Set your heat pump thermostat to a consistent 68°F (20°C) while home in winter, avoiding large temperature drops. Unlike furnaces, heat pumps are most efficient when maintaining a steady temperature; frequently lowering it (setbacks) forces the system to use expensive emergency/auxiliary heat to recover, increasing energy costs.
The best temperature to set a heat pump in the winter is 68°F (20°C) when you are awake and at home. This temperature strikes the perfect balance between comfort and energy efficiency.
For the most efficient winter operation, set your thermostat to a steady 68°F (20°C) while you are home. Unlike traditional furnaces, heat pumps work best when left alone rather than constantly adjusted. Avoid large temperature "setbacks" (lowering the temp drastically), as this forces the system to work harder to reheat the home.
We would normally recom- mend 18–22°C for a com- fortable environment, but if you prefer your home on the warmer side then we suggest the 22°C mark. Setting a higher temperature is not rec- ommended as the heat pump will work hard to achieve this temperature potentially increasing power usage.
The reality is that it's usually not a good idea to simply keep a heat pump operating all through the night while you're asleep. Instead, you should make sure that you have a programmable thermostat and set it to have it lower the indoor temperatures by 8° to 10°F when people are asleep.
Most heat pumps should complete about two to three cycles per hour, with ten to twenty minutes of downtime between each cycle. If you notice your system cycling too frequently or not enough, it could indicate an underlying issue that needs attention.
If you're not sure how long it takes, try turning the heating on about 30 minutes before you need it. You should turn it off 30 minutes before you'll stop needing it. You might need to turn on your heating earlier if your home takes longer to reach a comfortable temperature.
There are two entirely different HVAC concepts known as the "20-degree rule" for heat pumps. The first is a user guideline that suggests setting your thermostat no more than 20∘F above or below the outdoor temperature. The second is an equipment metric referring to the system's "temperature split" or output efficiency.
If your heat pump is unexpectedly expensive to run, the most common culprits are inefficient auxiliary/backup heat, high local electricity rates, or a system that isn't sized properly.
Heat pumps begin to lose efficiency when outdoor temperatures drop below 40∘F40 raised to the composed with power F𝟒𝟎∘𝐅. At this point, there is less ambient heat to extract from the air, requiring the system to work harder.
To make your heat pump more efficient in winter, maintain a steady thermostat setting rather than drastically adjusting it, and keep the outdoor unit completely clear of snow, leaves, and debris. Regularly check and clean indoor air filters to ensure proper airflow.
Setting your thermostat to 72°F (22∘C22 raised to the composed with power C22∘C) in the winter is not "too high" for comfort, but it is higher than the recommended energy-efficient setting of 68°F (20∘C20 raised to the composed with power C20∘C). While 72°F is comfortable, lowering it slightly can save money and prevent the heating system from working too hard.
The higher the temperature, the more energy the heat pump will use, so anywhere between 18 and 21 is the sweet spot. Spend more time on your couch — It might sound obvious, but heat pumps use the most energy when they're getting a room up to a set temperature.
The minimum winter thermostat temperature depends on your primary goal:
When it's extremely cold outside, the temperature difference is large, which makes it harder for the heat pump to transfer heat effectively. As a result, the heat pump may have to work harder and use more energy to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, which can reduce its overall efficiency.
No, 68°F is not generally considered cold for a house in winter. In fact, experts at the U.S. Department of Energy recommend 68°F as the ideal, energy-efficient temperature for the winter months while you are awake.
Heat Pump Runtime: What to Expect
On average, a heat pump runs in cycles for about 2–3 hours per day. However, this can fluctuate based on the factors listed above. During extreme weather conditions, your system may run continuously to maintain a comfortable environment.
This is especially true if your house has a heat pump. Heat pumps are most efficient until temperatures fall below 30 degrees outside. Once the temps dip below that, heat pumps can't run as efficiently to keep up with the cold, and backup electricity often kicks on.
An overcharged heat pump means there is too much refrigerant in the system, which elevates operating pressures and stresses the mechanical components. Common symptoms include diminished heating and cooling output, unusually high electricity bills, frequent system shutdowns, and sweating or frosted-over lines near the compressor.
Heat pumps don't necessarily "stop working" at specific temperatures, but their efficiency drops significantly as it gets colder.
Running in Temp between 20-26°C
Warm temperatures require adjustments in intensity. Running between 20-26°C may trigger an increase in perceived exertion. Choose lightweight clothing, stay hydrated with water or a sports drink, and be mindful of signs like muscle cramps.
The $5,000 rule is a guideline to help homeowners decide whether to repair or replace their HVAC system. You multiply the age of your unit by the cost of the needed repair. If that number exceeds $5,000, replacing your HVAC system is often more cost-effective.
Heating and energy expert Stephen Hankinson said that one "big energy cost saver" is to make sure you have your heating off when you're not at home. For instance, if you typically arrive home from work at around 6pm on weekdays, you could set your heating to activate just as you walk through the door.
In most homes, Heating and Cooling (HVAC) systems drive the highest energy costs, accounting for nearly 40% to 50% of your total electricity bill. Following these, the appliances that run up your bill the most include water heaters, refrigerators, and laundry machines.
Inadequate or inconsistent insulation, like air leaks, can create hot and cold spots throughout your house. If you've ever seen any of your home's insulation, it's probably what resides in your attic or crawl space.