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Maximize comfort, save energy, and get the most from your heat pumps in cold New England weather.
More New Englanders are switching from dirty, fossil-fuel heating systems (like gas boilers or oil furnaces) to super-efficient air source heat pumps. If you pair your heat pumps with solar energy, you’re locking in a really low rate for heating and cooling. But even if you haven’t gone solar yet*, you’ll want to get the most out of your heat pumps this winter.
We spoke with master plumber and HVAC specialist Dave Ragsdale, who has over 15 years of experience designing and building these systems, to share the best tips for efficiency and comfort.*Schedule a free site visit to see how much your home can save with solar energy!
*Schedule a free site visit to see how much your home can save with solar energy!
Tips for Heat Pumps in Winter
1. Treat the Remote Like a Comfort Meter
Unlike traditional thermostats, heat pump units are mounted high on the wall, so the temperature setting is more of a comfort guide than an exact reading.
“I had a classic New Englander’s mental block – I hated the idea of setting my thermostat over 70. But at 72 my heat pump is working smoothly and the room is comfortably and reliably around 66 degrees.”— Jill, ReVision co-owner and heat pump owner
2. Set It and Forget It
Heat pumps work best when maintaining a steady temperature, not when constantly turned off and on. If you’re leaving for the day or overnight, keep them at the set temperature.
Dave’s rule of thumb:
- Up to 3 days away: Leave the heat pump at your normal setting.
- More than 3 days: Switch to “away mode” at 60°F (or as low as 50°F in some cases).
“Since every house is unique, there’s no universal setback law. But generally, leave the heat pump at the desired temperature for absences up to three days. Longer than that, use the ‘away mode’ setback of 60 degrees. Each house loses heat at a specific and unique rate, so we recommend experimenting with setback. The longer you are gone, the better setback works.” —Dave Ragsdale
3. Prepare for Extreme Cold
Heat pumps operate down to -22°F, but below that, they may struggle or shut down. When a cold snap is predicted:
Have an alternative heat source ready (propane, oil, space heaters, or wood).
Expect outer rooms without heat pumps to feel cooler than normal.
4. Extra Efficiency Tips
Use auto fan speed settings for best performance.
Clean dust filters regularly.
Schedule annual maintenance with our in-house service team.
4. Pair Your Heat Pump with Solar Energy
To truly maximize your savings and efficiency, power your heat pump with the sun. This can result in a locked-in electric rate down to 9 cents per kilowatt-hour – the equivalent of paying $0.95/gallon of heating oil.
Book your free solar or heat pump site visit today and find out how much you can save!
