As the environmental movement gains steam and consumers become increasingly aware of their own carbon footprints, “hybrid” is becoming a popular concept. You’ve probably heard of hybrid cars, but what about hybrid heating systems? Are they the wave of the future or just a passing fad?
Aris Parviz of Able Air-1, Inc. is an expert on all types of HVAC systems, both new and old. Parviz believes hybrid heating systems are here to stay, and for good reason. Here Parviz explains what a hybrid heating system is and details some of the benefits — both to the environment and to your pocketbook — of this new type of home heating solution.
When used in relation to cars, the term “hybrid” refers to a vehicle that uses both a gas-fueled internal combustion engine propulsion system and an electric propulsion system. This combination is intended to improve fuel efficiency, ultimately saving drivers money and reducing emissions. Thanks to the unpredictability of gas prices and a growing awareness of the impact of fossil fuel consumption on the environment, hybrid cars have become popular in recent years.
So too, have hybrid heating systems. Hybrid heating systems are based on the same concept as hybrid cars. These new heating systems are dual-fueled systems, usually involving the combination of a gas- or oil-fueled furnace with an electric heat pump. One of the most environmentally friendly heating options available to homeowners today and certainly the most efficient, hybrid systems are an important part of the “green” building movement and are more and more common in newer homes. Not only do these systems reduce fossil fuel consumption; they can also significantly lower utility bills. And thanks to the electric heat pump component, this innovative type of heating system can even help cool the home in warmer weather.
Heat pumps represent a significant advancement in home heating and cooling in and of themselves. Depending on the type of heat pump installed, a heat pump will use 30% to 40% less energy than its traditional counterpart, offering the homeowner a reduced carbon footprint and substantial cost savings. Even greater efficiency can be achieved by geothermal heat pumps, which use heat from the ground or a nearby water source to heat the home.
Unlike older types of heating systems, heat pumps don’t attempt to heat and re-heat cold air. Rather, a heat pump simply pulls heat into and out of your home, depending on the outdoor temperature and desired indoor temperature. And unlike some older heating systems that cause heat “pockets” in certain areas of the home, heat pumps help maintain a more even temperature and provide more even heating from room to room. Heat pumps also help control indoor humidity, so your family doesn’t have to contend with the effects of dry winter air.
At temperatures below 40 degrees, however, heat pumps become less effective and less efficient, and this is the point at which the benefits of a hybrid system come into play. When temperatures outside dip below 40 degrees, the system automatically switches into gas- or oil-burning mode. This ensures that your home is kept at a consistently comfortable temperature and that your system is always operating at its highest possible level of efficiency.
While the initial cost of a hybrid heating system may be slightly higher than that of a more traditional heating system (about $600 to $1,000 more), the long-term savings will more than make up the difference. Although several factors will ultimately factor into your cost savings — the climate you live in and the efficiencies of both components of the system you choose — some homeowners can reduce their heating costs by up to 30% by installing a high-efficiency hybrid system.
