It is logical to assume setting to 'Auto' mode will maximize a heat pump's operation, but it actually results in the unit unnecessarily toggling between
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.
Although it seems counter-intuitive, a heat pump runs at its most efficient if it is left on all the time, rather than short blasts of heat in the morning and evening. This is because it is far easier to maintain a cosy temperature than it is to heat up your home from a cold baseline.
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.
Temperature Settings: Keep your home between 68°F to 72°F during the day and lower to 62°F to 66°F at night or when away. Mode Selection: Use Heat mode over Auto to avoid unnecessary energy use and system strain. Humidity Control: Maintain indoor humidity between 30% and 50% to improve comfort and efficiency.
' To achieve an optimal balance between performance and energy usage, we recommend that you set your heat pump / air conditioner temperature between 23-26 degrees (cooling) in summer and 18-21 degrees (heating) in winter.
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.
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.
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.
Optimal Heat Pump Settings for Summer
During the summer months, the ideal setting for your heat pump is around 78 degrees Fahrenheit (25.5 degrees Celsius) according to the US Department of Energy. This setting allows the heat pump to efficiently cool your home while reducing humidity and energy consumption.
Heat pumps are designed to run continuously. A good starting temperature to set is 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
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.
It's fine to adjust temperatures up and down as needed for comfort (e.g. turn it down at night if you like it a bit cooler). However, unlike conventional heating systems, deep setbacks of cold- climate heat pumps may cost you energy and money! Avoid turning heat pump unit(s) “on” and “off” to control the temperature.
For winter heating, aim for the lowest comfortable setting, around 68-70°F when occupied. Recommended configuration includes: Set the system to “heat” or “auto” and increase the temperature to 68-70°F during occupied hours. Program the thermostat to lower temperatures to around 62-65°F when away or asleep.
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.
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.
Temperature matters
Heat pumps are more efficient than most other systems, but they can still increase your bill if they aren't used properly. It might be tempting to drop the temperature down to 60 degrees on a hot summer day, but the heat pump will need a lot of electricity to drop in temperature that much.
Top tips for making the most of your heat pump:
Don't leave your heat pump on all the time, unless your house is very well insulated. That includes the windows. Program your heat pump to turn on before you come home from work. If you come home and it's really cold, crank up the fan level to heat the room quickly.
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.
Your home won't cool down any quicker if you set the temperature lower, but your unit will work a lot harder – meaning you'll use more energy. To get the most out of your heat pump in winter, we recommend setting the temperature to 18-22 °C in heating mode for optimal energy efficiency and cosiness.
A heat pump is designed to maintain a steady temperature, working gradually and efficiently. Avoid large temperature set backs. If you can't resist adjusting your thermostat, try not to lower the set point by more than 2ᵒC or so in colder weather to minimize significant fluctuations.
No, heat pumps do not need to run constantly in the winter. Most heat pumps are designed to cycle on and off as needed to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. That said, if it is very cold outside, it may need to run continuously at times to maintain warmth in your home.