If you are looking for a new heating system for your home or business, you might be considering a dual fuel package unit as an alternative to a package heat pump. The main difference between the two is the way that they provide supplemental heating. Unlike a traditional package heat pump, which uses electric heat strips for supplemental heating, a dual fuel package heat pump uses a built-in gas furnace.
Because a dual fuel package heat pump relies entirely on gas for supplemental heating, rather than electricity, it is ideal for locations where the cost of heating with gas is lower than the cost of heating with electricity. Read on for information that can help you determine whether or not you live in one of those locations.
States with Low Natural Gas Costs
It might make sense for you to choose a dual fuel package unit if you live in one of the states with the lowest monthly natural gas costs. According to a 2017 survey, natural gas costs were the lowest in these 10 states:
- Michigan
- Alaska
- Rhode Island
- New York
- Illinois
- Massachusetts
- New Jersey
- Utah
- Ohio
- Washington, DC
States with High Electricity Costs
Another justification for choosing a dual fuel packaged unit is if you live in a state where the monthly electricity costs are relatively high. As of 2017, the following 10 states had the highest electricity costs:
- New Mexico
- Utah
- Colorado
- Illinois
- Washington
- Washington, DC
- California
- Minnesota
- Michigan
- Oregon
Recognizing Local Differences
Looking at lists of the states with the lowest natural gas costs and the highest electricity costs, it initially seems that a dual fuel packaged unit is the only way to go in places that fall into both categories: Michigan, Illinois, and Washington, DC. You might also think that if your state is not on either one of these lists, a dual fuel packaged unit is out of the question.
However, it is important to note that electricity and natural gas costs can vary within states. Therefore, these lists can give you an idea of whether or not a dual fuel packaged unit is more financially feasible than a traditional package heat pump, but in order to be sure, you should look into your local energy costs.
National Air Warehouse offers all kind of heating systems, including dual fuel packaged units that ship for free — no matter where in the country you live. Contact us today for more information about our products!