How to Make the Most of Heat Pumps
A heat pump is an excellent way to provide heating in winter and cooling in summer.
However, understanding how heat pumps work and using them wisely can help lower your electricity costs while still providing you with optimal comfort throughout the year.
To achieve maximum efficiency and long-term cost savings, it’s crucial to choose the right model for your space, operate it correctly, and perform regular maintenance.
Since heating costs constitute more than 35% of winter electricity bills, making the most of your heat pump is essential.
Is a Heat Pump Energy-Intensive?
Heat pumps are a highly efficient alternative to traditional electric heating options because they transfer heat rather than generate it.
According to data from EECA Energywise, the operating cost of a heat pump ranges from 3 to 16 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), while traditional electric heaters cost between 19 and 40 cents per unit.
Heat pumps are energy-efficient, producing 3-5 kW of heat energy for every 1 kW of electricity used. They typically take 10-20 minutes to reach a certain temperature in a room and then maintain it.
To maximize energy efficiency, it’s crucial to first choose the right type and size of heat pump for your space. To fully utilize an existing heat pump, keep reading.
What Temperature Should I Set My Heat Pump To?
The optimal temperature range for your heat pump will vary by season. In summer, it’s recommended to operate your heat pump in cooling mode at temperatures between 18-22 degrees Celsius to save energy. If you set the temperature lower, your home won’t cool down faster, but your system will work harder, resulting in higher energy consumption.
For effective winter heat pump usage, it’s suggested to set the temperature in heating mode to 18-22°C for optimal energy efficiency and comfort. Curious about how temperature variations affect you? Read more here.
When setting the overnight temperature for your heat pump, it’s best to choose a temperature lower than the daytime setting. This is because our bodies require less heat when sleeping compared to being awake. We recommend a temperature range of 16 to 18 degrees Celsius, but not lower than 15 degrees Celsius.
Should the Heat Pump Run Continuously?
One of the advantages of heat pumps is their design for enhanced energy efficiency during continuous operation. Letting the system run consistently for heating is usually a wiser choice than turning it off and on again, as it uses less energy to maintain room temperature but more energy to change it.
However, if you’ll be away from the room for several hours, it’s best to turn the system off. Keeping the heat pump running when not needed can lead to higher electricity bills and potentially cause the system to malfunction faster than it should.
If you want to return to a fully warm home without keeping the heat pump on all day, you can utilize programmable timers. These work by turning the heat pump on or off at preset times you choose. Linnae heat pumps also come with a Wi-Fi mobile app that allows you to adjust settings from anywhere. If you’re unsure which Linnae heat pump is best for you, we’re here to help anytime.
What’s the Most Effective Way to Use a Heat Pump in Summer?
Using a heat pump effectively during summer isn’t as challenging as you might think. Here are some useful tips to help you run your heat pump more efficiently throughout the summer, creating a cool and comfortable living environment without breaking the bank.
Minimize the Space You Want to Cool
Reducing the space that the heat pump needs to cool is one of the simplest and most effective ways to maintain comfort while reducing energy usage. The smaller the space that the heat pump needs to heat or cool, the less time it will run and the less energy it will consume. Create cooling zones by cooling only the areas currently in use, closing all doors, and blocking any entrances that could let cool air escape. This helps the main areas of your home to cool down faster, reducing energy consumption.
Additionally, consider using dehumidification or fan-only mode. These modes are more energy-efficient than full cooling mode and the reduced humidity or airflow might be enough to provide a comfortable environment.
Utilize Built-in Timers and Wi-Fi Features
Most split and ducted systems offer timer and Wi-Fi features, allowing you to control when the device starts and stops running. For instance, you can use the built-in timer and Wi-Fi app to schedule cooling in your bedroom an hour before you plan to sleep on a warm evening. This ensures a comfortable sleeping environment while minimizing the impact on your heat pump.
For further energy optimization, consider using a programmable timer to start the heat pump unit earlier in the day. In the morning, indoor and outdoor temperatures are typically lower, allowing the heat pump to consume less energy to reach the desired temperature throughout the day. On the other hand, starting the heat pump during the hottest parts of the day can put excessive strain on the system, making it work harder and taking longer to cool your space.
Check the Filters
Accumulation of dust and debris can clog the air filters of the heat pump and restrict airflow if not cleaned regularly. Regularly cleaning the filters will ensure your heat pump operates at its highest efficiency and reduces unnecessary energy consumption.
