The Benefits of Dual Fuel: A Balanced Approach to Heating and Cooling
With Dual Fuel Systems, You Really Can Have It All
Dual fuel systems offer an ideal heating and cooling solution to maximize savings, comfort, and efficiency all year long. Combining the efficiency of heat pumps with the reliability of gas furnaces, dual fuel systems, such as those manufactured by Bosch Home Comfort, provide homeowners with flexibility and comfort while also reducing energy consumption and costs.
How Does Dual Fuel Work?
A dual fuel system operates by pairing a heat pump with a gas furnace. For the most part, the heat pump serves as the primary heating source. However, the furnace kicks in once the temperature drops beyond the heat pump’s efficiency range.
In heating mode, the heat pump extracts heat from the outdoor air and transfers it inside to warm the home. However, as temperatures fall and depending on the efficiency of the unit, the heat pump’s ability to efficiently provide warmth diminishes. That's where the gas furnace comes in. Once the outdoor temperature falls below the heat pump’s "balance point", the gas furnace kicks in and takes over. This setup ensures optimal energy efficiency while maintaining the desired indoor temperature, regardless of the weather outside.
“Dual fuel systems are great for those who want to keep costs down but still ensure comfort in colder weather,” said Chris Penn, Residential HVAC Technical Trainer at Bosch Home Comfort. "By using a heat pump until it reaches its efficiency limit and then switching over to a gas furnace, homeowners can enjoy the best of both worlds."
An Adaptable and Affordable Heating Solution
The flexibility to adjust the balance point—the temperature at which the switch to a gas furnace happens—is one of the most significant benefits of dual fuel systems. Because of this, dual fuel can be a great option for both colder and warmer climates. Even in areas where the winters aren’t as harsh, such as the Southeast, dual fuel can still be beneficial, particularly in homes where a gas furnace is already in place. In these cases, upgrading to a dual fuel system might involve adding a heat pump to an existing furnace. This setup can be highly cost-effective, allowing homeowners to make use of the furnace on cold days without losing out on the efficiency benefits of a heat pump.
“One of the biggest advantages of dual fuel systems is their ability to work with existing setups,” said Trevor Shane, EAP Digital Solutions Lead at Bosch Home Comfort. "In regions like the Southeast, where winters are mild, people can retrofit their homes with heat pumps without completely abandoning their current heating systems. It’s an economical way to enjoy both gas and electric heating benefits."
From a financial perspective, dual fuel systems often have an upfront cost comparable to installing a traditional air conditioner, especially when combined with various rebates and incentives available in many regions. In some cases, the energy savings provided by the dual fuel setup can quickly offset the initial investment, particularly when gas prices are lower than electricity costs, Shane explained.
Dual fuel systems also provide homeowners with a unique level of control. As energy prices fluctuate, homeowners have the option to switch between the heat pump and the gas furnace depending on which is more cost-effective at any given time. This flexibility allows for greater long-term savings and ensures that homeowners are not locked into one energy source, offering a future-proof solution that can adjust with changing circumstances.
Bosch Inverter Ducted Split (IDS) Dual Fuel System: Optimal Comfort for Every Season
Bosch offers a complete dual fuel system with the Bosch Inverter Ducted Split (IDS) heat pump, BMAC cased coil, 96% AFUE Gas Furnace, and the Bosch Connected Control thermostat.
For instance, the Bosch IDS Light 15 SEER2 System, a 15 SEER inverter condenser designed to provide a premium inverter technology solution for warmer climates, can be paired with the Bosch BGH96 Gas Furnace to create a dual fuel system for added peace of mind during the colder months. Bosch’s ENERGY STAR-rated furnace offers up to 96% efficiency, a two-stage gas valve, and a multi-speed blower built with constant air flow technology.
In the summer, the Bosch IDS efficiently cools and dehumidifies the home. In the colder months, the system senses when it is more economical for the heat pump to shut off and the Bosch BGH96 gas furnace to take over. Homeowners could see savings on their energy consumption by converting up to 96% of the fuel purchased to heat their homes. The furnace’s two-stage gas valve switches between high and low fire settings based on indoor temperature demand, allowing enhanced comfort and more efficient operation.
About Bosch Home Comfort
Bosch Home Comfort is a leading source of high-quality heating, cooling and hot water systems. The Company offers Bosch tankless, point-of-use and electric water heaters, Bosch and Buderus floor-standing and wall-hung boilers, Bosch and FHP water-source, geothermal and air-source heat pump systems, as well as controls and accessories for every product line. Bosch Home Comfort is committed to reinventing energy efficiency by offering smart products that work together as integrated systems that enhance quality of life in an ultra-efficient and environmentally friendly manner. Bosch strives to bring the most energy-efficient and environmentally responsible products to global consumers. In delivering the best products at affordable prices to our markets, Bosch has established multiple collaborations and joint ventures on a global scale to bring the latest technologies to North America. All global manufacturing facilities must adhere to stringent quality standards to provide the trusted Bosch brand.