weather heating. When it’s below freezing (32ºF), the system switches over to the furnace. A hybrid system also judges the climate inside and outside and switches to whichever system is right at that moment.

If it’s in the 40s outside, the heat pump system runs. If it’s in the 20s, the furnace runs. The system switches back and forth as needed to ensure you have heating or cooling throughout the year.

We want to clarify one thing. People hear “hybrid heat system” and think of a heat pump. That’s not the case. They’re certainly energy-efficient, but their lifespan isn’t ideal, especially when you have very cold winters. It takes time to get enough heat on a freezing day.

A heat pump is designed to both cool and heat your home from a single unit. When it’s hot outside, a heat pump pulls hot air from the home and moves it outside. In the winter, a heat pump pulls any warm air from outside and brings it into your home. When it’s very cold, they must work harder, however. Because the system switches from heating to cooling and vice versa, the lifespan isn’t as good as a hybrid heat system.

Why Invest in a Hybrid Heat System?

Given the higher cost of a hybrid heat system, why should a Chicagoan consider investing in one? We have several reasons that make them the better choice.

Repairs and Replacement Costs Are Lower

Chicago winters get cold. When it’s been below 32º F for weeks, a heat pump will struggle to keep up with your home’s heating demands. It works harder, which wears out parts faster. You could end up needing to replace the system sooner or paying for costly repairs. On average, Trane estimates the average lifespan of a heat pump system at 15 years or less.

Take a hybrid heating system. Because only the furnace is running when it’s below freezing, only components on the furnace are affected. When there’s a warm spell, it switches from the furnace to the heat pump. Now, the heat pump’s being used and the components on the furnace get a break. Because of this, Trane estimates the average lifespan of one of their hybrid HVAC systems at 20 to 25 years.

If you need to replace the furnace part of your hybrid system, it costs less than replacing an entire system. Carrier estimates that a heat pump system can range from $6,000 to $25,00 after installation by a professional HVAC technician. There are a lot of factors to consider, including your home size, insulation quality, and layout. A complete hybrid heating system costs between $4,500 to $10,000 per Angi, but again, there are a lot of factors including the manufacturer’s MSRP, current HVAC system, and home size.

Weather Patterns Are Unpredictable

It’s getting hard to predict when spring, summer, fall, and winter will start and end. It’s December and you’re in a warm stretch of 50º weather. You don’t need your furnace, but you don’t want to turn it off either as it’s supposed to be in the 20s in a week. 

You’ve had a chilly April, but suddenly it becomes alarmingly warm. It’s in the 90s, but you know it won’t last. You don’t want to turn on the AC yet, but you also need the cooler air to sleep. With unpredictable weather patterns, a hybrid system is beneficial.

Heating Meets Your Demands

Furnaces are designed to heat quickly and effectively. It’s estimated that it takes about an hour to raise the temperature in your home or business by one degree and about 45 minutes for each degree after that. Because they get your rooms up to temperature in a matter of hours, your heating bills are lower, especially if you have an efficient system. 

A heat pump is typically faster, but it only heats one room typically. If you have a heat pump heating a large space, it can take a lot longer. If it’s cold outside, the heat pump works harder to warm your home, and it may never heat rooms as much as you want.

Energy Costs Are Lower

Hybrid systems are designed to pair your furnace’s electricity or heating fuel costs with the heat pump’s technology. Because the systems work in a partnership, the amount of natural gas, propane, or electricity you use decreases. When the heat pump runs, it does not use any heating fuel. When the furnace runs, it uses more gas than electricity. 

In addition, newer HVAC systems are more efficient. Technology changes and that helps lower your carbon footprint and energy consumption. That also helps lower your energy costs.

Personal Comfort Increases

When it’s winter and your furnace is running 24/7, you’ve probably noticed the air in your home is drier. You end up with dry skin, chapped lips, and even drier sinus tissue. You’re not comfortable, so you end up needing a humidifier, which increases your electricity use.

If you shift away from full-time gas heat and invest in a hybrid heating system, your home’s humidity levels increase. This creates a healthier environment where your skin doesn’t dry out and make you uncomfortable.

What to Expect from Your New System

With a hybrid system, the different components only run when necessary. That extends the life of your hybrid heat system. With routine maintenance and cleanings, it’s possible to get more than 20 years from your system. You’re staying warm, enjoying lower heating costs, and avoiding HVAC system replacements before you expected it.

Air Blue Heating and Cooling brings 30 years of HVAC expertise to your home, business, school, or non-profit, and we strive for complete satisfaction. If you’re not happy, we’re not happy. Talk to us about these reasons to invest in a hybrid heating system. Give us a call or schedule a consultation using our online scheduler.