Heat pumps are now more popular than ever before. Even in the coldest areas, people are using ductless heat pumps, which have proven highly efficient at keeping homes warm and comfortable. They also help cut heating bills.
Using a heat pump differs from using a standard heating source, such as a furnace. But once you get the hang of it, it’s an easy unit to live with.
Whether you’ve recently installed a heat pump, moved into an apartment with one, or are simply interested in what it’s like to live with one, here are tips given by heat pump repair professionals on how to make your heat pump function better in winter.
Focus on how the room feels. Not the temperature reading
A heat pump measures temperature differently than a traditional heating system. Unlike traditional thermostats, which monitor room temperature, heat pumps employ a sensor inside the device, where the air may be warmer or cooler than the rest of the room. This means that the temperature readout may not accurately reflect the ambient room temperature.
Instead of focusing on the particular temperature readout, consider how you feel in the room. Set your heat pump to a comfortable temperature, then adjust it up or down over a few days until you’ve found the temperature that works best for you.
Avoid tuning the unit.
In the area heated by your heat pump, set the thermostat of your backup heat source 5°F lower than its current setting. If you are used to put it at 68, change it to 63. That way, your backup heat will only turn on if the heat pump cannot maintain your chosen temperature.
You should inquire with your installer about integrated controls that automatically switch between your heat pump and backup system.
You may be used to turning the heat up and down according to your daily schedule. A heat pump, on the other hand, operates best when a specific temperature is maintained.
What you should do is find the appropriate temperature setting, then leave it alone to function. The only exception to this rule is if you are away from your home for more than 24 hours. This way you can reduce the temperature.
In the summer, you can turn your heat pump on and off as needed. When it comes to cooling, leaving your heat pump on 24/7 does not provide significant energy savings, unlike leaving it on throughout the winter. Do whatever feels comfortable in your home.
Avoid setting your heat pump to Auto mode.
It’s easy to imagine that “AUTO” mode would be a more efficient and convenient option, but it’s not. If you use it, your unit may switch between heating and cooling excessively, wasting energy and potentially making your home uncomfortable. Your heat pump will operate most efficiently when set to “HEAT” in the winter and “COOL” in the summer. Note that “AUTO FAN” is a different and acceptable setting.
If this is the first time using a heat pump, familiarize yourself with the different settings and choose the appropriate one.
Give the heat pump space to breathe.
You should give your heat pump at least two feet of clearance so it can breathe. If snow or fallen leaves are common in your area, make sure that your heat pump is elevated off the ground. The appliance requires this area so that when it enters defrost mode, water can efficiently drain away rather than refreeze into ice.
The best way to go about it is to break out the shovel when the snow falls heavily. If you’re going to dig out your car, you should also dig out your heat pump.
You might even be better off getting a small canopy or semi-enclosed hut for your system to provide additional protection from storms.
Ensure that no ice is accumulating on the heat pump
A suffocating heat pump is a miserable heat pump.
A covering of ice will cause it to run less efficiently, increasing your energy expenditures. And you don’t want this.
The cool thing is that there are several ways to solve this issue.
One option is to run the heat pump in reverse in cooling mode. This will heat the coils and may help thaw their frozen coats.
Another option is to manually thaw the ice by pouring room-temperature water over it. When doing it, you should avoid using hot water, as it could cause the metal to break. And you don’t want this.
Keep the filter clean.
Every heat pump has a filter to remove undesired materials, impurities, and pollutants. It is critical to keep this filter clean. A blocked or dirty filter can lower airflow and decrease the efficiency of your equipment.
As a result, the heat pump will have to work more to warm the house. This results in increased power use and higher energy costs. Excess load on your heat pump wears down components and shortens the appliance’s overall lifespan.
This can result in costly repairs or early appliance replacement. Furthermore, unclean air filters can reduce indoor air quality (IAQ) by allowing dirt and other airborne particles to spread throughout the home.
These airborne contaminants can function as allergens, exacerbating respiratory conditions. If you suspect a problem with your filter, contact a heating professional to confirm you have the correct size and determine whether it needs to be replaced.
Keep the heat pump in top shape.
Your heat pump is somewhat like you: it requires an annual checkup to ensure everything is working well. You should keep the interior and outdoor units clean. For a great experience, do this at least once a year.
This will ensure optimal functioning and extend the lifespan of your heat pump. Clean the indoor filters regularly (about once a month). It’s often quick and simple to do.
You can clean it yourself, but for the best results, let an experienced heat pump repair service Port Jefferson professional help you. In addition to the professionals cleaning the unit, they will also help you identify any issues your unit may have and fix them before they worsen.