Electricity is a current that runs through all our lives. More than a few of us wake up to electric alarm clocks, flip on electric lights, shuffle our way toward electric coffee makers, then gradually regain full consciousness in the comfort of electrically heated homes.

However, there are times when electricity may not be our most cost-effective power source. Which brings us to the topic of today’s Power Moves post: the dual fuel heat pump.

A quick (and pleasantly informative) refresher on heat pumps

HEAT PUMPS, a highly energy-efficient alternative to traditional HVAC appliances like furnaces, air conditioners, and boilers, can help you save money by heating and cooling spaces more effectively. The most common type is an air-source heat pump — which, in cold weather, sources heat energy from the air outside, then pumps it inside via a compressor circulating refrigerant. In warm weather, the pump extracts heat from a space’s interior and shoos it outside.

Dual fuel heat pumps (sometimes known as hybrid heat pumps) supplement a heat pump with a backup heating source—typically a natural gas furnace, although they can work with propane too. And at times of high demand, they can save you money by reducing the price you pay for comfort.

Dual fuel heat pumps work as well as they rhyme  

The benefit of a dual fuel heat pump becomes especially evident when your co-op uses time-of-use (TOU) rates and charges you more for electricity during peak hours of demand.

During these peak hours, it may be more affordable to heat your home with natural gas instead of electricity — a switchover that dual fuel heat pumps make simple and effortless with their programming. Once the heat pump can no longer satisfy the home’s need for heat, the gas backup furnace will automatically tap in to keep you toasty warm.

Interested in learning more?

We know that one blog post isn’t going to answer all your questions about dual fuel heat pumps. But your LOCAL CO-OP ENERGY ADVISOR just might. And they may also be able to help you save money on that heat pump’s installation with a POWER MOVES REBATE. Call or email today to learn more — and try to stay cozy out there.