Heat pumps have the well-deserved reputation of being the most energy-efficient heating and cooling method available. However, many of our customers want to know how to use a heat pump properly and in the most energy-efficient way.

Simply having a heat pump installed means you’re well on your way to seeing a reduction in energy costs, but there are a few tweaks you can make to get even more cost-saving benefits out of the device.

These simple suggestions are tried and true and show you how to use a heat pump in a way that could reduce your energy bills even more.

Let’s take a look at what they are.

Couple viewing energy bill

Maintain a lower temperature

It’s a popular misconception that you should set your heat pump to a high heat and fan setting to warm up a room faster.

The truth is, this is not going to maintain a comfortable temperature and you’ll end up having to toggle the thermostat, making your heat pump work harder while you decide on the temperature. This will not see you gaining the most from the device.

We recommend maintaining a lower temperature that sits around 18-22oC. Research has shown that the most comfortable temperatures lie in this range and avoid spaces from being too cold or too hot.

By maintaining a consistent, lower temperature, your heat pump has a chance to settle and isn’t constantly being told to heat up and cool down. This is far more effective in bringing down your energy bills.

Clean your heat pump filters regularly

The state of your heat pump filters is a big deal. If they are clogged with dust and debris, your heat pump will have to work much harder to push through the barriers and deliver warm or cool air to you.

Cleaning your heat pump filters every two weeks is an extremely effective way of using your heat pump energy-efficiently. Heat pumps are designed not to have to work too hard to run at optimum performance.

You don’t want your filters to get in the way of this, especially when they’re so easy to clean.

Understanding the importance of clean filters, we are happy to run you through a routine clean on installation.

Close off the space you’re heating

It is far more difficult to heat a space if you haven’t closed it off. By this, we mean shutting doors and windows and creating a finite area for your heat pump to heat.

This is one of the first things we suggest when we’re our customers ask how they can use their heat pumps in the most energy-efficient way.

If you’re looking to only have one heat pump installed, we always recommend placing it in the main living space. This area is often the largest and most-utilised space in the house and, therefore, shutting the doors to other parts of the house will allow your heat pump to achieve the desired temperature much faster.

In the peak of winter, you don’t want your heat to be escaping through any window leaks. Run your hand around the edges of the windows to feel for any drafts. If you feel the cool air on your hands, it’s a sure sign that your space will not be retaining as much heat as it should.

You’ll be surprised at what a difference it makes when the heat has no cracks to escape through.

Use the timer or WiFi control function

Turning your heat pump on 15 minutes before you use the space prevents you from blasting the device at a high heat and fan speed.

If you walk into a room and it’s already at a comfortable temperature, there’s nothing you need to do.

Setting the timer on your infrared control is easy and we’re happy to show you this when we install your heat pump. By setting the timer, you can request your heat pump to turn on just before you wake up in the morning so you don’t have to start your day in an icy cold room.

One of Mitsubishi Electric’s most effective developments has been the introduction of WiFi control. Through WiFi control, you can turn on your heat pump from anywhere at any time.

This handy smartphone app allows users to turn their heat pump on before they arrive home, so when you enter your home, it exudes pure warmth and comfort. Don’t be daunted by the technology, it is very easy to use and it is often the preferred method of controlling heat pumps even from within the home.

Choose the correct sized model

The size of your heat pump is directly related to what it will cost to run. We know it can be difficult to determine whether a room is small, medium or large which is why we assess this for you.

When selecting the right capacity, we also take into account the typical conditions in the area you live in. As we service the Auckland region, we know temperatures are often mild, however, we do experience plenty of cold and wet winter weather.

We offer a wide range of Mitsubishi Electric heat pumps, including residential and commercial sizes.

Choosing the right size is the first step in making sure you’ve got a heat pump that works best for your space. Too small and it will have to work harder, too large and it will use too much energy for your space.

We will work with you to find the perfect heat pump size and model for your requirements.

how to use a heat pump

Being in the business of installing heat pumps is not only about providing Auckland homes with the best heating and cooling solution, but it’s also about ensuring our customers are really saving money the way heat pumps should allow.

By giving some handy advice on how to use heat pumps in the most efficient way, we’re able to show our customers how to get the most cost-saving benefits out of their device.

We are happy to answer any questions you may have on installation and, as a team of electricians, we have all the technical knowledge to give factual, accurate answers.

At Flocon, we put our customers first. We want you to feel like you’ve made a great decision by having a heat pump installed and we will go over and above to make sure this is the case.

To arrange a quote or to simply ask us a question, call us today.