An air-source heat pump works by extracting heat from the outside air and sending that heat into your home. However, unlike gas furnaces, when temperatures drop to a certain degree and there is less heat in the air to be extracted, heat pumps can begin to lose their comfort and energy efficiency. For AC, heat pumps work the same, but with the process in reverse, moving heat out of the house and transferring it outside. A heat pump will typically be very effective in the Summer months and with hotter temperatures in general since there will be so much heat to move around. How exactly can you get your heat pump system to operate with efficiency at both cold and hot temperatures?
In this article, we will take a look at the best temperature settings for air source heat pumps, the limitations and common problems of heat pumps, as well as how to troubleshoot and maintain them. We will also give you some efficiency tips for operating your heat pump in the summer.
The main limitation when it comes to heat pumps is that they are only effective in temperatures that are above freezing. Since heat pumps work as a reverse air conditioner when it comes to heating in the winter months, they pull warm air from the outside air to disperse through the home. Other heating systems create their own heat. So when temperatures fall below a certain level and there is less warm air outside when temperatures drop, the heat pump will not be able to take a good amount to provide efficient heating. A solution to this can be auxiliary heat or electric heat strips. Heat strips can activate if your heat pump is struggling to provide an adequate amount of heating. They act as a secondary heating source to help meet your heating requirements and bring the house to a comfortable temperature for you and your family members, though it is always good to be mindful of not leaving this backup heating source on too long and running up energy costs.
How well do heat pumps work in the summer? Though a heat pump loses efficiency in the colder months, when it comes to the warmer weather season, heat pump systems can be incredibly more energy efficient than a typical air conditioner. The compressor can speed up or slow down to match the temperature range you request. They are also devoid of any ductwork that traditional AC systems have, and a lot of conditioned air leaks through and is lost.
Keeping your thermostat set at 78 degrees Fahrenheit is the best temperature for your heat pump in the summer. If you want to adjust, it is best to go up or down one degree at a time until you find a cooling level sweet spot, but it is important to keep a steady temperature and not set it too low so that the heat pump overexerts itself and possibly runs constantly and wastes energy in order to keep up with the low setting. Once you have your comfortable temperature, it is best to try not to change it too often so that the heating system can run properly and have enough time to reach your desired temperature.
While heat pumps do work incredibly efficiently in hot weather, there are still some troubles that can occur. One of the biggest problems is freezing. Yes, even in the summer, your heat pump can be subject to freezing for a couple specific reasons. So what are the problems that can lead to freezing and stop your heat pump from operating as it should in the summer?
Low Refrigerant Levels: The refrigerant is what transfers heat within a heat pump. If there are improper refrigerant levels, it can lead to a steep decrease in temperature within the coil and ice formation in the system. You will need professional help with detecting a refrigerant leak.
Blocked Air Filter: If airflow is restricted, commonly from a dirty air filter, this can stress out the system over time and significantly decrease its efficiency and lifespan. A clogged air filter can also disrupt the temperature balance, leading to ice forming on the heat pump and difficulty generating heat.
Dirty Evaporator Coil: Blocked air flow can also lead to coils becoming clogged with dirt and debris. If the evaporator coil is filthy enough, icing can form and build over time. This should also be handled by a professional HVAC contractor because of the dangerous parts involved.
Now that you know the dangers of a freezing heat pump in summer, here are some tips on how to get optimal energy efficiency from your heat pump system during the warm weather months:
Remember to keep the average temperature setting in mind when adjusting your thermostat for the warmer months to get optimal performance out of your cooling system. 78 degrees Fahrenheit is the ideal temperature range for a heat pump in the summer to cool your home and reduce humidity. You will save money on energy consumption by not having your unit work unnecessarily hard and putting stress on the system. There are also things like auto mode, heating mode, and more to learn about that can help keep the temperature range you are looking for.
A heat pump will run more often and for longer periods of time in a home that is not properly insulated. Low insulation can cause a large loss of air from your system, not to mention higher energy costs due to you having to run your unit more to make up for lost air. It is also helpful to keep doors and windows shut so that any indoor unit can sufficiently cool the area without wasting energy.
Checking up on your system by looking for leaks, blockages, or cracking. Also, make sure there are no obstructions to the airflow. Regularly clean the filters so that there is no debris buildup that can cause a massive restriction of airflow. It is recommended to change filters every three months or more, depending on how much you use your system. Also, be sure to have a professional annual HVAC service. While a lot of problems can be looked after yourself, having a technician come in and look over your heating and cooling system is always advised in order to catch any major problems early. The parts of any HVAC system are often complicated and benefit greatly from professional care and the best, most up-to-date tools to work on them.
Heat pumps are an amazing cooling and heating system for any home because of their energy-efficient methods that can keep heating costs down while bringing your home to a comfortable temperature range. But it is vital to know how heat pumps work and in what conditions this sort of cooling and heating system is the most efficient in, or least efficient in. Heat pumps operate with optimal performance when the outdoor temperatures are above 25 or 30 degrees. But heat pump heating systems can still have problems from many factors in months outside of winter, including the outdoor unit being subject to freezing. Things such as a blocked filter or improper insulation can make a heat pump run constantly and use more energy to try to heat or cool the house and make up for lost heat or cooling.
Outdoor temperatures are important to how a heat pump runs, since cooler temperatures can effect how much heat energy can be drawn to warm the house and achieve the temperature range. And while the summers will typically be productive with the heat transfer from inside to outside of your house, it is still important to keep up on maintenance to make sure the heat pump’s systems are all running as they should. Finding a heat pump’s ideal temperature range can take some experimenting, but starting out at around 78 degrees in the summer is the best place to start for most heat pumps. Keeping this temperature aim in mind as well as checking to make sure there are no problems with the systems will allow you to get the most out of all heat pumps throughout the warmer season.
John Owens Services installs their heat pumps in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation guidelines. It is key with these units to have a home with proper building efficiency. Heat pumps have a cooler output temperature from the register in contrast to their fossil fuel-burning gas furnace competitors. If your building or ducting is leaking, your high-efficiency system will no longer be efficient. Leading to an increase or no change to your monthly utility bill. John Owens Services, Inc. designs our heat pump systems with heat loss and heat gain calculations to make sure that your home is a good fit for the technology. Call us today for a free estimate.
Our philosophy is simple, we always want to maintain equipment to give it the longest life possible. Next, we want to focus on repairing when something goes wrong. Then only as the last choice, we replace equipment when needed. That’s the John Owens Way.
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