Dual Fuel Systems Explained: What Are They and How Do They Work? 

By James K. Kim

Westchester County homeowners are very familiar with the fluctuations of our northeast climate. 

Depending on the season, one can experience blustery cold one minute with a wild swing into warm temperatures and everything in between. 

As a result, our area and similar climates have a need for a home heating solution that is both efficient and versatile to handle the variety of weather patterns we experience on a regular basis. 

And that’s where the “dual fuel system” comes into play. 

It’s a hybrid heating and cooling system that combines the energy efficiency of an electric heat pump with the proven heating capabilities of a natural gas furnace. 

Hence the “dual fuel” aspect of electricity and natural gas utilized in one central heating and air conditioning system. 

This innovative all-in-one system offers a one-size-fits-all solution for year-round comfort that homeowners. 

What is a “Dual Fuel System”? 

Understanding the components of a dual fuel system can help one to better grasp how it can be effective in the varied climate of Westchester County and similar areas. 

A dual fuel system is the combination of two different types of heating technology, an electric air-to-air heat pump and a natural gas-fired furnace. 

Both heating elements are essential to guarantee a comfortable indoor climate 365 days a year. 

The real all star behind a dual fuel system is the heat pump, renowned for being a versatile and robust performer when it comes to climate control. 

When outside temperatures are cooler, the heat pump quietly and efficiently does its job, extracting the heat from outside air and “pumping” it back into the home. 

On the flipside, when the temperatures rise and there is a need for cooling, then this process is reversed. 

The heat pump then acts like an air conditioner by removing the heat from indoor air and “pumping” it back to outside. 

This is a heat transfer process (as opposed to heat generation), and is the primary reason behind why heat pumps are an energy-efficient and logical choice for the typical weather conditions we face in Westchester County. 

Why have both a heat pump and a furnace? 

So what happens when the temperature drops to truly frigid, sub-zero temperatures during the darkest, coldest winter day? 

Modern heat pumps can actually still provide heating output when temps drop below freezing and even below zero. 

However, even the latest and greatest heat pump may still experience a dropoff in its heating capacity when tasked with providing heating when it’s below zero.

As a result, one experiences longer timeframes to reach the set point heating temperature on the thermostat. 

The solution to this is to utilize a fossil fuel heating source, such as a furnace, to fill in the gaps and provide a proven and powerful heating source for the home. 

When the heat pump’s heating output begins to naturally drop off, the furnace can kick on to provide strong and consistent heating to ensure comfort in the home even when temperatures drop far below zero. 

When you need heat the most, the furnace can be a reliable source to back up the electric heat pump. It’s the best of both worlds for heating. 

Now that you know a bit more about the dual fuel system, you can see how the real value in it lies in its ability to seamlessly transition between the electric heat pump and the natural gas fired furnace. 

It’s an automated switchover that ensures the most efficient way to heat the home is utilized regardless of the outside temperature and conditions.  

This smart design allows the system to react quickly and efficiently to the fluctuating conditions and temperatures of Westchester County.

One can rest assured of disruption-free comfort in an energy efficient central heating and air conditioning system. 

From extreme freezing cold to the hottest, most humid summer day, a dual fuel system is a comprehensive, all-in-one, central heating and air conditioning system that can handle all the diverse weather conditions we face living in this area. 

What are the other benefits of a dual fuel system?

In addition to being a reliable and energy efficient system that ensures the home is comfortable year-round, a dual fuel system provides a number of significant benefits for homeowners.

Customized Comfort

Dual fuel systems can offer an enhanced level of customization for a home’s heating that Westchester homeowners can appreciate in our varied regional climate. 

That’s because dual fuel systems can be fine tuned and calibrated based on one’s personal comfort preferred temperatures and specific weather conditions. 

It’s this level of additional customizability beyond basic ON/OFF functionality that allows for a tailored approach to apply customized settings into the home’s indoor climate control. 

Improved Indoor Air Quality

Another overlooked but important benefit of dual fuel systems is the potential improvement in the overall indoor air quality, resulting in better outcomes for both air circulation as well as overall air filtration. 

Westchester County, New York gets on average about 50 inches of rain per year, which is higher than the 38 inches average for the rest of the US. This moist climate contributes to higher likelihood of indoor humidity issues and potential for organic growth (e.g. mold).

By improving the overall balance of the indoor temperature and humidity levels of the indoor space, dual fuel systems can help create an overall healthier inside environment. 

Long-term Energy Cost Savings

Typically, a dual fuel system has a higher upfront purchase price than a traditional central heating system. 

However, due to their efficient design and specialized components over traditional systems, homeowners may see considerable long-term savings over time. 

This is largely due to the fact that the electric heat pump can provide supplementary heating on milder spring/fall days that may be chilly, but certainly not cold enough to warrant turning on the natural gas furnace. 

And during the handful of sub-freezing days during the coldest days of winter, the furnace can fire up to ensure cozy temperatures. As a result, overall utility bills are lowered because of the higher efficiency system utilizing electricity and natural gas when necessary.

Strengthening Clean Energy Initiatives 

The simple fact that a dual fuel system is designed to utilize less fossil fuel, combined with the reduction in carbon emissions while promoting sustainability and clean energy makes going dual fuel (or entirely electric with cold climate rated heat pumps from Mitsubishi Electric) a logical choice for environmentally conscious homeowners. 

As more and more Westchester homeowners move to adapt more energy efficient technology in their homes, more community-wide efforts and awareness to promote sustainability and eco-friendly initiatives becomes the accepted norm. 

Choose a Dual Fuel HVAC System From Cottam

It’s obvious that dual fuel systems do so much more than just heat and cool a home. 

Their measurable improved energy efficiency and reduced utility costs combined with enhanced customization and eco-friendly sustainability check a lot of the boxes Westchester homeowners are looking for in their next central heating and air conditioning system. 

This comprehensive approach to a home’s HVAC needs are a major step in improving one’s overall quality and comfort of life while promoting significant and important sustainability initiatives to ensure a brighter future for generations to come. 

Cottam Heating and Air Conditioning has over 40 years of experience installing, servicing, and maintaining many different types of residential and commercial HVAC systems, including dual fuel systems. 

Our team of skilled heating and cooling professionals are trained and equipped to provide the highest levels of quality and service. 

Call Cottam Heating and Air Conditioning today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation to see how a dual fuel system could be the energy efficient solution for your home’s heating and cooling needs.