DUAL FUEL HEAT PUMP CONTROLS

This study examines a residential dual fuel (DF) heating system that integrates heat pump and furnace technology with a home’s forced-air distribution ducts. Specifically, it explores a retrofit where an “add-on” heat pump replaces the air conditioning (A/C) system and is combined with the home’s existing furnace and air handler. The research team developed and validated an innovative control scheme for this integrated DF system that selected the more economical heating source (furnace or heat pump) while maintaining comfort in the home. The project’s field study and subsequent modeling analysis show that this control scheme can significantly decrease energy use, cost, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to a furnace-only system. As homes in mixed and cold climates transition to fully electric space heating, furnace-to-dual fuel system retrofits offer an interim solution that can alleviate the retrofit costs, energy cost concerns, and peak load impacts of full electrification.

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Dual Fuel Heating System Retrofits Fact Sheet

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ASHRAE Conference Report: Potential Heating Energy and Cost Savings of Dual Fuel Heat Pump Controls as a Residential Building Equipment Retrofit in the U.S.

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Final Report Coming Soon!