Choosing the right heating and cooling systems for your home can guarantee long-term comfort, lower energy bills, and less energy consumption. In recent years, Kentucky homeowners have found these benefits in one package: the dual fuel heating system. 

A dual fuel heating system pairs a heat pump with a gas furnace. As seasons and temperatures shift, the system switches between fuel sources, saving you money while providing proper heating or cooling. 

In the following sections, we will dissect the dual fuel heating system, exploring its benefits, components, costs, and useful considerations. 

At Fayette Heating & Air, we specialize in helping homeowners choose the right HVAC systems for their living spaces. We provide thorough evaluations, special promotions, and comprehensive heating/cooling services 24/7/365, so no matter your need, you have Fayette’s “Every Time” guarantee. 

Every time you contact Fayette, you receive award-winning service and repairs, so give us a call at 

859-695-6670 or fill out an online contact form. 

What Is a Dual Fuel Heating System?

When you mix a gas furnace and a heat pump, you get an ideal blend of comfort and efficiency—the dual fuel heating system. 

Sometimes, a dual fuel heating system is called a dual fuel heat pump or dual fuel furnace. Regardless of what you call it, this system has two heating sources that alternate based on outdoor temperature. Essentially, your gas furnace is the backup, kicking in when the weather is too cold for a heat pump to efficiently heat your home. 

Dual fuel systems switch between modes automatically, so no extra work is needed on your end. 

How Does a Dual Fuel System Work?

A dual fuel system provides hybrid heating and cooling, and is rather smart about it. Dual fuel heating systems use a thermostat to measure outdoor temperatures, adapting to use the most efficient heating method. 

In mild to cool temperatures, the heat pump heats your home. In cold to freezing temperatures, the gas furnace heats your home. These switches are designed to maximize efficiency, creating a more comfortable environment and lowering energy costs. 

Benefits of Dual Fuel Heating Systems

Dual fuel heating systems have numerous advantages, especially in climates with unpredictable winter temperatures. Let’s look at a few:

• Energy Efficiency: Dual fuel heating systems optimize energy use by switching between sources.
• Cost Savings: Higher energy efficiency leads to lower energy bills. 
• Environmental Impact: Since these systems default to the electric heat pump in mild weather, less fuel is burned. 
• Enhanced Comfort: Dual fuel heating systems are highly versatile, always shifting to create a balanced and comfortable environment. 

Dual Fuel vs. Traditional Heating Systems

Dual fuel systems have multiple advantages over traditional heating systems, like natural gas furnaces or electric heat pumps, but it is important to see exactly where they differ. Let’s look at the pros and cons of each. 

Dual Fuel Systems

Pros: High energy efficiency, easy adaptation to changing temperatures, long-term cost savings, high performance during harsh weather.

Cons: Complex maintenance requirements, less relevance in extreme environments.

Traditional Heating Systems

Pros: Proven longevity, simplicity of maintenance, high performance in specific situations.

Cons: Low adaptability, higher energy use, higher energy bills.

Is a Dual Fuel Heating System Right for Your Home?

In regions with mild winters and occasional extreme cold, like Kentucky, a dual fuel heating system is likely a great fit for your home. The adaptability and efficiency of these systems make for comfortable environments and lower long-term costs. Also, if you have sensitive skin that chaps around extreme furnace heat, the less intense heat of a dual fuel system’s heat pump may be a nice bonus. 

With a dual fuel heating system, you don’t have to adjust your thermostat to have a cozy home. The system’s automatic temperature sensing will create a perfect indoor environment year-round, so you won’t be saying, “It’s too hot in here” or “I’m freezing” much longer. 

But if you live in an area facing extreme heat or extreme cold for much of the year, a traditional heating or cooling system may be a better option. A dual fuel heating system is optimal for regular temperature shifts, so if your home does not experience those, its additional functionality may go to waste. 

Installation and Cost Considerations

Since a dual fuel system provides hybrid heating and cooling, it has a different installation process than a furnace, AC unit, or heat pump. Installation likely requires electricians, plumbers, and HVAC experts to properly do the job. 

Both components of your dual fuel heating system must be the right size for your home, and their heating loads must be properly calculated. An air handler may also need to be installed. If something goes wrong during this process, it can result in inefficiencies and high costs at your expense. 

This is why it is important to hire trustworthy HVAC professionals, like the experts at Fayette Heating & Air. At Fayette, we provide comprehensive heating installation, replacement, and repair services, and we can ensure that your dual fuel heating system is properly installed and maintained.

With our expert service, you can save thousands of dollars on energy costs in the future. You can also be eligible for economic incentives and tax breaks for investing in an energy-efficient HVAC system. 

Maintenance Tips for Dual Fuel Systems

As with any heating or cooling appliance, it’s important to schedule regular maintenance for your dual fuel heating system. Regular maintenance will keep your system running for years without interruption, and its efficiency will remain at a high level. High efficiency means lower energy bills, so taking care of your system equates to taking care of your wallet. 

Modern hybrid heating and cooling systems are rather smart, so most will alert you of any issues that need attention. Loud clicking noises or constant cycling also indicate that your system needs a check-up. 

Call Fayette Heating & Air For Your Dual Fuel Heating System Needs

If you think a dual fuel heating system is right for your home, call Fayette Heating & Air today. A properly installed system will bring long-term savings, unmatched comfort, and significant environmental benefits, so trust Central Kentucky’s heating experts at Fayette to get the job done every time.

Consult a Fayette heating professional to see if a dual fuel system is right for your home today. You can give us a call at 859-695-6893 or fill out an online contact form to ensure that you receive the “Every Time” guarantee.