South Bend, Indiana, experiences just about every possible climate condition.
The summers are short but especially hot and muggy.
Both spring and fall are windy, chilly, wet and bring frequent thunderstorms. Winter is always the longest season, lasting more than half the year. Temperatures are regularly below freezing and can plummet into the negative readings. We can expect more than five feet of snow accumulation, hail, sleet and blizzards. The weather requires running the heating system for around eight months. There is a very brief respite before it’s necessary to start up the central air conditioner. The cost of heating and cooling combine into about fifty percent of the household energy expenses. Although the cost of installing a hybrid heating system was higher than a more conventional option, it saves a great deal on monthly utility bills. My house in South Bend is outfitted with the combination of a gas furnace and electric heat pump. The advantage of this type of system is the heat pump’s ability to provide both heating and cooling. During the summer months, it performs just like a central air conditioner. It is especially good at handling excess humidity and wonderfully environmentally friendly. When the cold weather arrives, the heat pump literally reverses the flow of refrigerant to provide heat. The heat pump doesn’t cause issues with overly dry air and doesn’t burn fossil fuels. It costs a lot less to run than the furnace and handles comfort until outdoor temperature falls below freezing. At that point, the furnace automatically takes over and manages comfort.