Overview
A hybrid system combines a high efficiency electric heat pump
with a variable speed gas furnace. Used for residential
purposes.
A hybrid system is one that's capable of
heating using either electricity or gas. The system combines an XLi
electric heat pump with a variable speed gas furnace for
efficiency. With the flexibility of two fuels, the system can
actually optimize your energy use by switching back and forth to
whichever source is most efficient for your comfort. The electric
heat pump can act as an air conditioner to cool down air during the
summer and helps control humidity.
The electric heat pump extracts ambient heat
in the air outside to warm the house inside. When there is
insufficient outside ambient heat to extract, the system will warm
the air with a furnace which is run by natural gas. During summer,
the heat pump reverses its operation: instead of extracting ambient
heat outside, it will extract ambient heat inside and blow the
heated air outside. The furnace won't ignite, but will serve as a
variable-speed blower to move the cooler air produced by the heat
pump inside.
Manufacturer offers an online Tool called
'System Customizer', to calculate which product and/or system
combination would be optimal for customers preferences.
The system comes in 2 versions:
- Ultra Efficient EarthWise™ Hybrid Split System
Product includes a compressor, fan,
condenser coil, evaporator coil and refrigerant.
- Ultra Efficient EarthWise™ Hybrid Packaged System
(Type: XL16c & XL14c)
Product includes a compressor, fan,
condenser coil, evaporator coil and refrigerant. However, they're
all engineered to work together in one cabinet.
Information last verified on 10th
March 2010