Want to optimize your home’s heating and cooling (HVAC) systems? Central heating and cooling is usually entirely electric or entirely gas-based. With a dual-fuel system, you can experience the benefits of both fuel types.
Combining both gas and electricity is especially helpful in Michigan’s spring and fall, when temperatures can fluctuate dramatically.
At K&B Energy Solutions, we provide heating and cooling services for homes and businesses across Metro Detroit. Contact us today to learn more about working with us.
What is a Dual-Fuel Hybrid System?
A hybrid, dual-fuel heating and cooling system pairs an electric air-source heat pump with a high-efficiency gas furnace. The electric pump acts as the primary source for heating and cooling. Meanwhile, the gas furnace serves as an auxiliary heat source.
Instead of choosing between a fully gas system or fully electric system, a dual-fuel heating and cooling (HVAC) unit combines both.
It uses a smart thermostat to switch between the two, choosing the best option based on outdoor temperature and energy prices.
When the weather is moderate, the system uses electricity. When more heavy lifting is required, such as during an ice storm, it switches to the gas furnace.
Why Is Dual-Fuel Heating and Cooling a Smart Choice in Michigan?
A dual-fuel heating and cooling system is a particularly smart choice for Michigan residents. In the spring and fall, or shoulder seasons, temperatures can fluctuate wildly.
This means your gas furnace can be overkill on a warmer day. On a hot-day, a gas-powered unit will end up short-cycling, or turning on and off rapidly. Not only does this waste fuel, but it also raises your energy costs.
In these temperatures, electricity is the better option. It can move heat from the outside air into your home more efficiently and at a lower cost.
It also provides a gentler, more consistent warmth, while avoiding the drafty periods that come from short-cycling gas units.
Automatic Switching
One of the biggest benefits of a dual-system is that they’re more reliable during heavy winters. Modern electric-only pumps are better than ever, but they can still lose efficiency when the temperature gets too low.
With a dual system, the gas can kick-in as a backup. This switch happens automatically, so you don’t have to worry about being cold.
A dual system is programmed to maintain a balance point. Once the outdoor sensor detects the heat pump is losing efficiency, the system automatically shuts it down. Then, it ignites the gas furnace to take over.
This means you get the raw heating power of gas exactly in the moments you need it, and the benefits of electricity the rest of the time.
Humidity Control
A heat pump in a dual-fuel system is usually a variable-speed unit. This means it outperforms standard AC units during hot, humid summers. These heat pumps are better at dehumidification.
They run at lower speeds for longer periods, which allows them to pull more moisture out of the air.
As a result, you can maintain a comfortable temperature in your home, rather than turning it down extremely low just to feel cool.
Contact K&B Energy for Help with Your HVAC System
Looking for an expert to install, maintain, or repair your HVAC system? Contact our team at K&B Energy Solutions for help.
Our experienced technicians have years of experience working with different heating and cooling systems.
We can evaluate your AC and furnace, and make sure you’re getting the most out of your filtration system. If your system could be optimized, we’ll help you make the switch to a dual-fuel unit.
Want to learn more about working with our team? Call (734)-666-0101 or contact us online today.
