Hybrid Systems

What is a hybrid system?

Hybrid heating and cooling is a term which describes the use of both, a heat pump which uses electricity, and a gas furnace which uses natural gas, to heat or cool a home. Just like a hybrid car, a hybrid heating system uses two fuels to accomplish a task.

What is a heat pump?

It is very much like an air conditioner. An air conditioner absorbs the heat in a home a pumps it to the outdoors through the refrigerant. A heat pump looks like an air conditioner but has a valve which can reverse the air conditioning process. A heat pump will actually absorb the heat/energy that exists outdoors and transfer it to the indoors.

Is this technology new?

NO! Heat pumps have been used for years. The hybrid system simply combines both, a gas furnace and a heat pump together.

Why don't we use more heat pumps in Utah?

A heat pump works very well in mild climates. However, when the temperature drops below twenty degrees, the heat pump has a harder time absorbing heat/energy in the air outside and may lose some efficiency. Much like the Hybrid car, which switches to gasoline after the electric motor can no longer keep up, a hybrid heating system will use a heat pump until it can no longer keep up, and then switch to a natural gas furnace.

Why should I switch to a hybrid heating system?

A hybrid heating system will save consumers money on their utility bills. In fact a hybrid system will usually provide the best return on investment for the home owner. If you want to know if a hybrid heating and cooling system is the right choice for you, contact us and set up a free in-home consultation.