Using a Heat Pump efficiently

The EECA confirms heat pumps are the most efficient type of electric heating you can get for your home - this is why they are rapidly increasing in numbers and popularity.  However like any appliance, if used unwisely they will not provide you with the energy efficiency they are capable of - so it PAYS to know how to use a heat pump.

Tips for using a heat pump

Do not run your heat pump 24/7

You would not run your bar heating for 24 hours a day, so why would you run your heat pump that way.  Even though a heat pump will use around 30% of the power of a 2400w conventional heater it still uses electricity!  There is no sense in heating rooms which are not being used - this is only wasting electricity.

Don't set the temperature higher than you need it - aim for around 18 - 22 degrees.

Your heat pump will not heat a room faster if your crank up the temperature - it will just use a lot more energy.  Aim for a minimum of 18ºC while you are using a space (or 20ºC if you have children, elderly or people who are unwell in the home) and 16ºC in bedrooms overnight. On the other hand if you've noticed you're increasing the temperature more and more take time to clean your filters - refer following tip.  

Clean your Heat Pump

A Heat Pump benefits greatly from regular cleaning and maintenance.  Vacuum or wash out your filters regularly as per the manufacturers instructions.  Your Heat Pump performance can be reduced by as much as 30% if the filter and internal coil are not clean.  We also recommend you have your heat pump professionally serviced and cleaned annually.

Is your Heat Pump correctly sized?

This is so incredibly important and is responsible for a many bad heat pump experiences.  A heat pump that has been incorrectly sized for the area it is to heat will not run efficiently nor effectively.  It will struggle to bring the area up to temperature and operate at full capacity for longer than it should making it much less energy efficient!  Make sure your heat pump is supplied and installed by a reputable dealer and ensure it is sized correctly - ask for information and verification that the correct model has been selected for you sized area and climate.  A reputable dealer should NEVER install a heat pump that has been incorrectly sized - sadly however in this competitive market many inexperienced installers are doing just that and it is unfortunately becoming increasingly common.  Be aware!  Always use a reputable dealer.

Use the Timers

Take the time to learn the timer features and how to use your heat pump.  Many heat pumps today come with seven day timers, timers to turn them on, turn them off and to turn them down.  Timers can ensure you are only heating areas when they need it and alleviate the need to keep the heat pump running when you're not home.  

Be aware of the AUTO mode!

The AUTO mode will switch the unit between heating and cooling automatically.  However, this setting does not provide the most efficient and responsive operation as it will not only heat your home but will also cool it automatically if it gets warm! Set the unit to HEAT mode or COOL mode depending on what you want.  NB/ This is not to be confused with the AUTO fan, which can be preferred over the other fan settings so the unit automatically use the optimal fan speed.

Look for the ENERGY STAR

While heat pumps are the most efficient way of using electricity, some are more efficient

 than others. The ENERGY STAR mark is only awarded to the most efficient heat pumps on the market (for both heating and cooling modes). Choosing an ENERGY STAR heat pump could save you $150 a year on running costs, compared to a non-qualified model.

Only heat the space you're actually using

Shut doors and curtains to keep the heat in.

Avoid using it as an air conditioner when you can.

Open windows and doors on either side of the house to get a 'through' breeze. Close curtains on hot, sunny days to help keep your home cool and shady.