Michigan winters are serious. So are summers. That’s why more homeowners around Ann Arbor and Saline are asking about dual-fuel systems. A dual-fuel setup combines electric heat pump installation with a backup heating source, usually a gas furnace. You get efficient heating most of the year and reliable backup when temperatures drop hard.
Here’s how it works, why it matters, and how to decide if it’s right for your home.
A dual-fuel system uses two heat sources. The primary system is a heat pump. It handles heating and cooling during moderate weather. When outdoor temperatures fall below a set point, the system switches to a secondary heat source, often natural gas or propane.
This setup isn’t complicated to use. The system switches automatically. You don’t flip switches or change settings. It’s designed to use the most efficient option at any given time.
Heat pump installation is the foundation of the system. The backup heat is there to step in only when it makes sense.
Modern heat pumps handle cold weather better than older models. They move heat instead of creating it, which makes them efficient during much of the heating season.
In places like Ann Arbor and Saline, a heat pump can cover a large portion of your heating needs. Fall, spring, and many winter days fall well within a heat pump’s comfort zone.
But Michigan still sees long cold snaps. That’s where dual-fuel makes sense.
When outdoor temperatures drop too low, heat pumps lose efficiency. They still work, but they use more electricity to maintain indoor comfort.
A dual-fuel system avoids that problem. When the temperature hits a preset threshold, the system switches to backup heat. Gas furnaces handle extreme cold efficiently and deliver higher heat output when needed.
You stay comfortable. Energy use stays controlled. The system runs in the mode that makes the most sense for the conditions.
The switchover point is the outdoor temperature at which your system changes from heat pump to backup heat.
This point isn’t the same for every home. It depends on:
For many Michigan homes, the switchover point lands somewhere between 25 and 40 degrees. Above that range, the heat pump runs efficiently. Below it, the furnace takes over.
During heat pump installation, your contractor sets this point based on real data, not guesswork. The goal is simple. Use electricity when it’s efficient. Use gas when it’s smarter.
Some homeowners worry that dual-fuel systems cancel out the efficiency gains of a heat pump. That’s not how it works.
The system prioritizes efficiency. It uses the heat pump when it’s the most cost-effective option. It switches only when efficiency drops or comfort is at risk.
This approach reduces total energy use over the year. It also limits wear on your equipment. Each system runs in the conditions it’s best designed for.
For Michigan’s mixed climate, that balance matters.
Cold weather exposes weak systems fast. Dual-fuel setups add a layer of reliability that all-electric systems don’t always provide in this region.
If temperatures fall well below normal or a winter storm pushes systems hard, your backup heat keeps the house warm. You’re not relying on one source to do everything.
For homeowners who value consistency and peace of mind, this is a major reason to choose dual-fuel heat pump installation.
Dual-fuel systems work best in homes that already have gas service or access to propane. They also make sense in houses with decent insulation and modern ductwork.
They may not be the right choice if:
A proper evaluation answers these questions quickly. A good contractor looks at your home, your utility rates, and how you use the space. Then they recommend a system that fits.
No matter which equipment you choose, installation quality determines how well the system performs. Proper sizing, airflow setup, and control configuration matter.
Heat pump installation isn’t just setting equipment in place. It’s about making sure the system switches cleanly, runs quietly, and delivers steady comfort.
That’s where local experience helps. Contractors who work in Michigan understand how these systems behave during real winters, not just mild test conditions.
If you’re considering dual-fuel heat pump installation, start with a conversation. A clear evaluation helps you decide without pressure.
Lashbrook Mechanical works with homeowners and businesses across Ann Arbor, Saline, and surrounding areas. As a locally owned company with 13 years of experience, we focus on practical solutions that work in Michigan’s climate.
If you want to explore options or schedule an assessment, get in touch and book service online. It’s a straightforward way to find out if dual-fuel heating makes sense for your home.
