Video · Heat Pumps and Heat Strips
Side Discharge Heat Pump Paired With a Gas Furnace: A Dual Fuel Install
A side discharge heat pump blows its air out the side instead of the top, which lets it sit closer to a house. Here it's paired with a new gas furnace in a dual fuel system.
Job footageSwiftPro
- Topic
- Heat Pumps and Heat Strips
- Length
- 0:46
- Posted
- September 28, 2026
- Shot by
- The SwiftPro crew, Northern Virginia
What you’re seeing in this video
In an unfinished basement, a tech in a gray cap crouches at a new gas furnace, a tool bag beside him. Then he stands and talks to the camera about the system he's installing: this furnace inside, and a Rheem side discharge heat pump outside.
He explains the dual fuel idea. The heat pump handles heating and cooling most of the year, and the gas furnace takes over when it gets really cold. He adds that these units are communicating models, adjusting to what the house needs so the temperature swings less.
All right, walking up on my man Oscar. He is installing unit here in the basement. This is a new furnace, right? Yes, dual fuel system.
Yeah. Gas furnace, heat pump outside. Yeah, we've got the side discharge, beautiful Rheem. You like the dual fuel systems?
Yes. It's nice, right? They combine the best of electrical and gas. So, you still have your gas furnace to heat it up when it's super cold, but the rest of the time those heat pumps do a great job at keeping the house comfortable.
Side discharge units from Rheem. They are communicating units, and so they have the ability to adjust based on what the house needs temperature-wise and can control the air a lot a lot a lot better. The temperature does not fluctuate as much.
Why it matters in your house
- A dual fuel system uses the heat pump when it's most efficient and switches to gas below a set outdoor temperature. In Northern Virginia winters, that's a practical split.
- Side discharge units are shorter and narrower than a traditional top-blowing condenser. They fit along a wall or in tight side yards, but still need clear space in front of the fan.
- Communicating systems let the furnace, heat pump and thermostat share information and adjust speed. That means fewer hard starts and steadier temperatures room to room.
Why choose a side discharge heat pump?
Mostly for space. A side discharge unit is shorter and slimmer than a top-blowing outdoor unit, so it can tuck along a wall, under a window or into a narrow side yard where a tall unit won't fit. Many are variable speed and communicating, which helps hold steady temperatures. It still needs open air in front of its fan.
Want it done at your place? See Heat Pumps and Heat Strips at SwiftPro or call (703) 997-9757.
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