What Is a Hybrid Heat Pump? How It Works

Are you searching for a new, energy-efficient way to heat your home? A hybrid heat pump may be the system you need to keep warm on those cold winter nights. 

This dual-fuel heating system utilizes a gas furnace with an electric heat pump to provide the most efficient way to heat your house. But what is a hybrid heat pump exactly, and how does it work? Learn how this system works, its pros and cons, and when to hire a heat pump installer.

What Is a Hybrid Heat Pump, and How Does It Work?

A hybrid heat pump is a cooling and heating system that combines an electric heat pump with a traditional furnace that uses gas or propane as a fuel source. This type of heat pump automatically switches between using gas and electricity to heat your home, depending on which is the most efficient source for the current temperature. 

The heat pump extracts air from the outside and warms it before transferring it indoors. When temperatures drop below freezing, the heat pump turns off, and the gas furnace kicks in to quickly and efficiently heat the residence. The heat pump can also provide electric cooling and uses a refrigeration cycle similar to a standard air conditioner. 

Standard Heat Pump vs. Hybrid Heat Pump

The main difference between a standard and a hybrid heat pump is that a hybrid system has a secondary heat source, such as a gas furnace. The furnace can be fueled by natural gas or propane. 

This feature allows the system to switch between the electric heat pump and the gas furnace to increase efficiency. Hybrid heat pumps are designed to provide optimal heating power and be as energy-efficient as possible. 

Pros and Cons of a Hybrid Heat Pump

Now that you know about hybrid heat pumps, you should know the pros and cons of this type of system to help you decide if it’s the right one for your home. 

Pros of a Hybrid Heat Pump

Let’s jump into the pros of this hybrid system.

• Energy-Efficient: It’s no surprise that the biggest benefit of a hybrid heat pump is its ability to reduce overall energy consumption. That’s because it can switch to whichever fuel source is the most energy-efficient for the current conditions.

• Provides consistent temperatures: This system can reduce cold and hot spots within rooms by maintaining consistent warmth throughout the entire home. 

• More sustainable: Since the system switches between electricity and gas and relies on renewable energy, it can reduce carbon emissions.

Cons of a Hybrid Heat Pump

Here are the downsides to consider when deciding if a hybrid heat pump is suitable for your home

• Higher installation cost: Installing a hybrid heat pump system is more costly than other types of heating systems. This system requires a heat pump and a furnace, doubling the installation labor and materials costs.

• More maintenance: Since this system has two heat sources, it is twice as much work to maintain. You’ll spend more on annual inspections, maintenance, and repairs. 

How Much Does a Hybrid Heating System Cost?

Adding a heat pump to an existing furnace ranges between $2,500 and $6,000, while a complete system can run between $4,500 to $10,000 or more. Contact a heat pump installation company near you to provide an accurate quote for a hybrid heating system placement based on your specific requirements. 

Like any type of heating system, the price of a hybrid heat pump depends on several factors, such as your location, the brand, and labor costs. Another cost factor is if you are adding a hybrid heat pump to an existing furnace or installing an entire new system.