We are seeing more and more homeowners ask specifically about dual fuel systems. But what exactly does “dual fuel” mean, and is it a smart investment for your house?

Essentially, a dual fuel system (also known as a hybrid heating system) is the best of both worlds: it pairs an electric heat pump for the outdoor unit with a natural gas or propane furnace for the indoor unit.

How Does a Dual Fuel System Work?

To understand dual fuel, you have to understand the heat pump. Unlike a traditional AC, a heat pump has a reversing valve that allows it to switch the flow of refrigerant.

• In the Summer: It removes heat from your home (cooling).
• In the Winter: It reverses the process, extracting heat from the outdoor air and transferring it into your home.

The heat pump is incredibly efficient at heating your home until the temperature drops below a certain point. When it gets too cold for the heat pump to keep up, the system automatically switches to the gas furnace as a backup. This ensures you always have a reliable heat source, no matter how low the temperature sinks.

3 Questions to Ask Before Choosing Dual Fuel

Is a dual fuel system right for you? Ask yourself these three questions to find out.

1. What is the Cost of Fuel (Gas vs. Electricity)?

In Oklahoma, natural gas is produced locally and is very cost-effective. If you have access to cheap natural gas, a standard gas furnace is already quite economical. However, if you rely on propane, which is more expensive in our region, a dual fuel system is a game-changer. By using electricity (the heat pump) to heat the home most of the time, you can significantly reduce your propane consumption and save money.

2. What is the Cost of Electricity?

Since a heat pump runs on electricity to provide heat, you have to balance the electric rates against your gas rates. In areas where electricity is very expensive and gas is cheap, the energy savings of a heat pump might be less noticeable. In Oklahoma, electricity rates are generally reasonable, making the heat pump a viable and efficient option.

3. What Type of “Heating Comfort” Do You Prefer?

This is a factor many people overlook.

• Heat Pump Comfort: The air coming out of the vents from a heat pump is typically between 90°F and 95°F. Since this is slightly lower than your body temperature, the air can actually feel “cool” to the touch, even though it is warming the room.
• Furnace Comfort: If you love that “toasty fireplace” warmth—where the air coming out of the vents feels hot—a gas furnace is for you.

If you prioritize efficiency and don’t mind the milder air temperature, dual fuel is great. If you crave intense, toasty heat, you might prefer sticking with a high-efficiency gas furnace as your primary source.

Is It Worth It?

A dual fuel system is an excellent choice for homeowners looking for flexibility and efficiency, especially those without access to natural gas who are currently relying on expensive propane or electric resistance heat strips. It offers the efficiency of a heat pump for most of the year with the “muscle” of a furnace for the coldest days.

If you’re in the Oklahoma City metro area and want to find out if a dual fuel setup is the right move for your home, we’d love to help!

Curious about the price? You can get an instant estimate for a new system in less than two minutes.