My home is outfitted with a hybrid heating system. The combination of the electric heat pump and natural gas furnace was a bigger investment than a more conventional alternative. However, the energy savings have helped to recover the cost very quickly. In our local area, we experience four distinct seasons. Our weather is extremely severe, with wide temperature fluctuations. We get snow, rain, hail, sleet, high winds, heat and humidity and rely on the heating and cooling system for the majority of the year. The heat pump provides both heating and cooling capacity. It works by moving existing heat from between the indoors and outdoors. In cooling mode, it pulls heat out of the house and transfers it by way of refrigerant. In heat mode, it finds ambient heat in the outdoor air, compresses it to a higher temperature and sends it into the house. Because the heat pump doesn’t create heat or burn fossil fuels, there is no combustion process. There are no concerns over greenhouse gasses, fumes, hot surfaces or carbon monoxide. The heat pump is wonderfully environmentally friendly and energy efficient. It is especially safe and clean and works to filter out contaminants. The heat pump helps to combat humidity during the summer and doesn’t cause problems with overly dry air in the winter. The only drawback of the heat pump is that it loses effectiveness when the temperature drops below freezing. The furnace automatically takes over and keeps the home perfectly warm during the worst of winter. The hybrid system has been the perfect solution for our home and our local weather.