Tips for Maintaining Dual Fuel Hybrid Heating Systems

Dual fuel hybrid heating systems are the combination of a heat pump and a furnace, both working together to heat your home. the pump is typically either an air source or ground source pump, and the furnace is fueled by either propane or natural gas. Rather than electricity being solely responsible for heating, a hybrid system’s pump uses a gas furnace or backup heating. Because the heating power is divided between the pump and the furnace, energy consumption is reduced. With energy efficiency being a major concern in today’s world, making sure your system works properly is of the utmost importance.

As a homeowner, you know what sort of heating system you have working in your home. If you have a dual fuel hybrid heating system, you should know how to maintain your equipment and be able to recognize some signs that it may not be working as it should. Here are a few tips for maintaining the dual fuel hybrid heating system in your home this year.

Routine Servicing

Like any equipment in your home, routine service and maintenance are necessary. Most people go to the doctor for a yearly check-up, why should the equipment heating your home be any different? In order to make sure things are working properly, a professional should be called to inspect your dual fuel heating system. Because efficiency is an important aspect of this type of system, work done by a professional will ensure that you are both saving money and remaining effective.

Know How It Benefits You

If you have a dual fuel hybrid heating system in your home, odds are that you already know the basics of how it works and benefits you. Just in case you need a refresher, here are some features and benefits:

• Because it can both heat and cool your house, it can be used year-round.
• In severe weather, such as a blizzard the system can back up heating methods.
• The system comes equipped with a switch that turns off the pump in severe cold. In this case, the furnace will be directly responsible for heating your home.
• When the temperature rises back up, the pump is automatically switched back on to give you dual coverage.
• Because the on and off switch process is automatic, you won’t have to program anything.
• Your utility costs will lower.
• Because heating isn’t solely relying on your furnace, it will extend the lifespan of your system.

While this system is undoubtedly convenient, the biggest focus tends to be on the efficiency. Because your furnace has the pump as a backup, you will notice a difference in your utility bills. Less energy will be used, making your system smart and efficient.

What You Can Do on Your Own

Because the furnace constitutes half of dual fuel hybrid heating systems, there are small steps to take on your own to keep the equipment in good shape between maintenance visits. Here are a few ways to check your furnace on your own:

• Check the thermostat: take note of whether it’s on “heat” or “cool” settings. People often forget to switch it back and forth between seasons.
• Check the circuit breaker: always be sure that you know where the circuit breaker is, and turn it on and off to test that it works.
• Check wires and equipment for wear and tear: by simply looking your furnace over, you can detect areas that may be worn. Don’t try to fix any wires or damages on your own, be sure to call a professional.

How to Decide if Dual Fuel Hybrid Heating Systems are Right for You

If you are considering installing a dual fuel hybrid heating system in your own home, there are a series of small tests and questions that may help you to decide if it’s the right choice for you.

1. Be sure to ask a professional about the compatibility of your existing furnace. If it’s old, it may not be compatible. You should be aware of any additional costs before installation begins, especially if it includes a new furnace!
2. Make sure the equipment will be the right size to heat your home properly.
3. Consider the energy and money savings that will come from the installation. Depending on the energy prices in your area, a dual fuel hybrid heating system may save you more or less.

Now that you know how a dual fuel hybrid heating system works and how to maintain it, your well on your way to being as warm and safe this fall and winter. If you don’t have this system working in your home, you are now aware of how it can benefit you. If you need to schedule maintenance or have questions about installing a dual fuel hybrid heating system in your home, don’t hesitate to call a local professional today.

Call Custom Climate Heating & Air Inc today for more information on Dual Fuel Hybrid Heating Systems