How to Get the Most Out of Your New Heat Pump

How to get the most out of your new heat pump. If you’ve recently made the jump to a heat pump for a more energy efficient and environmentally friendly home, you’re undoubtedly excited to see the difference in your home’s comfort and energy bills. But, like any technology, heat pumps must be properly maintained and looked after to get the most out of them throughout their lifespan.

SmartHouse Heating & Cooling is a full-service HVAC contractor serving the St. Louis area that bases our services on integrity and the highest-quality workmanship. Read on to see our tips for maintaining your heat pump and keeping it efficient for years to come. If you’re looking for heating or cooling services in the St. Louis area, call SmartHouse at 314-370-1816, text us at 314-310-2242, or contact us online today.

How to Get the Most Out of Your New Heat Pump

Utilizing Efficient Thermostat Practices

• Set a schedule for your heat pump — Continuously adjusting the thermostat can cause your heat pump to work harder than necessary, leading to inefficiencies. Instead, program a schedule based on your comfort and lifestyle and let the system do the rest. This allows the heat pump to keep you comfortable while optimizing its efficiency and prolonging its lifespan.
• Avoid the system’s “auto” mode — “Auto” mode (for the system, not the fan) can cause the system to frequently switch between heating and cooling, increasing wear on the equipment and consuming more energy. Instead, it’s advisable to manually select either the “heat” or “cool” mode based on the season.
• Smart thermostats — The evolution of thermostat technology has brought us smart thermostats, a game-changer for a home’s heating and cooling system. These devices allow you to adjust climate settings when you’re away, and they also learn your habits and preferences, adjusting the settings accordingly for maximum comfort and energy savings.

Seasonal Tips for Optimal Performance

Winter Usage

• Regularly inspect the outdoor unit to make sure it’s free from snow, ice, leaves, or other debris. Restricted airflow can diminish efficiency and even damage your system.
• Maintain a clear area around the unit to minimize ice accumulation.
• If you have a furnace or boiler, set it to 5-10 degrees lower than your heat pump. This way, the heat pump serves as the primary heat source and only in extremely cold conditions does the secondary system kick in.
• Insulate your home properly. Check for drafts around windows, doors, and other openings, and seal them to keep the warm air in and the cold air out.

By adhering to these winter-specific practices, you can ensure that your heat pump provides consistent warmth throughout the season while operating at its highest efficiency.

Summer Usage

• Resist the urge to set your thermostat too low. It won’t cool your home faster but will work your system harder and increase your energy consumption. A comfortable range for most people is between 72-78 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Ceiling or oscillating fans can help distribute the cool air more evenly throughout your home, allowing you to feel cooler without having to lower the thermostat.
• Close blinds or curtains to block out direct sunlight, and avoid using heat-generating appliances during the hottest parts of the day. This helps reduce the amount of work your heat pump has to do.
• Check for drafts around windows and doors and seal them. This ensures the cool air stays inside and the hot air remains outside, enhancing the efficiency of your heat pump.

Routine Care and Maintenance

• DIY Monthly or Seasonal Checks — There are a variety of things homeowners can do routinely to ensure they get the most out of their heat pump:
  • Check and clean or replace filters
  • Keep outdoor and indoor units unobstructed
  • Periodically check to make sure the condensate drain line isn’t clogged
• Annual Professional Tune-Ups — Just like with a conventional heating system or AC, have your heat pump inspected and maintained once during the heating season and once during the cooling season. Professional HVAC maintenance catches minor issues before they become big problems and ensures your system is running efficiently. Additionally, most manufacturer warranties require your system to be professionally maintained once per year in order to apply for a covered repair under warranty.

Other Tips to Maximize Your Heat Pump’s Performance

• If your home is equipped with both a heat pump and a furnace or boiler, use the heat pump as your default heating option. It’s designed for efficiency and can provide the needed comfort more cost-effectively.
• Keeping the fan speed on “Auto” allows the system to determine the necessary airflow. It ensures the fan runs as much as it needs to without constantly running and running up your energy bill.
• Ensure that furniture, curtains, or other items don’t obstruct the registers in your floor and/or wall. A clear path ensures efficient air intake and output, promoting better performance.
• If you have a mini-split system, keep air vanes open, direct vanes downward when heating home and upward when cooling home.

Call SmartHouse for all Your Heating & Cooling Needs in St. Louis

Heat pumps are a game-changer for homeowners, offering both heating and cooling capabilities in a single unit, all while being energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. But like any piece of technology, getting the most out of it requires understanding, proper care, and timely interventions. With the right practices, homeowners in St. Louis can maximize the benefits of their heat pumps, enjoying optimal comfort throughout the year and seeing substantial savings on their energy bills.

Don’t let potential issues with your heat pump go unaddressed, and don’t settle for anything less than peak performance. Whether you’re considering installing a new heat pump or want to optimize the performance of your existing system, SmartHouse Heating & Cooling is here to help. Our team of experts is dedicated to ensuring your comfort and helping you make the most of your investment. Connect with SmartHouse Heating & Cooling today and experience the difference of working with St. Louis’s top HVAC professionals. Call us today at 314-370-1816, text us at 314-310-2242, or contact us online to tell us more about what we can do for you.