A heat pump is one of the best investments you can make for keeping your home comfortable through every season. But to get the most out of it—without running up your power bill—you’ll want to use it efficiently. Whether you’re keeping warm in winter or staying cool in summer, here’s how to make sure your heat pump is working at its best all year round.
Set the Right Temperature
One of the biggest mistakes people make is cranking the heat pump up too high in winter or too low in summer. The trick is to set it at a steady, efficient temperature:
- Winter: Keep it between 18-22°C for a warm and cosy home.
- Summer: Set it around 22-25°C to keep cool without overloading the system.
Extreme settings force your heat pump to work harder, which means more energy use and higher costs. Keeping it within this range will help maintain a comfortable home without wasting power.
Use Your Heat Pump Consistently
Turning your heat pump on and off constantly makes it less efficient. It works best when maintaining a steady temperature, rather than trying to rapidly heat or cool a space. If you’re home during the day, leave it running at a moderate setting rather than blasting it in short bursts.
Make Use of the Timer Function
Most modern heat pumps have built-in timers—use them to your advantage! Set your heat pump to turn on shortly before you wake up in winter, so you don’t have to heat a cold house from scratch. Likewise, in summer, you can set it to cool your home before you arrive, rather than letting the heat build up inside. Need help setting this up? Check out our blog on using the remote!
Keep Doors and Windows Closed
Heat pumps work best when they don’t have to fight against draughts or open spaces. Keep doors and windows closed while it’s running to trap the warm (or cool) air inside. If your home is particularly draughty, consider using door seals or curtains to help keep the temperature stable.
Clean Your Filters Regularly
Dirty filters make your heat pump work much harder than it should. Aim to clean your filters every 1-3 months, depending on how often you use your heat pump. If you have pets or live in a dusty area, you might need to clean them more frequently. A clean filter means better airflow, which improves efficiency and keeps your air fresh.
Don’t Block the Indoor or Outdoor Unit
Make sure your indoor unit has plenty of space for airflow. Avoid placing furniture, curtains, or decorations in front of it. Likewise, keep the outdoor unit free from leaves, dirt, or anything else that might block airflow. A well-ventilated unit runs more efficiently and lasts longer.
Use Ceiling Fans to Help Circulate Air
If you have ceiling fans, use them in combination with your heat pump to spread warm or cool air more evenly around the room. In winter, set your ceiling fan to spin clockwise on a low setting to push warm air down. In summer, run it counterclockwise to create a cooling breeze.
Take Advantage of Sunlight in Winter
During winter, let the sunlight do some of the heavy lifting. Open your curtains during the day to let natural heat in, then close them at night to keep the warmth inside. This reduces the strain on your heat pump and keeps your home warmer without extra energy use.
Reduce Heat Build-Up in Summer
In summer, keep blinds and curtains closed during the hottest part of the day to stop your home from heating up like an oven. If you have external shading options like awnings or trees, these can also help keep the heat out.
Get Your Heat Pump Serviced Annually
Even with the best habits, regular servicing is essential to keep your heat pump running efficiently. A professional service ensures your system is clean, leak-free, and running optimally. It also helps prevent costly breakdowns and extends the life of your heat pump.
The Bottom Line
A well-maintained and properly used heat pump can keep your home comfortable without sending your power bills through the roof. By setting the right temperature, using timers, keeping it clean, and ensuring good airflow, you’ll enjoy efficient heating and cooling year-round.
If it’s time for a service or you need expert advice on getting the most out of your heat pump, get in touch with the team at Element Air—we’re here to help Taupō homes stay comfortable in every season.
