When my central HVAC system up and quit on me I did some research.
I wanted both heating and cooling.
I wanted something powerful, energy efficient and that would last a long time. In my research I found a heat pump. You get both heating and cooling in one single unit. It moves heat energy so it is incredibly efficient. Since it is ductless it can be used for zone control. I was so excited to have this system. I called my local Glenview HVAC dealer right away to get my heat pump installation. The HVAC worker informed me that they don’t sell heat pumps. Also, I didn’t actually want a heat pump in my home. He then explained that the heat pump needs existing heat in the air in order to function in the winter. If the temperatures drop below freezing, the heat pump is worthless. I was extremely bummed to hear that Illinois gets too cold in the winter that I couldn’t have a heat pump. The HVAC worker did point me in the right direction though. He told me to look at dual fuel systems. This combines a heat pump and a gas furnace. So when the Glenview winters get severely cold, the gas heater will operate. When it gets a little warmer, the heat pump is tagged in. It changes from gas to electric based. I then would have the energy smart heat pump as my AC device. I now just need to find a HVAC company that will install dual fuel systems.