In today’s world, energy efficiency and sustainable solutions are more important than ever before. Homeowners are continually searching for ways to reduce energy consumption, lower emissions, and save on energy costs. Mitsubishi Electric’s intelli-HEAT Dual Fuel system is an innovative solution that addresses these concerns. In this blog post, we will discuss how a heat pump works, how the intelli-HEAT system combines gas and electric heating, and the benefits of this versatile dual fuel system.

Understanding Heat Pumps

A heat pump is a device that transfers heat energy from a source to a destination. It works by using a refrigeration cycle to either absorb heat from the outdoor air or release heat to the outdoor air, depending on whether it is heating or cooling your home. This process is energy-efficient, as the heat pump moves heat instead of generating it. In heating mode, the heat pump absorbs heat from the outside air and transfers it to the indoor air, whereas in cooling mode, it extracts heat from the indoor air and releases it outside.

The Intelli-HEAT Dual Fuel System

Mitsubishi Electric’s intelli-HEAT Dual Fuel system is an innovative heating and cooling solution that can function both as a traditional furnace with gas heat and electric cooling, and as an electric heat pump. A key component of this system is the thermostatic expansion valve (TXV), which controls the flow of refrigerant in the system, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency.

In this dual fuel system, the heat pump operates as the primary heating and cooling source. When the outdoor temperature drops below a certain level, the gas furnace automatically kicks in, providing supplemental heat. This seamless integration of gas and electric heating ensures that your home stays warm and comfortable throughout the winter months.

Benefits of the Intelli-HEAT Dual Fuel System

1. Redundancy: The intelli-HEAT system offers the advantage of having two heating sources, providing a backup option in case one system fails. This redundancy ensures that your home remains comfortable even if the heat pump or gas furnace experiences a malfunction.
2. Lower Emissions: By using both electricity and natural gas, the intelli-HEAT system reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional gas-only furnaces. In regions where the electricity is generated from renewable sources, the system has an even lower environmental impact.
3. Lower Costs: The intelli-HEAT system offers cost savings by utilizing the most efficient energy source based on outdoor temperatures. When the heat pump is sufficient to heat your home, it will do so at a lower cost compared to gas heating. The gas furnace will only kick in when necessary, optimizing your energy usage and reducing your energy bills.

Stand-Out Features of the Intelli-HEAT Dual Fuel System

Mitsubishi Electric’s intelli-HEAT Dual Fuel system boasts several unique features that set it apart from other heating and cooling solutions on the market. In this section, we will delve into some of the stand-out features that make the intelli-HEAT system a top choice for homeowners looking for an energy-efficient and versatile heating solution.

1. AI-Driven Switchover Optimization

One of the most impressive features of the intelli-HEAT system is its use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology to determine the most advantageous switchover point between the electric heat pump and gas furnace. By monitoring outdoor temperatures, indoor comfort levels, and energy costs, the AI-driven system ensures that the switchover occurs at the optimal moment, maximizing energy efficiency and keeping your home comfortable.

2. Seamless Integration with Existing Furnace and Ductwork

The intelli-HEAT system is designed for easy installation and compatibility with your existing furnace and ductwork. This means that homeowners looking to upgrade their heating system can do so without the need for costly and extensive modifications to their home. The intelli-HEAT system can be mounted inline with your current furnace, providing a streamlined solution that saves time and money during installation.

3. Hyper-Heating Inverter Technology

Mitsubishi Electric’s intelli-HEAT system also offers an optional hyper-heating inverter (H2i) feature, providing guaranteed operation down to -13°F. This advanced technology ensures that your home remains warm and comfortable even during the coldest winter months. The H2i technology allows the heat pump to maintain its efficiency at low outdoor temperatures, making it an ideal solution for homeowners living in colder climates.

Sizes

The intelli-heat system is available in discrete sizes. The sizes are: 18, 24, 30, 36, and 42 kBTU/h. A general rule of thumb is that houses require 20 BTU per square foot. So the Intelli-Heat is a great system for a 900 – 2,100 SF house. If the house is larger than Intelli-heat can be installed. To get a precise sizing a detailed load calculation, or Manual J, is necessary. To learn more about how to conduct a Manual J see this blog post: A Step-by-Step Guide to Performing a Manual J Load Calculation for Your Residential House

Conclusion

Mitsubishi Electric’s intelli-HEAT Dual Fuel system provides homeowners with a flexible, energy-efficient, and sustainable solution for home heating and cooling. By combining the efficiency of a heat pump with the reliability of a gas furnace, the intelli-HEAT system offers redundancy, lower emissions, and lower costs for homeowners looking to optimize their energy usage and reduce their environmental impact.

More information can be found here: https://www.mitsubishicomfort.com/intelli-heat

For other equipment reviews check out the review page here: Reviews. Or check out our heat pump specific reviews on Carrier and Mitsubishi.