The combination of an electric heat pump plus a forced air heating system is called a dual fuel or a hybrid system.
Exchanging a central air conditioning unit for a heat pump significantly increases the startup investment but also provides considerable cost-saving benefits.
During the Summer months, the heat pump operates actually much like a conventional air conditioning unit. It uses ductwork connected to vents to pull heat out of the air plus create a cooling effect. Heat pumps are undoubtedly more effective at dehumidifying than an air conditioning unit, allowing for higher temperature settings plus better energy efficiency. The heat pump actually excels when the cooler weather sets in. The flow of refrigerant literally reverses. The system takes fortune of ambient heat found in the outdoor air plus delivers it into the house. The operation requires no burning of fossil fuels. By eliminating the combustion process, the heat pump avoids the generation of redapartment gasses. There is no worry over carbon monoxide or fumes. This makes the system charmingly environmentally friendly. Heat pumps are much cheaper to run than gas heating systems. They can be up to three times more efficient, using far less energy to produce the same amount of heat, for the majority of the year, the heat pump carries the workload of temperature control plus provides ideal comfort. In areas with severe winter season conditions, the heat pump will begin to struggle when the temperature drops below freezing. At that point, the heating system automatically starts up, takes over the workload plus runs for as long as necessary. Having a dual fuel system ensures that the home is always comfortable plus also takes fortune of the most advantageous source of heating at any given time.