hybrid systems ...
Here in Southeast Wisconsin, we are all aware of the constantly rising costs associated with heating and cooling our homes. We at First Call Heating & Cooling do not subscribe to the theory that gas furnaces are the only ways to heat our homes. More than 30 years ago, Trane helped pioneer hybrid heating systems. These systems use both gas and electricity to heat your home. The way it works is simple, but before explaining this you will need to understand a little bit about the refrigeration process. Or “air conditioning”.
Removing Heat 101
Our central air conditioners do not actually make cold air. In fact, “cold” is really a term to describe the absence of heat. In other words, if you remove the heat from something, you are left with something cold. Your central air conditioning system actually removes the heat from your home and puts that heat outside.
Hybrid Systems ... an old concept in new design!
A “hybrid” system takes this process a step further. For purposes of cooling your home, it works just like a regular air conditioner; however, during the heating of your home the system's mechanism actually reverses. In order to heat your home, the hybrid system takes the heat that is outside (even when it is 35F outside, there is still heat that can be extracted from the air!), captures that heat in the refrigerant (also known as Freon), and releases it into your home by passing air over the warmed Freon refrigerant tubes! This is an extremely efficient way to heat and cool your home. Many of my customers have reported a reduction in their gas bills by close to 50%, while only increasing their electricity bill by 10-15%!
Why is it called: "Hybrid?" What's the catch?
What is the drawback? To be frank, nothing. It should be noted that these systems are only this efficient to about 20-30 degrees Fahrenheit outside. Once it gets colder than this, it is actually more efficient to heat your home using natural gas. At these colder temperatures the system will automatically switch over to the gas furnace. Hence the name “Hybrid!”
