A hybrid heating and cooling system combines a gas furnace with an electric air source heat pump to utilize the most cost-effective fuel source and maintain greater efficiency.
A hybrid heating system combines the strengths of a gas furnace with an electric heat pump to deliver the ultimate comfort and efficiency you need in both warm and cold seasons to give you more control over your utility bills. As outdoor temperatures change, the system automatically switches between a heat pump and a furnace to utilize the most cost-effective fuel source and maintain greater efficiency. And the system is so efficient its heating costs are usually less than with any gas furnace alone.
As compared to traditional air conditioning, a hybrid system uses a heat pump to cool your home. A hybrid system is both a heating and a cooling system and it can be integrated into virtually any home which has a forced-air system. During the heating season, the heat pump draws warmth from the outside air and delivers it into your home. It is effective down to 30 degrees. In the cooling season, the process is reversed: the heat pump absorbs indoor heat and releases the heat outside.
The cost savings of a hybrid system can vary greatly, depending on the climate and type of heating system you already have in place. In addition, savings are affected by fluctuations in electricity and natural gas prices. In some years, you may see substantial savings, while in other years you may come out even. Regardless of the savings, hybrid systems use less electricity and energy than other systems, so they are a green alternative to natural gas or electric heating systems.
