• SET FOR COMFORT. Do you have a wall-mounted heat pump air handler?
Because hot air rises and heat pumps measure temperature at the indoor
units (which are closer to the ceiling), you may find you need to set your heat
pump at a different temperature than you’re used to with a traditional system.
• AVOID “AUTO” MODE ON HOT AND COLD DAYS. The “Auto” mode on heat
pumps allows the heat pump to decide whether to heat or cool the space,
but this isn’t the most efficient setting for all circumstances. To avoid
accidentally air conditioning on a midwinter sunny day, for example, use
“Heat” mode, not “Auto.” Likewise, to avoid accidentally heating on a cool
summer night, use “Cool” “Dry,” or “Fan,” not “Auto” in the summer.
• SET IT AND FORGET IT IN THE WINTER. Heat pumps operate most efficiently
when holding a steady temperature. Turning a heat pump down when you’re
away or asleep may actually use more energy than leaving it on — because
it has to work harder to come back to the desired temperature than it does to
maintain it. Set your heat pump at a comfortable temperature and forget it.
An air-tight and insulated building enclosure will make it even more efficient!
• MATCH THE SUMMER MODE TO THE WEATHER AND YOUR NEEDS. There are
three heat pump modes for cooling. “Fan” mode uses the least energy
and may suffice when you need a little relief, but be sure to turn it off when
you leave since it will not cool the room. “Cool” mode is the best choice for
lowering the temperature and may suit the hottest days.
• OPTIMIZE FAN SPEED. If your unit has adjustable fan settings, seasonal
adjustments to the fan speed, will help you optimize comfort and do a better
job of mixing the air in your home. Maintaining temperatures on mild days
typically works best with “Auto Fan” mode
• USE YOUR HEAT PUMP ALL WINTER. High-performance heat pumps are the
most efficient heating system, even on the coldest winter day. If you have
both a heat pump and a boiler or furnace, your heat pump is the more
energy-efficient choice.
• USE YOUR HEAT PUMP BEFORE YOUR BOILER OR FURNACE. For homes heated
by both a heat pump and a boiler or furnace, relying on the heat pump
whenever possible will maximize savings. This can mean different things in
different homes, like setting the boiler or furnace thermostat lower or closing
the fuel-based heat source.
• UNDERSTAND HEATING. A heat pump does not operate like a gas furnace. The
temperature of heated air from a heat pump is around 90 degrees, which
is lower than human body temperature. As such, it may feel like cool air is
coming out of the register, but it really isn’t — it’s just cooler than your body
temperature. The room itself should be as warm as you set the temperature for.
• FOR DUAL SYSTEMS, DON’T LEAVE YOUR EXISTING HEATING SYSTEM
CRANKED UP. If you still have a gas furnace in your home, leave it off unless
your heat pump is struggling to provide sufficient heat. In some systems, this
may be automatic.
• CLEAN YOUR AIR FILTERS. Heat pumps work best when air filters are clean.
Vacuum or rinse the air filters whenever they become visibly dirty or when
the indicator light comes on. The frequency of cleaning can range from
weeks to months depending on use and dust volume. For details on how to
take the filters out, consult your user manual.
• KEEP YOUR OUTDOOR UNIT CLEAR. Keep shrubs away from outdoor units
and remove leaves that may become stuck in them, being careful not to
bend the fins. If you live in an area where there may be colder weather, heat
pumps will automatically defrost.
• HAVE YOUR HEAT PUMP PROFESSIONALLY SERVICED. Unlike a traditional HVAC
system, heat pumps may not require two services a year. To ensure peak
performance, follow manufacturers’ recommendations for professional
service in addition to regular filter cleaning. Servicing your heat pump in the
fall or spring is best. Contact your installer for more details.
