Heat pumps operate most efficiently when holding a steady temperature. Turning heat pumps down when you're away or asleep may actually use more energy than leaving them on. The reason is that they have to work harder to come back to the desired temperature than they do to maintain it.
Set the temperature between 20°C and 22°C. Setting the temperature higher makes it work harder and it will be less efficient. Running a heat pump at 26°C will use 50% more power than at 21°C. If you are not at home during the day, turn the heat pump off when you go out.
How do I run my heat pump efficiently? Use the timer to warm the room just before you get home and switch off when you don't need it. Set the thermostat between 19ºC and 21ºC — this keeps your home warm and dry, while saving power. Set the fan to 'auto' mode — this will let the pump optimise its fan speed.
Heat pumps work most efficiently when maintaining a temperature. Consequently, it is recommended to lower your set point by 3˚ – 5˚ when your system is in the unoccupied or night setting. Most of today's thermostats are programmable and allow you to set a schedule to match your preference.
On the flip side, running a heat pump all day could lead to unnecessary energy use and higher costs, particularly if the house is empty for long periods or is well-insulated and doesn't require constant heating or cooling.
Unlike other heating equipment, heat pumps are most efficient when allowed to hold a steady temperature. So, find the right setting and then leave it alone. It is still recommended to set the temperature back if the home is unoccupied for 24 hours or more. Make sure your existing heating system is turned down.
Know your temperatures
There is a middle point that'll help you with both. Set your heat pump temperature to 18 degrees or above to help fight damp and mould, but below 21 degrees to save on power. The higher the temperature, the more energy the heat pump will use, so anywhere between 18 and 21 is the sweet spot.
It's natural to think "AUTO" mode would be a more efficient setting. But if you use it, your unit runs the risk of toggling unnecessarily between heating and cooling. Your heat pump will run most efficiently when set to "HEAT" in winter and "COOL" in summer.
Heat pumps do not operate as efficiently when temperatures drop to between 25 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit for most systems. A heat pump works best when the temperature is above 40. Once outdoor temperatures drop to 40 degrees, heat pumps start losing efficiency, and they consume more energy to do their jobs.
1. Since the AUTO setting means the fan is only engaged when the system is on, rather than constantly blowing, AUTO is the most energy-efficient option between the two settings. This means you'll be using less energy and saving money on your electric bill by using the AUTO setting. 2.
But why is 68 degrees the best winter thermostat setting? In winter, heat loss through walls, windows, and doors is a significant contributor to energy wastage. At 68 degrees, your heating system provides enough warmth to counteract this heat loss.
In fact, heat pumps can save homeowners 40% on their monthly energy bill compared to a furnace system due to their higher efficiency. When it comes to heat pump energy consumption, there are several factors to consider, such as the size and model of the pump, its efficiency rating, and the size and climate of the home.
Heat pumps operate most efficiently when holding a steady temperature. Turning heat pumps down when you're away or asleep may actually use more energy than leaving them on. The reason is that they have to work harder to come back to the desired temperature than they do to maintain it.
It's expensive to install a heat pump
They cost considerably more than a gas installation. Nevertheless, grants are available to reduce the purchasing cost, which is not the case with gas installations. However, even with such grants, the heat pump is still at least 20% more expensive.
Simply put, it means you should never set your thermostat for a temperature more than 20 degrees cooler than the outside air. Why not? Most air conditioning systems can only handle a 20-degree difference between the outside and inside air temperatures.
Eco Mode is programmed to run your system at a slightly reduced rate to help keep your power consumption to a minimum enabling your to achieve maximum savings. Fan Mode circulates air around the room without providing direct heating or cooling.
Based on an EnergySage analysis of a Department of Energy database, a typical heat pump in a typical home uses 5,475 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year—easily the single biggest energy-user in most houses. That's enough electricity to run nine full-size fridges year round, or power a Tesla Model 3 for 15,000 miles.
A heat pump is an electrical appliance, so running one will add to your electrical use. In many cases, however, that additional electrical use is offset by savings elsewhere. You may also decide that the increased comfort is worth the additional energy costs.
Very Cold or Hot Weather
In more extreme temperatures, air source heat pumps require more electricity to warm or cool the air in your home. Increased electricity usage reduces the heat pump's efficiency and drives up the costs of running it. Air source heat pumps transfer rather than generate heat.
Heat pumps operate more efficiently when heating at lower temperatures of below 45 to 50°C, making them a better match for radiant floors or fan coil systems.
Set It & Forget It: Best practice is to set your heat pump thermostat to your preferred comfortable temperature and then let it be. A heat pump is designed to maintain a steady temperature, working gradually and efficiently. Avoid large temperature set backs.
Lastly, while we do not recommend using “Auto” mode for the heating and cooling function, we do recommend using “Auto Fan” mode to control air circulation as it tends to be the most efficient setting for that function.