How to use your air-to-air heat pump efficiently?

Air-to-air heat pumps (also known as air conditioners) are an energy efficient heating and cooling solution even for homes in very hot or cold climates – down to -25˚C. Here are some ways to optimise your system to achieve comfortable temperatures year-round.

Heat pumps are the most energy efficient way of heating your home in winter - much more so than using a boiler or a furnace. And they can act as air conditioners in summer. To get the best out of them, remember to:

Aim for stability

Rather than increasing or decreasing your set temperature to get an instant blast of hot or cold air, try to keep it at a constant, comfortable temperature. That way you ensure maximum energy efficiency. Auto mode is generally a good way to keep the temperature consistent because the system will automatically heat or cool as required. Set the temperature to a different level in the summer than in winter, so you don't feel too hot or cold for the time of year and use energy unnecessarily. A temperature of 21˚C might feel cosy when it's icy outside, but it will feel freezing on a hot day.

Your air-to-air heat pump indoor unit measures a room's temperature. Because heat rises, you may need to set a higher temperature for units positioned high on the wall or in the ceiling than you do for floor-standing units. Remember, a comfortable temperature setting using an air-to-air heat pump may be different from the temperature you set when using a boiler.

Understand the different modes

Your system has various modes for different scenarios. While you should use Auto mode in most cases, you may sometimes need to switch to a different mode. For example, if you've lit a fire or if there's a lot of sunlight coming in through the windows on a cold day, Auto mode may not be the most suitable option because it may try to cool the room down. In this case, set it to Heat mode instead. Choose Cool mode on very hot days or select Fan mode if you want more air circulation. There is also a Dry mode to dehumidify your rooms.

Keep your doors and windows shut

You want to maintain a stable temperature and avoid your units trying to heat or cool the outside! Keeping doors closed inside the home can also help maintain the temperature you have set for each room (if, for instance, you want your living room to be warmer than your bedroom). This will also prevent warm, moist air escaping from your bathroom and triggering the cooling mode or the dehumidifier (Dry mode) in another room.

Pay attention to the airflow

You can redirect the airflow or change the fan speed on your indoor heat pump units to spread heated or cooled air further throughout the room. Direct air into the open space where possible: if furniture is in the way, it won't circulate as effectively. Similarly, your outdoor heat pump unit needs space around it: position it away from large plants and bushes.

Don’t forget cleaning and maintenance

To keep your system in tip-top condition, remember to clean the dust filters of your indoor units regularly. Keep the outside unit clear of leaves and other debris too. If you live in an area that gets lots of snow, you should install the unit off the ground. It might also need a snow cover. In addition, have your system serviced each year by a professional.

In short, for efficient air heating and cooling:

1. Use your air-to-air heat pump for heating in winter instead of a boiler or furnace
2. Maintain a steady temperature
3. Keep the outdoor heat pump unit free from dirt and leaves
4. Clean indoor heat pump unit dust filters regularly
5. Have your air-to-air heat pump professionally serviced each year