Heat Pump Installed. Now What?

Get To Know Your Heat Source

Tips For Using and Maintaining Your New Heat Pump

With any new equipment, it’s helpful to understand what constitutes normal operation. Take the following facts into account:

For starters, heat pumps are generally quieter than furnaces, with variable speed models producing the least noise. And yet, as quiet as they are, heat pumps are known to make an occasional “gurgling.” Don’t worry; these sounds, along with a momentary break in heating, are typical of your heat pump’s automatic defrost cycle, a necessary function that removes frost from the outdoor unit.

Getting Used to Your Heat Pump

Be aware that heat pumps also operate over longer run times than other heating equipment. This is perfectly normal. And while the air that blows from your new equipment may not feel as “hot” as the forced air of a furnace, rest assured it can provide you with comfortable, uniform heat – even when outdoor temperatures dip into the negatives.

Best Practices for Best Results

Getting the most out of your new equipment requires learning and sticking to a handful of best practices unique to heat pump technology. Our three most valuable tips have a familiar component in common: your thermostat.

Your Thermostat, Your Friend

Set For Comfort

Disregard the temperature settings associated with your equipment; adjust the thermostat to your comfort level.

Set it and Forget It

Once you've set your thermostat for comfort, avoid significant adjustments. Your heat pump will work best when left to do its job, slow and steady.

Avoid Auto Mode

Steer clear of unnecessary automatic switching by selecting heating and cooling modes manually. Your heat pump will be happier – and so will you.

Remember that a heat pump-specific thermostat may be needed to take full advantage of everything your new equipment has to offer. Work with your contractor to ensure you’re using the right controls for your heat pump. Programmable and smart thermostats offer greater control and convenience than traditional, manual thermostats and are compatible with most heat pumps.

A licensed contractor can also help to fine-tune advanced features and capabilities like switchover and lock-out temperatures. Making such adjustments is particularly important when coordinating the use of a heat pump with a separate boiler, resistance heater, or backup system. Fine-tuning takes both optimized function and economics into account, maximizing both comfort and efficiency.

Maintenance & Care

Air Movement

While the expertise of a licensed technician can’t be overstated, there’s plenty you can do yourself to keep your new equipment working as it should. Keep vents open and unobstructed to ensure effective airflow. Be sure to direct vanes down when heating and up when cooling.

Maintain Equipment

Check air filters monthly, cleaning or replacing them as needed. Keep outdoor units clear of snow, debris, and vegetation. A yearly inspection by a trained technician is a good idea as well.

Protect Outdoor Units

Avoid snow and water falling from your roof and into your air source unit’s fan. Protect your heat pump by placing it under an appropriately sized eave or by constructing a small overhang.

Shelter From the Wind

If strong winds are commonplace where your outdoor unit is situated, consider a wind baffle from the equipment manufacturer to ensure proper operation.

Know Your Heat Pump

For more on controlling your new equipment and tips for optimal operation, refer to pages 15-18 of the Focus on Energy Electric Heat Pump Customer Buying & Operation Guide.

Electric Heat Pump Customer Buying & Operation Guide

Tips For Using and Maintaining Your New Heat Pump

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