9 ways to get the most out of your heat pump all winter
More Vermonters than ever are heating their homes with heat pumps. Even in our cold climate, ductless heat pumps have proven effective for keeping homes warm and cozy. They can also help reduce heating costs.
Using a heat pump is a little different than using a traditional heating source like a furnace. But once you get the hang of it, it's easy.
Whether you just installed a ductless heat pump, moved into an apartment with one, or you're just curious about what it's like living with a heat pump, these tips are for you.
A heat pump measures temperature differently than your old heating system. Unlike conventional thermostats that measure room temperature, ductless heat pumps use a sensor inside the unit, where the air could be warmer or cooler than the rest of the room. That means the temperature reading doesn’t necessarily reflect the ambient room temperature.
Instead of focusing on the specific temperature reading, pay attention to how you feel in the room. Set your heat pump to a comfortable temperature, then adjust the setting up or down over the course of a few days until you’ve reached the temperature number that feels right for you.
In the space being heated by your heat pump, adjust the thermostat of your backup heat source to 5°F lower than its current setting. If you used to set it to 68, turn it to 63. That way, your backup heat will kick on only if the heat pump can't maintain your desired temperature. Ask your installer about integrated controls (see #6), which can automatically switch between your heat pump and your backup system.
You might be accustomed to turning the heat up and down based on your daily schedule. But a heat pump is different: It's most efficient when maintaining a set temperature. Find the right temperature setting (see #2), then leave it alone and let it work! Exception: If you're away from home for more than 24 hours, you can set back the temperature.
In the summer, it’s okay to turn your heat pump on and off as needed. When it comes to cooling, leaving your heat pump on 24/7 doesn’t offer substantial energy savings in the same way that leaving it on all winter does. Do whatever is most comfortable in your home.
Heat pumps are remarkably effective as a primary heat source, even in the winter. Today’s cold-climate heat pumps can handle temperatures as low as -15°F and below. If you only use your heat pump for cooling in the summer, you're missing out on the opportunity to save on heating costs and reduce your carbon footprint. Heat pumps are three times as efficient as traditional heating systems, so you'll use less energy to get the same amount of warmth in your home.
The best way to benefit from a heat pump’s superior efficiency is to use it for as much heating as it can handle. Experiment by opening a few doors to expand the zone, then turn up the fan. You might be surprised how much space a heat pump can heat.
Many Vermonters are worried that a heat pump might not be able to "keep up" on the coldest days. The best gauge is actually you: Are you still warm enough? If your heat pump can keep your home warm at your desired thermostat setting, there's generally no need to switch to your backup heat. If your heat pump is struggling to reach or maintain your desired indoor temperature, then it might be time for supplemental heat. This could also be a sign that your ductless heat pump needs to be cleaned or serviced, or your home could use weatherization. Before you assume it’s too cold for your heat pump, try some adjustments, like:
- Turning the fan up
- Adjusting the settings
- Checking the filter
- Clearing snow or debris from the outdoor unit
- Consider whether it’s time for a professional check-up
You might be surprised how warm your heat pump can keep your home, even on very cold days, if you let it.
It’s natural to think "AUTO" mode would be a more efficient and convenient setting. But if you use it, your unit runs the risk of toggling unnecessarily between heating and cooling, which wastes energy and can make your home uncomfortable. Your heat pump will run most efficiently when set to "HEAT" in winter and "COOL" in summer. Note: "AUTO FAN" is a separate setting, and fine to use.
Strange but true: A heat pump works most efficiently when set to a higher fan speed. Of course, high fan speeds can produce more ambient noise and air movement. Use the highest speed you’re comfortable with, then dial in your preferred temperature setting (see #2).
Integrated controls are an add-on for your ductless heat pump. They effectively automate your full heating system by linking your heat pump to your backup heating. Your contractor can help set it up based on your home’s unique circumstances. There are a few benefits of integrated controls:
- You can rest easily knowing that you're always optimizing your heat pump use.
- With a single thermostat that manages both your heat pump and your backup heat source, you don't have to worry about manually switching back and forth.
- If your integrated controls allow active demand management, meaning your utility can control your heat pump (with your permission) to help manage load on the grid, then you'll be helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Vermont. You may even save money on your electric bill.
Find the Right Pros
Heat Pumps This can be confusing, but it’s pretty simple. Your total heating cost is the sum of your fuel cost (propane, oil, wood, etc.) and your electricity cost from heating (electric baseboard, heat pump, etc.). If you exclusively heat with fossil fuels like oil or propane, your fuel bill equals your total heating cost. If you exclusively heat with electricity, your total heating cost will be embedded in your electricity bill (in addition to your regular home electricity usage). If you have a heat pump and a backup system, your total heating cost will be distributed across your fuel bill and your electricity bill. That means if you start using your heat pump as your primary heating source, your electricity bill will increase, while your fuel bill will decrease. Depending on your backup fuel type and your electricity rate, your total heating costs could decrease.
Your ductless heat pump is a little like you: It needs an annual checkup to make sure everything is running smoothly. The indoor and outdoor unit should be professionally cleaned once a year. This will ensure the best performance and extend the life of your heat pump. Indoor filters need to be cleaned regularly (usually about once a month). It’s generally quick and easy to do. Consult your heat pump’s user manual for details on cleaning and replacing cartridges. Keep the outdoor compressor unit free of debris, snow, and ice.
Ductless heat pumps are most effective in well-insulated spaces. If you already have a heat pump, it’s never too late to weatherize. You can get rebates from Efficiency Vermont to insulate and air-seal your home. Your space will be drier and less drafty, which means the warm air from your heat pump isn’t leaking outside.
It can take time to coordinate how your heat pump works with your backup system. If your heat pump isn’t working as you expected, reach out to your contractor or contact us. We’ll help you troubleshoot.
