Replacing gas furnaces with electric heat pumps has become a key strategy in efforts to decarbonize residential HVAC. However, heat pumps alone don’t automatically guarantee decarbonization, and shouldn’t be installed without consideration for homeowner comfort or system affordability. Dual-fuel heat pumps — which rely on the heat pump for most of the year and leverage a backup gas furnace during the coldest periods — have become an affordable, yet eco-friendly system option.
Grid and climate considerations
Decarbonizing with heat pumps hinges on access to a clean electrical grid, typically composed of sufficient renewable resources (i.e., solar and wind). In regions where the grid still relies on high-carbon energy sources, shifting entirely to electric heat pumps can potentially increase a home’s carbon footprint.
In cold months and colder climate zones, heat pumps may struggle to produce the heating capacity required to maintain comfort. There, dual-fuel heat pump systems enable homeowners to alternate between the two heat sources, using the heat pump most of the time and employing the gas furnace only when needed.
Evaluating gas and electricity costs
The costs of electricity and gas in a specific region must also be considered in the total cost of system ownership. For example, in areas where electricity rates exceed the cost of natural gas, an all-electric heat pump strategy may result in higher initial and operating costs. Colder regions with lower natural gas prices may favor a dual-fuel strategy as the most affordable solution. However, if consumers use higher-cost fuels such as oil or propane, an all-electric heat pump may be less expensive to operate.
Regardless, technological advancements are enabling heat pumps to maintain comfort in lower ambient temperatures; however, these cold climate-capable systems are more expensive than standard heat pumps. Premium system options may be preferred by eco-minded homeowners and those living in the coldest climate zones, as they deliver optimum seasonal efficiency and heating capacity. However, dual-fuel configurations may still be recommended as a supplemental heat source.
Building the case for dual-fuel heat pumps
Research from Copeland’s Helix Innovation Center has evaluated the variables impacting the application of heat pump systems — including cost, climate, comfort and decarbonization potential — and made a compelling case for dual-fuel configurations. The scope of the research captured the current state of grid emissions, as well as a projected 12-year, long-term view across the most populated regions and ASHRAE climate zones.
Considering the current state of the electricity grid and heat pump technologies, research found that a dual-fuel approach balances the needs of consumers in terms of first costs, comfort and lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, delivering optimal improvements in all categories across all climate zones.
As regional grids become cleaner and more reliable in the future — and heat pump technologies continue to advance — an all-electric heat pump strategy may offer the most beneficial reductions in GHG emissions and costs. In the meantime, HVAC industry stakeholders should consider adopting dual-fuel heat pump solutions for their vast short- and long-term potential and numerous cost and performance advantages.
To learn about how Copeland is advancing heat pump technologies, visit our website. For more information on our dual-fuel research, read our white paper.
Copeland is an ACCA Platinum Strategic Partner. To learn more about ACCA’s Strategic Partnership Program, contact partners@acca.org or visit acca.org/partners.
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