When my husband got an HVAC professional to install an electric heating system for our home, I had to remind him to ask whether we would need a backup heater in case the electric heat pump failed.
- The HVAC serviceman explained that the electric heater he was going to install for us was designed with integrated electricity resistance which works as the backup for the heating device when temperatures go too low.
We wouldn’t need more heating equipment to back up the heat pump, which was a relief because I couldn’t imagine spending more money. However, the heating technician told us that we would need to spend money on a HEPA filter and a wireless thermostat if we wanted the pump to work more efficiently. The heating business stocked the latest smart thermostats, which we could choose from and get the perks of heater maintenance alerts, temperature regulation, and remote control. The HVAC supplier was keen to show us the warranty for each item we bought, so we had two years to get free repairs and servicing. We didn’t need to use those because our heating unit had been functional for four years without any failures or repairs. I had to ask about the backup heaters, and the expert mentioned that those needing them could use electric baseboards, boilers, fireplaces, or natural gas systems. The only disadvantage is that they need you to burn things that contribute to high carbon emissions. I’m glad my husband was stubborn about the fully electric system because it has saved us a lot and still saves us energy. I had insisted on a dual heat pump, thinking that the gas part would be our backup.