Heat Pump Tips
Most heating systems burn fossil fuels to keep you warm. Cold-climate air source heat pumps heat your home by taking heat from the air outside and distributing it inside. Air conditioners and refrigerators use the same technology, but heat pumps can both heat and cool.
When used and maintained properly, heat pumps can be significantly more efficient than traditional heating and cooling systems. Use the tips below to help your heat pump work its best as long as possible, maximizing your savings on your energy bills.
Settings
Avoid large or frequent setbacks. Heat pumps work best when you keep your thermostat at a relatively constant temperature all the time. Small adjustments (1-2 degrees) may save you some energy, but large swings in temperature settings aren’t recommended. Large or frequent setbacks can trigger feedback from resistance heating if you have it, or your heat pump may take a while to catch up.
Keep it on. Continue to use your heat pump in very cold weather. It is not advised to shut your heat pump off, even when temperatures fall below zero. Defrost cycles are normal and expected to occur at certain outdoor temps. If you feel like you are not getting enough heat, turn up the temperature on your thermostat and consider setting the air flow at its highest setting to help distribute warm air more evenly throughout the space and reduce cold spots. This is the most efficient setting in terms of heat transfer, and lukewarm air does not mean the heat pump is broken.
Primary heat. Use your heat pump as your primary source of heating and cooling. Even if you kept your older boiler or furnace, turn its thermostat all the way down and let your heat pump do the work.
Modes. If your heat pump is a newer model, you can use “auto” mode to avoid unnecessary mode-switching, as it automatically switches between heating and cooling based on indoor temperature. Older systems, however, may experience short cycling (the cycle of your heat pump is cut short and starts again moments later) if the auto setting is used. It could also lead to heating and cooling battles between HVAC systems. With older systems, set the heat pump mode to “Heat” in the winter and “Cool” in the summer, rather than using the auto mode.
Fan. Start with the setting on Auto Fan. If heat does not spread far enough, set it to the lowest level that will meet your needs. Then adjust the air flow direction for comfort—warm air is best directed downward,because it naturally rises, so directing it downward helps distribute heat more evenly at the occupant level and reduces temperature stratification (warm air collecting near the ceiling). Adjust the vanes to direct air flow where you need heat most.
Zones/Thermostats/Dampers. It’s important to coordinate the thermostats and operation of your heat pump and central system. If your central system has zones, you should turn the thermostat down, or off, for the zone where the heat pump is located. If your central system isn’t zoned, or the zone is large, consider closing dampers, registers, or radiators in the space where the heat pump is located. If remote parts of your home are too cold, slightly increase the temperature on the central system thermostat until all areas of your home reach a comfortable level. This helps prevent conflicting operation and short cycling between systems.
Access
Doors. If you are trying to heat multiple rooms, be sure to open doors between the heat pump and any rooms you’d like to heat. Conversely, close the doors to adjacent rooms if you are only trying to heat the room where the heat pump is installed.
Air Flow. Make sure the airflow is unrestricted around both the outdoor and indoor units. For ductless mini-split systems, keep the indoor unit free of furniture or curtains that block airflow.
Cleaning/maintenance
Filters. Always vacuum or rinse indoor air filters when the indicator light comes on or if they become visibly dirty. At a minimum, clean or replace the filters as recommended by the manufacturer, which could be once a month, depending on how dirty they are. Wash or replace allergen cartridges according to manufacturer recommendations.
Outdoor Units. If you have an air source heat pump, be sure to keep the outdoor unit clear of obstructions, like leaves, debris, snow, ice, or water runoff from the roof. A rain and snow shelter can help minimize the work needed to keep the unit clean. Be sure to trim back any plants or bushes that are touching the unit.
Seasonal. Check on your indoor and any outdoor equipment at least once per season. Make sure there is no obvious damage, like mold, ice buildup, or water dripping from the unit. If you notice an indicator light turned on, be sure to clean the filter before calling a maintenance professional.
Professional Maintenance. Schedule regular maintenance visits with your installer. Consult the manufacturer specs and/or warranty for the recommended intervals (most are every 1-2 years). If you ever notice damage to your heat pump, call your installer to get professional help.