What Is the Best Temperature for a Heat Pump in Winter

Heat pumps are a convenient solution used year-round to both heat and cool your home. Due to their advanced technology, heat pumps are more energy-efficient machines than traditional AC units and furnaces. However, this technology also means that you must adjust to heat pumps differently.

So, the best temperature for a heat pump in winter is one that will keep you warm without wasting energy (thus costing you extra money on your electricity bills). Setting the temperature too low or too high can cause your heat pump to overwork, causing the price of your energy bills to increase drastically. 

Today, the heating experts at Dr. Cool The Heat & Air Doctor will help you decide the best temperature for a heat pump in winter based on your everyday habits. 

Tips to Choose the Best Temperature for Your Heat Pump in Winter

Here are the three steps to help you decide on your ideal winter temperature. 

1. Understand the Mechanics of Your Heat Pump

The difference between traditional gas furnaces and heat pumps primarily lies in how the machinery distributes heat throughout your home. Gas furnaces use a blower to periodically push generated heat through your ductwork and into your home.

On the other hand, heat pumps constantly move air from outside to inside your home. As this air circulates through the heat pump, it becomes warm. Heat pumps are only energy efficient when outdoor temperatures are above freezing, as they must use extra electricity to heat the air when the temperature drops. 

Thus, if the temperature has dropped below freezing and you have turned your heat pump on high, you could unintentionally increase the cost of your heating bills. 

2. Know the Recommended Temperature for Heat Pumps

The Department of Energy has set up guidelines to help you save money on your heating bills. However, these are only recommendations to aid in your decision for the ideal winter heat pump temperature. Only you can decide what feels most comfortable and whether it is worth the extra cost.

The Department of Energy recommends that you maintain an ambient temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit during the wintertime. This is the most energy-efficient setting for your heat pump while still maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature. 

3. Choose a Temperature and Leave It

Though switching the temperature on your thermostat as you enter and leave the house may feel tempting, you can raise your energy bills with this practice. Setting the temperature too low when you leave the house will cause your heat pump to work twice as hard re-warming the air when you get home. 

Furthermore, heat pumps also have longer cycles than traditional furnaces. Thus, it takes them longer to warm up the interior air temperature, meaning they will waste more energy in the process. 

Some homeowners use programmable thermostats for their heat pumps when they leave for work or vacation. When using a programmable thermostat, you should only lower the temperature by 7-10 degrees. Otherwise, you will waste more energy reheating the air than if you had left your heat pump at the same temperature as normal. 

Tips to Help Reduce Your Energy Bills

• Invest in regular repair service: Schedule regular maintenance appointments with Columbia's heat pump repair services. Maintaining your heat pump can increase energy efficiency and save money on costly repairs in the long run. 
• Use heavy-duty window coverings: Choose window treatments that will keep the cold weather outside. Window coverings should be heavy-weight and tight-fitting to prevent heat loss caused by cold windows. 
• Take advantage of the sun: If there are parts of your home that receive a lot of sun, open your blinds. This solar energy can warm your house, meaning you will save on heating bills. 

Looking for Expert Heat Pump Repair Services in Columbia, SC?

Though setting your thermostat to the best temperature for a heat pump in winter can save you money, regular heat pump maintenance is also necessary to avoid expensive repair bills. Thus, if you need heat pump repair or maintenance services in Columbia, SC, contact Dr. Cool The Heat &  Air Doctor. 

We have years of experience in heating and cooling repair, so you can rest assured that we will fix your heat pump quickly and affordably. We even offer a specialized program maintenance program for our loyal customers to ensure that your repairs are always up to date. 

Call us at 803-368-5500 for heat pump repair and maintenance services today!