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10 Things to know about Heat Pumps

in the Winter

How can a heat pump possibly pull heat out of the air when it is SO COLD outside? Well, here are 10 things you should know about operating your heat pump in winter.

1.  Your Heat Pump is the OUTDOOR Unit.  Although the heating elements are in the Indoor Air Handler.
2. Your heat pump can always pull heat out of the air. So, when does it become less efficient for your heat pump to pull heat out of the cold air?   A good rule of thumb is below freezing (or approximately 29-32°F).
3. Defrost mode can be alarming! But, it’s crucial for heat pump operation in winter. Ice may begin to form on your outdoor components when the temperature drops below freezing. So that your heat pump will reverse operation to defrost those components. This will only be for a short while and is completely normal.
4. If it seems like defrost mode may be kicking on too frequently or lasting too long… make sure you call your heating and air contractor. While defrost mode is a normal part of operation, anything that seems excessive or out of the ordinary, should be looked into by a professional.
5. If your system is a heat pump paired with a gas furnace (a.k.a. dual-fuel) – you can get electric heating down to a certain point, and then switch over to gas heating (which may become the more efficient heating method).
6. DO NOT rely on emergency heat for long term use. This can drive up utility bills, and is most definitely not the most efficient allocation of heating energy. Emergency Heat is when the electrical heating elements kick in to provide heat when it’s below freezing outside.
7. Use a programmable thermostat. This way you don’t have to worry about constantly monitoring your thermostat. It will automatically switch over when necessary.
8. Like all other systems, make sure that you change your filter(s) frequently and are using the proper filters for your system. This will make sure that the air you are receiving from your heat pump during the winter is premium quality.
9. Make sure you schedule a tune-up at least once a year to make sure that your heat pump is in peak condition for the heating and cooling season.
10. Clear debris from around your heat pump to prevent blocked airflow. Decreased airflow means decreased efficiency.

Call us if you have any questions or if the system seems to be operating incorrectly. 

817-482-1647