Heat pumps do not generate heat; they instead transfer it from one location to another, where they capture heat from the outdoors for use in your home. Despite the cold temperatures, they can still extract heat from the air.
While this is the case, when temperatures fall below freezing, they lose some operational efficiency. Fortunately, you can ensure tip-top performance of your unit by using winter heat pumps wisely.
You should note heat pumps perform differently in the winter than in the summer. To get the most out of your energy expenditures and extend the life of your heat pump system, you need to take measures when using your unit in the winter.
Some of the measures that you need to take, as given by heat pump repair service professionals, include:
Don’t crank up the temperature
Increasing the thermostat settings to the 90s will not heat your home any faster. It will, however, consume significantly more energy, especially if your system is equipped with an auxiliary/emergency (electric) heat backup.
Equipping your system with a smart home thermostat built specifically for use with a heat pump system will help you achieve both comfort and savings by turning off your system when you are not there and assisting you in developing a schedule to ensure a lovely, warm home when you return.
Let the heat pump do its thing.
A crucial piece of advice during the cooler winter months is simply to let the heat pump do its job. It has been configured to suit your home and needs, so there is no need to change your settings; if something is wrong, contact your local installer.
In between annual servicing, keep an eye on your exterior unit and sweep away any debris, such as falling leaves, to ensure peak efficiency.
During freezing spells, ice can accumulate on the outside unit, and you may notice the system emitting steam or making a low hissing sound; this is normal and indicates that the system is defrosting itself, so you don’t need to do anything.
Do not cover your system.
Your system is designed to withstand the tough weather elements and does not require winter protection. Covering your system can result in significant issues, including mold growth and bug infestation. And you don’t want this, do you?
In cold temperatures, let the ice alone. It’s sharp and harmful to you and your system, and your heat pump should handle it in defrost mode.
Don’t force the heat pump to produce more heat.
No matter how chilly it gets, never cover your outdoor unit. Heat pumps require constant unrestricted airflow and anything that blocks them will reduce the system’s efficiency (and increase your operating costs).
Your heat pump has been programmed to provide the ‘correct’ amount of comfort for your specific home, so don’t be tempted to add extra heat. As mentioned above, turning up the temperature won’t heat your home faster, but it will use more energy.
The right thing to do is to set your domestic hot water temperature to 48°C. Once a week, your heat pump will raise the hot water temperature to 60-65°C to ensure the safety of your supply, but this occurs on its own.
Don’t worry about the defrost mode.
This mode concerns some homeowners, but defrosting frozen system components is part of routine winter operation. Keep in mind, however, that this cycle is usually short. If your system is in this mode for an extended period, it may require heating repair services.
Take good care of your unit.
Have your heat pump serviced by an experienced technician at least once a year to ensure that it performs optimally. You should also register your system with expert technicians to receive regular servicing reminders.
You also need a soft hand brush to keep the outdoor unit clean and clear of anything blocking airflow. Call your installer immediately if you suspect something is amiss with the system.
You should always aim to maintain room temperatures at the suggested levels: 21°C for kitchens, dining, and living areas and 18°C for bedrooms and corridors.
If there are rooms in the house you aren’t using, cool them (15°C) if you can’t turn them off. Keep internal doors closed at all times so that each zone is not affected by lower or higher temperatures from adjacent rooms.
Regularly check the refrigerant levels.
The refrigerant levels and compressor condition have a significant impact on the performance of your heat pump. Insufficient refrigerant can significantly reduce heating capacity, so if you detect a drop in performance, see a certified technician to determine and resolve any refrigerant leakage issues with your system.
Similarly, you should regularly inspect the compressor, which is crucial to the heating process, to verify that it functions correctly.
Enhance the cold resistance of your unit.
Increasing your heat pump’s tolerance to low temperatures is critical if you live in severely cold areas. Some of the things you can do include insulating the key components of your unit, such as pipes and the outside unit, which come in handy in reducing heat loss while increasing efficiency.
In places where temperatures consistently fall below -15°C, supplementary heating equipment can augment the heat pump’s effectiveness, keeping your home warm even in the worst conditions.
Keep the filter clean.
The cleanliness of your air filter has a direct impact on your heat pump’s efficiency. A blocked filter reduces airflow, making it more difficult for the system to distribute warm air throughout your home.
You should clean the filter after or before the heating season, but if you have dogs or a lot of dust, you may need to clean it more often. To achieve the most outstanding results, rinse the filter well with warm water and allow it to dry thoroughly before reinstalling.
Parting shot
These are some of the things you can do to keep your heat pump in top shape. When working with heat pump repair Port Jefferson professionals, ensure you are working with experienced professionals who know what they are doing. The last thing you want is someone who causes more problems in your unit than was originally there.