BEST PRACTICES FOR USING & MAINTAINING YOUR HEAT PUMP
Getting to Know Your Heat Pump There are a few things that make heat pumps different from traditional heating equipment. Heat pumps naturally develop frost on the outdoor unit during operation, so all heat pumps have defrost cycles that occur for a few minutes, every hour or so, when it’s cold outside. The unit may make gurgling sounds and briefly stop heating, but this is normal.
Heat pumps also run longer, and quieter, than their furnace counterparts. The indoor unit is typically very quiet, and the outdoor unit is typically no louder than your refrigerator. Variable speed heat pumps will be quieter than single-stage versions. The increased run times provide additional benefits such as added filtration and reduced temperature differences throughout your home. In general, modern heat pumps maintain a warm output temperature even at below zero outdoor temperatures, but the air coming from the unit may not feel as “hot” as a conventional furnace. Heat pumps are an easy HVAC system to use and maintain since they use the same components for both heating and cooling. Homes with an air conditioner and a furnace have two entirely separate units to provide heating and cooling which are likely using different energy or fuel sources. Like all heating and cooling systems, proper maintenance is key to efficient operation. Operation & Settings Set Your Thermostat to Your Comfort Level. Depending on the outside temperature and heating distribution of your home, you may need to set your heat pump temperature higher or lower to achieve your desired comfort level. Many home owners that are new to heat pumps find that the cooler air temperature coming out of the vents (or indoor units) and the higher air flow speeds may need to adjust the temperature setting to feel comfortable when it’s cold outside. This setting can be 2-3 degrees higher than the old temperature setting.
Set It & Forget It. Best practice is to set your heat pump thermostat to your preferred comfort level and then let it be. It’s designed to maintain a steady temperature, working gradually and efficiently. Avoid large setbacks while you’re out or sleeping. Stick within four degrees of your preferred temperature. It will continue to heat (or cool) at a slow and steady pace, which enhances comfort and saves you money.
Avoid Auto Mode. Use the ‘Heat’ or ‘Cool’ mode on the thermostat or controller rather than ‘Auto’ temperature setting to avoid unnecessary switch overs on cool summer nights or sunny winter days. As the seasons change, simply adjust your system’s controller to meet the desired temperature that feels most comfortable. In spring and summer consider dry mode, if your unit has one, to reduce humidity without adding cooling.
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ELECTRIC HEAT PUMP CUSTOMER BUYING AND OPERATION GUIDE FOR SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES
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