5 Common Heat Pump Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make in Stuart, FL

Heat pumps are energy efficient because they move heat instead of burning fuel. When a professional installs a heat pump system, it offers the heating and cooling performance your Stuart, FL home needs. Here are five things to avoid while using heat pumps.

1. Setting the Thermostat High

During very cold winters, a homeowner may feel the need to crank up the thermostat temperature settings. However, setting the heat to high does not speed up the rate at which the heat pump warms the room. Instead, it makes it work longer, leading to an increase in energy consumption.

Overworking the heat pump increases the wear and tear on parts and makes it more likely to fail. When that happens, the it may require service ahead of the set maintenance schedule. Set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature and then let the system run without changing the settings every day.

2. Frequently Altering the Thermostat Settings

It takes time before a heat pump adjusts to new temperature settings. As such, you need to set a comfortable temperature and let it run at that temperature for a while. You can set the temperature to standard room temperature or use a smart thermostat that regulates the temperature settings for you.

The efficiency of the heat pump depends on the size of it in relation to the size of your home and its placement. If the technician properly sizes the system and places it where it will optimally heat or cool, you will not have any challenges with the thermostat settings.

3. Setting the Thermostat on Auto Mode

When set to “Auto” mode, the heat pump can cycle between cooling and heating. Between seasons this continuous running back and forth between the two causes the it to use more energy than recommended. To ensure this does not happen, set the system to “cool” during the summer and to “heat” during cold winters.

However, some come with an Auto fan setting. This is different from Auto mode, and you can use it depending on the prevailing climate conditions. Depending on the model of your system, you may also set your thermostat to dry mode, which helps to dehumidify your home.

4. Failing to Adequately Maintain the Heat Pump

A heat pump has moving parts, such as fans. It also contains a refrigerant that needs monitoring and filling. To keep it operating optimally and to avoid costly repairs, you need to follow the recommended maintenance plan.

During heat pump maintenance services, our technicians will check the coils for dirt build-up which impedes its performance. This ensures that it has access to the outside air for efficient operation. They will then remove foliage near the outdoor unit and ensure that the unit is away from a leaking gutter and elevated at least 4 inches above the ground.

Every 3 months, the heat pump requires clean or new filters. Regularly changing or cleaning filters boosts efficiency as dirty filters can obstruct airflow. During maintenance, our professional team will also check thermostat sensors, inspect the condensing unit, correct the electric control, lubricate motors, check electrical terminals, check refrigerant charge, and check for refrigerant leaks.

5. Leaving the Heat Pump on All Day

If you’re not home during the day, you should set your thermostat higher in the summer while you’re away. If you have a programmable thermostat, this is an easy and economical move to make. You can set it higher while you’re away and program it to cool your house shortly before arriving home.

The right installation, maintenance, and settings will get your heat pump operating optimally. Call our team at Stephen K. Denny, Inc. for air conditioning, heat pump, maintenance, and indoor air quality services in Stuart, FL.

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