Heat Pump Efficiency in Cold Weather: 5 Best Practices Posted on September 20, 2024 When it comes to energy-efficient heating and cooling, heat pumps are an excellent choice. Heat pumps can be up to 60% more efficient than conventional heating, making them friendly for your monthly budget as well as for the environment. But getting a heat pump for your home is one thing; knowing how to properly use them is the other part of the equation. To make the most of your heat pump and ensure the longevity of your investment, it’s important to know how to efficiently use and maintain a heat pump. In this article, we discuss the best practices for heat pump usage, how to maximize its performance in cold weather, and how to extend its operational life. How Does a Heat Pump Work in Winter? Before we dive into the best practices, it’s necessary to understand how a heat pump works. In basic terms, a heat pump functions by moving heat from one location to another. In heating mode, it extracts heat from the outside air (even in cold temperatures) and transfers it indoors. This is how it warms up a room during the cold season. During the warm season, it reverses the process. In cooling mode, the heat pump captures the heat from the indoor air and releases it outside. The heat pump does this by using a refrigerant to absorb the heat. It’s the flow of the refrigerant that determines where the heat is released: indoors for the winter, and outdoors during the summer. Since the heat pump merely absorbs existing heat instead of generating it like a furnace, this makes them highly energy efficient, since they don’t rely on burning fuel to create heat. Instead, heat pumps merely transfer existing heat. Where Do Heat Pumps Work Best? Heat pumps have gotten a bad reputation from the early models that did not work well in cold climates, but years of innovation has changed this. Still, when the air temperature becomes too cold, the performance of the heat pump starts to degrade. You must check the specifications of the heat pump you are considering to see how it is rated for your climate. Some heat pumps only work well with outside temperatures above freezing while others can still heat when it is as cold as -30° F. Heat pumps can also work with a supplemental heating source like gas furnaces. Some heat pumps are offered as a dual fuel system, where the gas furnace kicks in when the temperature drops too low for the heat pump to function effectively. In summary, heat pumps can work in all climates, but may require a supplemental heating source depending on the system. Proper Heat Pump Sizing Just like an air conditioner, heat pumps need to be properly sized for the space intended. An undersized heat pump will struggle to heat the space and result in less comfort and decreased operational life. On the other hand, getting an oversized unit makes the unit less efficient and results in wasted utility bills.Keep in mind that in many colder climates, more heating capacity is needed than cooling capacity. Be sure to consult with a licensed HVAC technician to see how many BTUs are needed for your space. Optimal Temperature Settings To maximize energy efficiency and utility savings, it pays to know how to set the appropriate temperature levels. Heat pumps operate most efficiently when they are set to maintain a temperature. Unlike gas or resistive electric heating sources, the heat that a heat pump produces is not as hot. That means that it will take longer for a heat pump to raise the temperature of a space from 60 to 70 degrees for example, however the heat pump will do it using much less power. Do not use a set back with a heat pump. Set it to your desired temperature at the start of the cold season and allow it to maintain that temperature. Do not set it back when you leave, simply allow it to keep heating and over the course of the winter, it will use significantly less electricity. Seasonal Transition and Mode Switching As the seasons change, so does your heat pump’s function. Reversing the heat pump flow is as simple as flicking the switch. Before the winter season, check that the heating components are in good working order. Look for leaks or listen for hissing noises that can indicate a refrigerant leak. Before the summer, check that the outdoor compressor is free from ice buildup or yard debris accumulated over the winter. This is to ensure that the unit can vent the heat outside without being obstructed. When switching between heating and cooling modes, allow a few minutes for the system to adjust. Abrupt changes can strain the components and reduce efficiency. Instead, use the thermostat to gradually adjust the temperature to minimize stress on the heat pump unit itself. Protecting Against Extreme Conditions Extreme temperature swings can greatly affect heat pump operation. In extremely cold temperatures, the efficiency of air-source heat pumps tends to massively decrease, since there is less heat available in the outdoor air to extract. In such cases, use supplemental heating like space heaters or gas or electric backup heat to reduce strain on the heat pump and ensure comfort. If you live in an area that regularly experiences extremely cold weather or extended winter, consider investing in a unit with a built-in drain pan heater. This feature is crucial to eliminate frost buildup on the outdoor coils and ensure smooth operation. Additionally, maintaining proper insulation in your home helps the heat pump operate efficiently by minimizing the workload required to reach and maintain the desired temperature. Snow and Ice It is imperative to keep the heat pump unit free of snow and ice for use during the winter. If the fan on the outdoor unit is blocked, the unit will not be able to heat. Consider installing the heat pump in a covered area so that snow does not collect on the unit. Another option is to use a stand so that the unit is above the snow line. This will allow the fan to remain unobstructed so it can continue to pull air across the coil and provide heat to your space. Heat Pump Maintenance Proper upkeep is the cornerstone of prolonging the life of your heat pump and maintaining its efficiency. Here are key maintenance tasks to prioritize: ☑ Clean or Replace Air Filters Clean air filters are essential for the efficient operation of a heat pump. Clogged filters restrict airflow, forcing the system to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. Check the filters monthly, and clean or replace them as needed. ☑ Keep the Outdoor Unit Clear The outdoor unit of a heat pump needs adequate airflow to function optimally. Regularly inspect the unit and remove any debris, such as leaves, grass, or snow. Maintain at least two feet of clearance around the unit to ensure proper ventilation. ☑ Check and Clean Coils Both the indoor and outdoor coils should be inspected and cleaned annually. Over time, dirt and debris can accumulate on the coils, reducing heat transfer efficiency. A professional HVAC technician can clean the coils and ensure they are in good condition. ☑ Inspect Refrigerant Levels Low refrigerant levels can compromise the efficiency of a heat pump and lead to potential damage. A refrigerant leak should be promptly addressed by a qualified technician, who can identify and repair the source of the leak before recharging the system. ☑ Lubricate Moving Parts Regular lubrication of moving parts, such as fan motors and other bearings, is essential to reduce friction and wear. Consult your heat pump’s manual for specific lubrication requirements and schedule regular maintenance visits to address this task. When used properly, heat pumps can greatly reduce your energy expenses while providing years of service. At Total Home Supply, we offer not just a wide selection of heat pump systems, but excellent service and expertise to back it up. Experiencing trouble with your heat pump? Check out our guide to Heat Pump Troubleshooting. Mickey Luongo Mickey is the resident heating and air conditioning expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry.
