Getting the most from your heat pump
Settings and habits that keep you warm for less over the colder months.
Set it and leave it
A heat pump works best at a steady, moderate temperature rather than being cranked hot then switched off. Set it around a comfortable level and let it maintain the room, modern units are most efficient holding a temperature, not recovering from cold. Constantly turning it up and off actually uses more power and keeps the room less comfortable.
Use the right mode
In winter, select heating mode rather than auto, which can waste energy switching between heating and cooling. Point the louvres downward so warm air reaches floor level where you feel it, since heat naturally rises. A timer set to take the chill off before you wake or get home gives you comfort without running it all day.
Keep it efficient
A heat pump’s performance drops when it’s dirty. Clean or rinse the indoor filters every few weeks during heavy use, and keep the outdoor unit clear of leaves and obstructions so it can breathe. A well-maintained unit heats faster, runs quieter and costs noticeably less, neglected filters are one of the most common reasons bills creep up.
Pair it with good habits
Your heat pump performs best in a home that holds heat. Close doors to the room you’re heating, draw the curtains at dusk, and block obvious draughts so the warmth stays put. Used this way, an efficient heat pump is one of the cheapest ways to stay warm through a New Zealand winter, often a fraction of the cost of electric heaters.