Heat pumps are the most popular form of heating in New Zealand homes, offering efficient heating in the winter and cooling in the summer. However, despite their popularity, many homeowners unknowingly make mistakes that can lead to inefficiencies, higher energy bills, and even shorten the lifespan of their units. For years, OneAir has helped thousands of homeowners with their heat pump problems through friendly, free advice, preventive maintenance as well as repairs. In this article, we'll draw from this experience and explore some of the most common mistakes people make with their heat pumps and provide tips on how to avoid them.
Avoid these 12 Common Heat Pump Mistakes
1. Setting the Wrong Temperature: One of the most common mistakes is setting the temperature too high in the winter or too low in the summer. Many homeowners believe that setting the heat pump to its maximum temperature will warm up their home faster, but in reality, it just makes the heat pump work harder and consume more energy trying to reach a temperature it can never achieve. The same goes for cooling—setting the temperature to its minimum (typically 16 degrees) will see it running at its maximum-possible output yet still unable to reach 16 degrees. This will use more electricity plus the unit’s lifespan will be reduced as well. e .
What You Should Do: No matter what your room temperature is to start with, for optimal efficiency, set your heat pump to recommended settings : around 18-20°C in winter and 20-22°C in summer. These settings will maintain a comfortable indoor climate without overworking the unit and will save you significant amounts off your power bill.
2. Neglecting the Outdoor Unit: Like any machine with moving parts that sits outside year after year, the Outdoor unit (sometimes called the Condenser), needs to be checked now and again to make sure there are no issues that can lead to bigger problems developing in the long run.
What You Should Do: Clean away any grass or plants that are growing too close (within 150mm) of your Outdoor unit and wash your unit down with a light detergent and rinse with plenty of fresh water. Treat any emerging rust spots and spray insect repellent around the base of the unit to deter insects from nesting inside as that can cause short circuits.
3. Ignoring Air Filters: Dirty or clogged air filters are a common issue that can significantly impact your heat pump's performance. A blocked filter restricts airflow, forcing the heat pump to work harder, reducing efficiency and leading to system failures. However, many homeowners neglected to pay more attention to this crucial activity step, so which leads to a buildup of dust and dirt, and in some cases, mould and bacteria, is the inevitable result. This means that not only is your power bill higher than it needs to be, your indoor air quality isn’t as good as it could be either buildup, obstructing airflow and reducing efficiency.
What You Should Do: Check and clean the filters every 1-3 months, depending on usage and the amount of dust in your home. If you have pets or live near a construction area, you may need to clean them more frequently. Replacing filters regularly will ensure optimal airflow and improve the overall efficiency of your heat pump.
4. Incorrectly Sizing the Heat Pump: Installing a heat pump that is too large or too small for your space is a common mistake. An oversized unit will cycle on and off frequently, leading to wear and tear, while an undersized unit will be working at maximum output to maintain the desired temperature.
What You Should Do: Always consult with a professional to determine the correct size of the heat pump for your home. A professional assessment will consider factors like the size of your space, insulation levels, and the local climate to recommend a suitable unit.
5. Using the Heat Pump All Day: Some homeowners believe that keeping the heat pump running all day, even when they're not home, is more efficient than turning it on and off as needed. However, this approach can lead to unnecessary energy consumption.
What You Should Do: Use a timer or smart thermostat to control your heat pump. Please set it to turn on before you wake up or come home, and turn it off when you're away. This way, you can enjoy a comfortable home without wasting energy.
6. Relying Solely on the Heat Pump: While heat pumps are efficient, relying solely on them for all your heating or cooling needs can be a mistake, especially in extreme weather conditions. Heat pumps work best within a specific temperature range, and during particularly cold or hot days, they may struggle to maintain comfort.
What You Should Do: Consider using supplementary heating or cooling methods during extreme weather. For example, on freezing nights, using a portable heater in addition to your heat pump can help maintain comfort without overloading the system.
7. Poor Placement of the Outdoor Unit: The placement of the outdoor unit can significantly impact the efficiency of your heat pump. Units placed in areas with poor airflow, such as under a deck or too close to walls, can overheat or become obstructed by debris, leading to reduced performance.
What You Should Do:
Ensure that the outdoor unit is placed in a well-ventilated area with plenty of space around it. Keep it clear of obstructions like plants, furniture, or walls. Regularly check the unit for debris, such as leaves or branches, and clean around it to ensure proper airflow.
8. Failing to Use the Dehumidification Feature: Many heat pumps come with a dehumidification mode, which can be particularly useful in New Zealand's humid climate. However, homeowners often overlook this feature, meaning higher power bills than needed since less energy is needed in this mode and heating a dry home is easier than a h.
What You Should Do: Use the dehumidification feature during humid days to remove excess moisture from the air. This will improve comfort and help your heat pump reach the desired temperature easier.
9. Not Utilising the 'Eco' Mode: Many modern heat pumps have an 'Eco' or energy-saving mode that optimizes performance for reduced energy consumption. However, many homeowners aren't aware of this feature or don't use it, missing out on potential savings.
What You Should Do: Familiarize yourself with the different modes available on your heat pump and use the 'Eco' mode whenever possible. This setting adjusts the temperature and fan speed to maintain comfort while using less energy.
10. Overlooking Insulation and Drafts: Heat pumps work most efficiently in well-insulated homes. If your home has poor insulation or drafts, your heat pump must work harder to maintain the desired temperature, leading to higher energy bills and reduced comfort.
What You Should Do: Check your home for drafts and ensure it's properly insulated, especially in areas like the roof, walls, and windows. Sealing gaps around doors and windows can also help. Improving your home's insulation will reduce the workload on your heat pump and improve overall energy efficiency.
11. Ignoring Strange Noises or Odours: Strange noises or odours coming from your heat pump are often early signs of a problem. Unfortunately, many homeowners ignore these warning signs, leading to more serious issues later on.
What You Should Do: If you notice any unusual sounds or smells coming from your heat pump, it's essential to investigate the issue immediately. Please turn off the unit and contact a professional to diagnose and fix the problem before it escalates.
12. Forgetting to Adjust Settings for Different Seasons: Some homeowners must remember to adjust their heat pump settings when transitioning from one season to another. Leaving your unit in heating mode during summer or cooling mode during winter can result in inefficiencies and higher energy bills.
What You Should Do: As the seasons change, make sure to switch your heat pump settings accordingly. Please set it to heating mode in the winter and cooling mode in the summer. Additionally, consider using the dehumidification mode during humid spring and autumn days.
Want peace of mind for your heat pump?
Heat pumps are a fantastic investment for New Zealand homeowners, offering year-round comfort and energy efficiency and by and large are very reliable systems. However, to ensure you get the most out of your heat pump, some basic maintenance is essential. By following the tips provided in this article, you can ensure your heat pump operates efficiently, saving you money on power bills while also extending the lifespan of your unit.
If you aren’t able to undertake the steps outlined or don’t have the time to do so, give OneAir a call. We have trained Technicians who will undertake a comprehensive deep clean of your system to restore it to near-new condition. Schedule an appointment with our team today to get your heat pump ready for the year ahead and keep your home interior comfortable all year round.