The advantages of using dual energy

Because it reaps the benefits of two different energy sources, using dual energy has its advantages: it can decrease your power bills and optimize your annual energy consumption. It’s a good compromise between fossil fuel systems, which are more polluting and often more expensive, and electric heating, which can be costly during periods of extreme cold. And that counts for a lot of points when you’re trying to go green.

Just as its name implies, dual energy is a heating system that alternates between two energy sources. Typically, electricity is the main source, while a combustible fuel, such as oil or natural gas, takes over for a few weeks a year when the weather is coldest. The shift from one source of energy to another takes place automatically when the mercury dips below a certain temperature; the system is designed to use the energy source that will allow you to save the most money.

Oil is often number one on the list of the most voracious home heating systems. However, dual energy systems operate in accordance with an electricity supplier’s billing rates; that is, the oil furnace will come on when cold weather starts to require more kilowatts of electricity.

The use of dual energy also enables you to contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

• Your dual system lightens the demand load on your region’s electricity network during periods of extreme cold; this enables energy suppliers to optimize their network management.
• You’ll shrink your carbon footprint by using a system that emits four times less greenhouse gas emissions than a conventional oil furnace.

Dual energy systems let you choose a green method of heating that doesn’t break the bank. But bear in mind that whenever the fossil fuel system takes over the heating of the home, it’s because your electricity use is on the rise. The sound of your furnace switching on is a call to pay attention to your energy use and to focus on energy efficiency.