BECOP allows us to set the dual fuel switchover point based on operating cost, not guesswork. When combined with bin data, BECOP becomes a powerful tool.

If the bin data shows many hours below the BECOP temperature, dual fuel may save the homeowner significant money. If there are very few hours below that temperature, the heat pump may be the most economical choice year-round.

Bringing the Three B’s Together

When we combine the Three B’s, we gain a complete, data-driven understanding of how a heat pump will perform in a specific home and climate, and at what energy cost.

To summarize:

  1. Balance Point tells us when the heat pump needs help
  2. Bin Data tells us how often the heat pump will need help
  3. BECOP tells us whether that help should come from heat strips or a gas furnace.

This approach moves us well beyond rule-of-thumb sizing and into true system design. It ensures comfort, efficiency, and cost effectiveness while reducing callbacks and improving long-term performance.

The Foundation: A Proper Load Calculation

None of this analysis is possible without an accurate load calculation. Everything begins with understanding the home’s proper heating and cooling requirements.

A whole-house load calculation is good, but for real precision and peace of mind, every home should have a room-by-room load calculation to ensure:

  • Each space receives the airflow it actually needs
  • The equipment is sized correctly for both heating and cooling
  • The balance point is accurate
  • Supplemental heat sizing is correct
  • Dual fuel strategies are based on real data, not assumptions.

When we start with proper load calculations, the Three B’s become powerful tools rather than educated guesses. It’s the difference between installing equipment and designing a system.

Mitch Bailey owns Air Heroes in Modesto, CA. He is a member of ACCA, RSES, and IHACI, and currently holds several NATE certifications, among other qualifications. He is also part of the National Comfort Institute (NCI) training team in California, with more than 49 years of on-the-job experience, and has designed, serviced, and installed thousands of HVAC systems. If you have questions about this article, you can reach Mitch at ncilink.com/ContactMe.

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