Dual Fuel Air Conditioning System

What is Dual Fuel?

A Dual Fuel Air Conditioning system is a system that uses two fuels, one is always electric and the other is either natural gas or oil. In Tucson we rarely see oil alternative. So, in Tucson we use electric and natural gas. But using two fuels does not make it a "Dual Fuel System". A dual fuel Air Conditioning System is a system that uses electric for Air Conditioning and a choice between two fuels to heat with. So, as you can see, it is the heating part where we have two fuels choices. A dual fuel system, will use electric power to heat using heat pump technology (reversing the AC) most of the time when the temperature is above 45 degrees (number depends on setting and other factors) but when the temperature drops below this point the heat pump shuts off and either natural gas or oil is used instead. Heat pumps don't function well when the temperature drops too close to freezing. Many people know this when there having problems heating the house with only a standard heat pump system. For standard heat pumps a backup electric resistance coil is normally used when the temperature drops. This is a very inefficient way to heat your home.

Why is Dual Fuel a Good Thing?

Dual fuel is a very efficient way to heat and cool your home. Since a heat pump can heat your home more efficient than natural gas can when the temperature isn't too low. You will save money during most the time, only on rare occurrences in Tucson at least, will you experience the need to use the alternative fuel natural gas. But, when the temperature really drops low, it is a nice to have an efficient the backup system. It is much more efficient than using resistance heat. Resistance heating is nothing more than a space heater built into your Air Conditioning System.

Dual Fuel Systems Are Rare

Dual fuel isn't used much, maybe 1 percent of the time. This is because of two possible reasons, either no alternative fuel is available or expense. Builders generally do not put money into feature of a new home unless they see a benefit to themselves. Price really shouldn't be an issue here, because it really doesn't cost much more (a few hundred at most) to have dual fuel, and the return on investment will probably happen the first year of operation.