Heat Your Cincinnati Home with a Hybrid System

Hybrid heating systems, also known as dual fuel systems, are an intelligent, energy efficient option for heating homes and businesses throughout the Cincinnati area. These systems combine two types of heating systems: a furnace and a heat pump. By utilizing both types of heating, a hybrid heating system can keep your indoor spaces warm utilizing the most efficient method based on current conditions.

How hybrid heating works

Even when the temperature outside is chilly, there is abundant energy to heat indoor spaces. The system’s heat pump will work to extract heat from the air and use it for space heating; this method is highly efficient and very affordable. Unfortunately, heat pumps aren’t as effective for heating when outdoor temperatures drop below a certain point, typically somewhere between 30 and 40 degrees depending on the unit.

Once outdoor temperatures become too low for the heat pump to work effectively, the hybrid system’s furnace will take over; the system is able to sense when temperatures fall below a certain mark. The furnace is powered by a fossil fuel, oil or gas, and it creates heat through combustion. Furnaces offer more economic heating during cold periods, when the heat pump’s electric heating would be expensive and not as effective.

Advantages of hybrid heating

Hybrid heating systems offer some desirable advantages for home and business owners, including:
• Lower heating costs: The hybrid system automatically switches between the two heating methods when it senses temperatures outdoors have fallen too low for the heat pump to work effectively. Using the most efficient heating source depending on the conditions outdoors will allow you to reduce energy use and cut your cooling expenses; users report around a 10 percent decrease in heating costs annually, though the actual numbers will vary based on your utility rates.
• Enhanced comfort: Heat pumps offer adequate heat for indoor areas as long as outdoor temperatures are not low. The heat they produce is at a temperature of about 105 degrees. As temperatures drop outdoors, you need warmer air to keep you comfortable; once the hybrid system’s balance point has been reached, the furnace will kick on, producing temperatures around 135 degrees to heat your spaces. The combined use of these systems will provide you with plenty of indoor warmth to keep you comfortable at any temperature.

If you are interested in learning more about using hybrid heating in your Cincinnati home or business, call Nelson Comfort to request a quote.

About The Author

Dan Detmer

Dan Detmer is the owner of Nelson Comfort. Dan was born into the heating and cooling industry, coming from a family of well respected HVAC contractors in Dayton, Ohio. After working in the family business, Dan decided to work for a local HVAC wholesale business helping local contractors grow their business. When he felt his heart moving him back into the residential and light commercial business, Dan joined the Mortimer Heating & Cooling team in Cincinnati, where he had called home and become part of the community for several years. After a short period of time Dan purchased the company and created what is today, Nelson Comfort. Today he operates a company based on integrity, honesty, and stellar customer service. If you have any questions feel free to tweet (at sign) NelsonComfort and we will get right back with you!