If you want your home to have the most efficient HVAC system and meet your heating and cooling needs, you should take a look at heat pumps. But owning one comes with the responsibility of taking care of it. Considering that comfort systems can cost a considerable amount of money, you should do everything you can to ensure your heat pump lasts for as long as it can. With proper usage, you will enjoy the best performance, the most energy savings, and the most lifespan out of your heat pump.
Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning is your trusted HVAC company in Maple Grove MN. We have been helping homeowners like you establish comfortable and energy-efficient homes for over four decades now.
Here are heat pump usage tips you might want to consider.
Set the temperature properly.
In terms of reading the temperature of a room, a heat pump works differently compared to your old heating system. Set your heat pump to a comfortable temperature and make little but accurate adjustments over a few days until you’ve reached your desired setting.
Making big jumps upward or downward can activate the backup heater, making your setup less energy-efficient. Keep in mind that heat pumps circulate air that feels cool out of the vent, but is warm enough to heat the house properly.
To save energy, lower the temperature a few degrees overnight or when you’re away for several hours. Some heat pumps are equipped with programmable thermostats that are designed to automatically make adjustments without relying on additional heating systems.
Normally, the backup heating unit automatically starts when the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. To increase your system’s efficiency, set the thermostat to 68 to 70 degrees during the cold months and 78 to 80 during the hot months. Doing so will enable your thermostat to work without triggering the automatic start of the backup heating system.
You don’t have to set the temperature back at night.
If you have a two-stage thermostat, you don’t have to change the settings at night because turning the heat back up in the morning may activate the backup resistance heater, which can easily erase all energy savings you collected from turning it down throughout the night. In case you want to lower the temperature at night to make your sleep more comfortable, slowly increase the setting a few degrees at a time in the morning and check the thermostat indicator to make sure the backup heater is not activated.
Make sure your heat pump has proper airflow.
Any HVAC equipment needs enough space to have proper airflow. For the indoor part of your heat pump, be sure to clear the area surrounding it and keep all furniture away from the unit. Avoid blocking the vents and registers to ensure proper airflow. For the outdoor unit, keep it clear from plants, shrubs, leaves, and similar items.
Change your filters regularly.
Your heat pump’s filter plays an important role in its overall performance. It traps airborne contaminants, such as dirt, dust, and dander, which can hamper the system’s airflow if the filter is clogged. Also, a dirty filter can cause your system to overheat, force it to work harder and use more energy while failing to deliver a comfortable temperature. To avoid these problems, simply check your filter once every 30 days and clean it as needed. If you have a replaceable filter, you can buy one from your favorite home improvement store.
Restart the unit properly.
In case of a power outage of more than 30 minutes, you will need to manually restart the system. While the power is still out, you can use the heat pump’s emergency heat. When power comes back, wait for about an hour before programming the heat pump to its normal setting. The refrigerant may need to heat up first before turning the unit back to a normal setting.
Ask the Experts in Home Comfort
For more information on proper heat pump care, call Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning. We offer comprehensive heat pump maintenance, ensuring optimum performance and outstanding energy efficiency for your heat pump. We are your reliable Plymouth heating and air conditioning company.