Air filters also prevent outdoor pollen, dust, and debris from being blown into your home, and they can also become damp and moldy, so cleaning them regularly is important.
Vacuum the dust off the filters monthly or clean them with a mild detergent and lukewarm water. Ensure the filters are completely dry before reinstallation. Dust that accumulates on indoor unit grilles and louvers can also be vacuumed and wiped down with a damp cloth.
Perform Regular Heat Pump Maintenance
Heat pump maintenance is often overlooked but is a crucial component of maintaining system lifespan and efficiency. Think of heat pump maintenance like maintaining a car – it can keep it performing well and extend the lifespan of your investment.
Efficiency is key with heat pumps, and regular maintenance, by keeping the efficiency, will maintain lower operating costs and help it perform at its best throughout its lifespan.
The key with heat pumps is to maintain them before you need to. Waiting for issues to arise is both costly and inconvenient. Having your heat pump serviced once a year can address any issues before the hot and humid days of a New Zealand summer arrive.
Looking for heat pump provider?
Shenling will be the best solution of how to use a heat pump in winter
How Can I Improve the Heating Efficiency of My Heat Pump?
If your heat pump is in heating mode but your home is either not warm enough or not warm at all, here are some ways to improve its heating efficiency:
Clean the Air Filters
One of the most common reasons a heat pump doesn’t blow warm air is because the air filters are clogged. The air filters of a heat pump work hard and are crucial, as they filter out dust, allergens, and other pollutants from the outside air – but when these particles build up too much, they can block airflow to the compressor, which is part of the unit that heats the air. Regularly cleaning the filters (at least every 3 months) and having your heat pump professionally serviced annually will help ensure your system delivers all the warm air you need throughout the winter.
Check for Debris Around the Outdoor Unit
Your heat pump draws heat from the outdoor air into your home. If the airflow going into your unit is obstructed by ice, leaves, or other garden debris, it can hinder the heat pump’s ability to do its job. Clean the heat pump and clear any debris that may have accumulated around the outdoor unit.
Check Refrigerant Levels
If the refrigerant level in your system is low (usually due to leaks), your heat pump may struggle to produce enough heat to warm your home. It’s advisable to have a professional inspect your system to determine if the refrigerant level is too low or needs replenishing. Adequate refrigerant is crucial for both the cooling and heating processes. Insufficient presence of this gas in the system will hinder the heat pump’s ability to effectively heat the air.
Defrost Cycles
Defrost cycles occur when the heat pump is in heating mode, extracting heat from the outdoor air and transferring it into your home. When the outdoor ambient temperature drops very low (around 0°C or below), the moisture in the outdoor air freezes on the outdoor unit’s coil. When the heat pump detects ice formation or initial ice formation on the coil, a defrost cycle initiates and automatically resolves this issue.
During the defrost cycle, you’ll notice some changes in the heat pump’s operation. The indoor unit will stop providing heat, the indoor fan will either stop or slow down significantly, and depending on the model, there might be blinking indicator lights on the indoor unit. The outdoor unit’s fan will stop running, but the compressor will continue running.
Is the Heat Pump Sized Properly for Your Space?
If the heat pump you installed is too small, it may struggle to maintain the desired temperature in the room and consume more energy. If it’s too large, the heat pump may cycle on and off frequently to maintain the temperature within the desired range.
To provide an effective and efficient comfort solution tailored to your unique space, there are many other variables to consider. Here are some factors worth thinking about:
Location and orientation: Different regions in New Zealand have varying temperature requirements. Areas like Queenstown and Auckland have different demands, so choosing the appropriate unit is vital.
Sun exposure: The sun is a valuable (and free) heat source that can transfer heat through walls and windows, significantly affecting room temperature. Considering the sun’s impact, rooms facing east or west might require a different capacity heat pump than those facing north, based on the sun’s angle.
Windows: Rooms with a high number of windows may have good ventilation, allowing quick heat loss or gain. The size of windows and their insulating properties can impact the heat pump’s size and its ability to optimally heat the space more than walls and ceilings. Larger windows in the room might mean that the heat pump struggles to maintain the required heat output.
Remember that choosing the right heat pump and optimizing its usage for your space’s specific characteristics will help you achieve the best results in terms of both comfort and energy efficiency.
Related Posts
Related Heat Pump Products
