Do you know that heating can account for over 35% of your winter power bill? That’s why choosing the best heating option for your home is essential.
Heating pumps are also more cost-effective than traditional ones since they move heat rather than generate it. That said, they’re more energy-efficient and cost-effective in keeping you warm during the winter season.
Heat Pump Works Differently in the Winter
In case you don’t know, heat pumps work differently during winter.
There are also a few precautions that you should be aware of. Thus, you should talk with an Auckland heat pump installer Air Conditioning Specialists before purchasing heat pumps.
6 Tips for Maximizing Heat Pump Performance
Here are six helpful tips that can help you ensure your heat pump performance during winter:
Stop setting it at a high temperature
Placing the settings up to the 90s won’t heat your house any quicker.
What it will do, however, is to burn more energy, especially if your system has an auxiliary/emergency (electric) heat back up.
When you equip your system with a handy home thermostat tailored for a heat pump system, this ensures more comfort and savings on your part.
That’s because the system isn’t turned off when you’re home, allowing you to create a schedule and ensuring a warm, cozy place once you get back.
Clean your filters regularly
Your heating pump circulates air which will pass through a fine mesh filter found inside the heating pump.
Therefore, it’s no surprise that the heat pump will work more efficiently if the dust filter is clean. Clean filters protect the lifespan of your system. It also ensures good indoor air quality.
The dirty air filter will restrict the airflow, and if it’s filled with gunk, your heating pump’s heating function will be working a lot harder.
Reserve “Emergency Heat” for actual emergencies
Just what the name is implying, you should only use this for emergency purposes. Not only is this highly inefficient, but it will drive up your energy bills as well.
Often, this is used when there’s an issue with the first stage of heating (the heat pump itself.)
Let’s say that your place is cold (the heating isn’t working correctly,) and you went out to find out that a tree fell, crushing your heat pump. This is the perfect time to switch to Emergency Heat.
Save your emergency heat only for real emergencies.
Familiarize the different modes of your heat pump
You also have to know the different heat pump modes. Know these different heat pump modes so that you’ll know what works best.
Generally, you might want to avoid the Auto Mode and opt for the Heating Mode instead.
During the Auto Mode, your heat pump stays at a set temperature. It will then switch to cooling and heating each time the room temperature changes to help maintain the equilibrium.
These changes lead to waste of energy. Therefore, Auto Mode is an inefficient way of using your heat pump.
Don’t cover your system
Your system is tailored to survive outdoors. So, you don’t need to cover it during winter. In fact, it’s counterproductive. Covering it at this time can lead to severe issues later on, like mold growth and pest infestation.
If the weather is frigid, then it’s better that you leave the ice alone. That’s because it’s sharp and dangerous to your system, and your heat pump can manage this well during defrost mode.
Defrosting the frozen components of your system is part of normal winter operations. But you have to be aware that this cycle is typically short.
If your system stays this way for a long time, you might have to call a heating repair professional.
Don’t skimp on maintenance
You need regular professional cleaning and maintenance of your heat pump as well. This should be done at least once yearly. Doing so ensures efficient performance and avoids any unexpected breakdowns.
Doing it during the spring and fall also ensures that your systems work efficiently during extreme weather conditions. Therefore, it prevents the need to use emergency services.
If you want to cozy up for the cold weather, make sure to follow the tips listed above. That way, you can maximize your heat pump’s performance during the winter season