If we told you that you can save 30-50% on your heating and cooling in a single year, would you believe us? With hybrid systems this is a reality. Technology allows for such higher efficiencies now. You’ve probably heard of hybrid cars that use both gas and electricity. When a hybrid car gets too low on electrical power, the gasoline engine kicks in and gives the vehicle additional power when needed. Most hybrid vehicles get unbelievable mileage because so little fuel is needed and you can charge the batteries over night when not in use.
Hybrid HVAC systems work much the same way. Heat pump technology is a great way to heat and cool your home. It extracts heat from the air and is an extremely efficient way to heat and cool except when the outside conditions are extreme hot or cold. That is why the hybrid HVAC systems are so great. When the outside conditions become extreme the hybrid system kicks in and heats the air with traditional electric or natural gas methods. The traditional mode only kicks in when the conditions are extreme and the efficiency of the heat pump is not effective. The ability for your system to switch when the weather requires it is where the real savings happen. Just like with hybrid vehicles, the gasoline is not used until it is needed to charge the battery or there is a sudden need for additional power.
Now, just as hybrid cars cost a little bit more than standard gasoline-powered vehicles, hybrid heating systems cost more than their counterparts. But the cost savings are usually enough to convince consumers it is the better choice. Let’s say your hybrid system cost is 30% more than a traditional system and most systems are not replaced for 15-20 years. If you save the minimum of 30% annually on your bill, when would the break even point occur for you? Let’s say your annual heating and cooling cost is $1,500 and you save 30% each year, that would be an annual savings of $450. Hybrid systems average to be about $1,000-$2,000 more than traditional systems so you should break even between 1-2 years and then you reap all the savings benefits for the life of the system. Give us a call with your questions about your system and if a hybrid system is right for you.