You’ve got a brand new shiny heat pump installed. Now what?

A heat pump is a great investment that can help keep your home comfortable and energy-efficient all year round.

To get the most out of your heat pump, there are a few things you should be doing regularly to keep it running smoothly.

Let’s take a look at a few ways to get the most out of your heat pump.

Most Efficient Ways To Run Your Heat Pump

Clean your filter regularly

Since your air source heat pump circulates air, the mesh filter (which is supposed to be clean) gets dirtier and less efficient, so you should clean it once a month at the very least.

Dirt in the filter restricts airflow and makes the heat pump work harder to circulate air, which will impact both its efficiency and its lifespan.

If you have pets or live in a dusty area, you may need to clean your filter more often.

Check and clean the outdoor unit

Your heat pump’s outdoor unit also needs to be checked and cleaned regularly, as it can get clogged with leaves, dirt, and other debris.

Again, this will decrease the heat pump’s efficiency and shorten its lifespan.

Make sure there is nothing blocking the outdoor unit

Trim any branches that are close to the unit, and make sure there is at least a foot of clearance all around it. This will ensure that the heat pump has enough airflow and can operate properly.

Keep your heat pump serviced

Regular servicing of your heat pump is important to keep it running efficiently and prolong its lifespan.

During a service, a technician will check the various parts of the heat pump to make sure they are working properly and make any necessary repairs or adjustments.

They will also clean the outdoor unit and replace any filters that need to be replaced.

DON’T leave your heat pump running all-day

A lot of articles recommend leaving your heat pump on 24/7. However, this is not necessary and will actually increase your energy bill.

The most efficient way to use your heat pump is to set it to come on a few hours before you need it and turn it off a few hours before you go to bed.

This will ensure that your home is comfortable when you need it, without wasting energy when you don’t.

Use a thermostat

Using a thermostat with your heat pump will help you to control the temperature of your home more efficiently.

A thermostat can be set to turn the heat pump on and off at certain times of the day or night, or when the temperature reaches a certain level.

This means that you won’t have to waste energy heating your home when it’s not occupied or needed.

Aligning your heat pump timings with your daily routine is a more cost-effective method of utilizing your heat pump, especially if no one is at home during the day. It all boils down to good planning!

Familiarize yourself with the different modes

All heat pumps and all homes are different. That’s why it’s a good idea to take some time to understand what different modes your heat pump has, and what they do.

Air source heat pumps have an “active” mode, which means that the heat pump unit is running at full speed to circulate air and extract as much energy as possible from the air around it.

It also has a “boost” mode, in which controlled heat can be sent for a short period of time if you need extra warmth quickly (for example, if someone comes home early or if it’s getting close to bedtime).

If you want to set up heating schedules or make other adjustments manually, your system may have a self-adjusting ‘intelligent’ mode that automatically adjusts its settings based on factors like outside temperature and weather patterns.

This will help save energy and ensure that the heat pump is operating at its most efficient.

Place it in the right place

Installing your heat pump in the right place is really important.

There are two important things to consider:

• The size of your heat pump
• The placement of your heat pump

The size of your heat pump

The size of the heat pump you need to install is directly related to the size of the property you want to heat with it.

You want to make sure that you get a heat pump that is powerful enough to effectively heat your home, but not so large that it wastes energy or causes other problems.

A heat pump should also be installed in an area that is simple to access to maintain. You don’t want it to be difficult to get to or require scaffolding or ladders in order to access it. As a result, it’s ideally positioned at the rear of the house on the ground floor.

The placement of your heat pump

A heat pump component weighs around 120 pounds and should always be placed in a shaded area that is not exposed to direct sunlight. Place it directly on the side of, or behind, the house without placing it too close to any bushes or greenery (this might result in airflow difficulties).

Clear airflow is key to the proper function of any heat pump.

In order for your heat pump’s outside unit to operate safely, it requires 24 inches of clearance on all sides (minimum).

Typically, if your heat pump was installed by a contractor, he or she will set you up for success by ensuring that there are at least two feet of clearance. If not, the heat pump may have to be reinstalled.

A heat pump may only be installed in such a manner that the unit receives adequate airflow. The minimum distance to the wall is 150 mm if positioned parallel to one. A clean zone of at least 1 m in front of the heat pump is required.

Just heat the rooms you are using

Where possible, only heat the rooms you are using.

If you have a living room and dining room that share a wall, it’s a good idea to only heat one of them at a time. The same goes for any other rooms in your home that are not being used.

This will save you money on your energy bills and help to prolong the life of your heat pump.

Invest in some insulation

If you want to get the most out of your heat pump, it’s a good idea to invest in some insulation.

Good insulation will help to keep the heat in your home, which means that your heat pump won’t have to work as hard (and use as much energy) to maintain a comfortable temperature.

There are a number of different types of insulation available, so it’s worth doing some research to find the best option for your home.

Use a timer

If you have a heat pump with an active mode, you can use a timer to control when it’s on and off.

This is a great way to cut back on your energy use, particularly if you tend to be away from home during the day.

Using a timer can also help enhance the overall performance of your heat pump by helping it switch on and off at times when the temperature is more optimal for heating.

Which Heat Pumps Are The Best?

As long as it is used in the right way and under the right conditions, an air source heat pump can be an excellent source of heating and hot water.

There are all sorts of things you need to know though, like which type is best for your needs, how it operates under different weather conditions, etc.

The main thing is choosing the correct size for your home, and making sure it is installed properly. Once installed though, you can begin to get the most out of it.

FAQs

Should you turn off underfloor heating in the summer?

There really is no point keeping underfloor heating on in the summer, as it will waste energy and increase your energy bills. In most cases, you can simply turn it off when the weather is warm. When it’s time to switch the heating on again, follow the exact same steps you used when you first installed it.

What is the best way to clean a heat pump?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as different models of heat pumps will require different types and levels of maintenance. Generally speaking, you should clean your heat pump at least once a year by vacuuming dust and debris from the coils and fins.

You may also need to clean the air filter more frequently, depending on the type of heat pump you have. Consult your heat pump’s manual for specific cleaning instructions.

How does a heat pump work in summer?

Since heat pumps can both heat and cool your home, they are ideal for use in all seasons. In the summer, a heat pump will work to remove heat from your home and transfer it outside. This helps to keep your home cool and comfortable during the hotter months.

What temperature should I set my heat pump?

According to the Department of Energy, 68°F is the optimal temperature for most heat pumps. However, this may vary depending on your specific model and climate conditions. To ensure that your heat pump is working as efficiently as possible, it’s a good idea to consult the manual or contact the manufacturer directly.

Should I turn down my heat pump at night?

You don’t need to turn down your heat pump at night, as it will likely go into a “sleep” or “off” mode automatically. However, if you live in a warm climate, you may want to set the temperature a few degrees lower than usual to save energy.