Heat Pump User Tips

Use Your Heat Pump All Winter

High-efficiency heat pumps are the most effective way to heat your home, even on those extremely cold winter days. If you have a heat pump and a boiler or natural gas furnace, your heat pump can keep you comfortably warm and is the most efficient choice. 

Set it and leave it alone

Heat pumps operate with optimal efficiency when maintaining a consistent temperature. Lowering heat pump settings during periods of absence or sleep may increase energy consumption, as it requires more energy to return to the desired temperature than to sustain it. Unlike with boilers and furnaces, making temperature adjustments, like overnight changes, does not lead to energy savings with heat pumps.

Set the temperature for comfort

Many heat pump indoor units are mounted up high. Because heat rises and the indoor units measure the temperature, you may need to set your heat pump at a higher temperature than traditional wall thermostat settings for comfort. You may not need to increase the temperature to experience the same comfort on heat pumps with floor units or wall-mounted thermostats.

Avoid the "Auto" mode

In "Auto" mode, heat pumps maintain a consistent temperature by alternating between "Cool" and "Heat" modes. To prevent your air conditioning from kicking in during a mid-winter sunny day or when a wood stove or fireplace is in use, use the "Heat" mode instead of "Auto" mode in the winter. Similarly, to avoid accidental heating, use the "Cool," "Dry," or "Fan" mode instead of "Auto" in the summer.

Optimize fan speed

Start with the fan setting on "Auto Fan." If that doesn’t distribute the heated or cooled air throughout the space, adjust the fan speed to the lowest level that meets your needs.

Optimize the direction of airflow

Redirecting airflow on a heat pump is simple. To maximize coverage, direct the air towards the furthest open space from the indoor unit and away from obstructions. You may need to test a few settings before finding the direction of airflow that’s comfortable for you.

Clean your dust filters regularly

Heat pumps operate at their best with clean dust filters. Vacuum or rinse the filters when they look dirty or when the indicator light signals to clean them. How often you clean the dust filters depends on usage and dust accumulation. Typically, they require cleaning every few weeks to months. Consult your user manual for filter removal instructions.

Keep your outdoor units clear

Keep shrubs and other plants or objects away from outdoor units and gently remove leaves to prevent obstruction. Be careful not to bend the fins. Clear snow drifts away from outdoor units, but don’t worry about snow and ice accumulation, as heat pumps have automatic defrosting mechanisms.

Schedule professional cleaning for your heat pump

Follow your heat pump manufacturers' recommendations for professional cleaning and regular dust filter maintenance to keep your heat pump operating at peak performance.

Match the summer mode to your preferences

For summer, heat pumps offer three modes. "Fan" consumes minimal energy and offers some relief but does not cool the room, so remember to turn it off when you leave the space. "Dry" mode reduces humidity, bringing comfort during warm and muggy conditions. "Cool" mode lowers temperatures and is suitable for the hottest days.