Dual-fuel Furnaces
Dual-fuel Furnaces | HVAC Unit Replacement | Heating and Air Conditioning | Blaine
When winter winds whip through Blaine and humid summers follow close behind, HEP’s dual-fuel furnaces keep your home perfectly balanced—seamlessly switching between gas and electric power for optimal efficiency. Our seasoned technicians size and install each system to match your square footage, insulation, and comfort preferences, so you never pay for energy you don’t need. With whisper-quiet operation and smart thermostats that learn your schedule, you’ll barely notice the equipment—just the cozy, evenly distributed air.
If your aging system struggles to maintain temperature or your utility bills keep climbing, let our team handle your HVAC unit replacement. We remove the old unit, fine-tune ductwork, and calibrate your new dual-fuel furnace for peak performance, all in a single visit. Backed by industry-leading warranties and HEP’s 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, you can trust that every degree of comfort—and every dollar of savings—was built in from the start. Contact HEP today and enjoy year-round peace of mind, whatever Blaine’s forecast brings.
FAQs
What is a dual-fuel furnace and how does it work?
A dual-fuel system pairs an electric heat pump with a high-efficiency gas furnace in one integrated package. In mild to moderately cold weather (roughly 35–40 °F and above), the heat pump provides efficient electric heating and all your summertime cooling. When outdoor temperatures fall below the programmed “balance point,” the gas furnace automatically takes over to deliver reliable heat without the drop-off in efficiency that heat pumps experience in sub-freezing conditions. The changeover is handled by the thermostat, so you always get the most economical heat available without any manual switching.
Is a dual-fuel replacement a good choice for the climate in Blaine, MN?
Yes. Blaine’s continental climate—hot, humid summers and winters that routinely drop below 0 °F—fits the dual-fuel concept perfectly. The heat pump side efficiently tackles spring, summer, and fall cooling as well as shoulder-season heating, while the gas furnace provides high-Btu output during Arctic cold snaps. By letting each fuel operate in its most efficient temperature range, homeowners typically see lower annual energy costs than with an air-source heat pump or gas furnace alone.
How much can I expect to save on my energy bills after switching to a dual-fuel system?
Savings vary with home size, insulation levels, existing equipment efficiency, and utility rates, but most Blaine homeowners report 20–40 % lower annual heating costs compared with an older 80 % AFUE gas furnace and SEER-10 air conditioner. Electricity is often cheaper per unit of heat than natural gas during moderate weather, and the furnace no longer has to run continuously all winter. We provide a load calculation and payback estimate during our in-home consultation so you can see projected savings for your exact address and usage patterns.
How do I know what size or capacity dual-fuel unit my house needs?
Correct sizing is critical for comfort and efficiency, so we perform a Manual J heat-loss/heat-gain calculation that accounts for square footage, insulation R-values, window orientation, air infiltration, and family lifestyle. From that data we select a heat pump with enough capacity for summer cooling and mild-weather heating, then pair it with a gas furnace sized for the design-day temperature Blaine sees in January (-10 °F). Oversized equipment short-cycles and wastes energy; undersized equipment can’t keep up, so we never rely on rule-of-thumb guesses.
How long does a typical dual-fuel replacement take and will I be without heat or cooling?
A straightforward change-out in Blaine usually takes one to two full working days. Day 1 covers removal of the old furnace and air conditioner, any sheet-metal changes, and setting the new equipment. Day 2 handles refrigerant line sets, electrical/low-voltage wiring, start-up, and homeowner orientation. You may be without heating or cooling for several hours each day, but we schedule replacements when mild weather is forecast whenever possible and can provide temporary electric heaters if cold weather returns unexpectedly.
Are there rebates or incentives available for installing a dual-fuel furnace in Minnesota?
Absolutely. As of 2024, Minnesota Power and Xcel Energy both offer rebates of $400–$1,500 for qualifying dual-fuel systems that meet minimum HSPF2 and SEER2 efficiency levels. The federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) adds a 30 % tax credit—up to $2,000—on high-efficiency heat pumps, and many Blaine homeowners can stack an additional $500 state rebate for gas furnaces rated 95 % AFUE or higher. We handle the paperwork and provide all model numbers and AHRI certificates so you receive every dollar you qualify for.