As a homeowner in New Zealand, you likely understand the importance of having a reliable heating and cooling system in your home. Our country's unique climate, ranging from chilly winters to warm summers, makes it essential to have a system that can efficiently keep your home comfortable all year round. Enter the ducted heat pump system—a highly efficient, eye-friendly option that provides even temperature distribution and ease of control without any visible boxes on the wall. But to truly get the most out of your ducted system, it's important to ensure it's running as efficiently as possible. Over the years, OneAir has serviced hundreds of ducted air conditioners and this article passes on some of the tips we have learned to keep your ducted heat pump operating at optimum capacity.
Understand How Your Ducted Heat Pump System Works
Firstly, it's helpful to have a basic understanding of how a ducted heat pump system functions. Unlike individual air conditioning units or portable heaters, ducted systems use a network of ducts that distribute air from a central unit to various rooms in your home. This allows for consistent temperatures throughout the house, whether you're heating during the winter or cooling during the summer. The system is typically installed on the roof or under the floor, making it discreet and ideal for modern kiwi homes. The important thing to remember is that the ducted air conditioner is sucking air in via what is called “Return Air” in the same quantity as it is pushing out “Supply Air”. This means
Regular Maintenance Is Key to Efficiency
Like a car, your ducted heat pump system needs regular maintenance to ensure it runs efficiently. Dust and debris can accumulate in the ducts and filters over time, reducing airflow and forcing the system to work harder, using more energy and run noisier as well.
Here are some essential maintenance tasks to keep in mind:
Clean or Replace Return Air Filters Regularly: Dirty filters make the system less efficient by blocking airflow. Aim to clean or replace filters every three months or as your HVAC professional recommends.
Schedule Annual Professional Servicing: Having a professional check your system once a year can help your system stay in optimal condition. They can also finetune air supply in each room so that it best meets your needs.
Optimal Temperature Settings for Maximum Savings
One of the simplest ways to save energy with your ducted system is by setting the thermostat to the optimal temperature. For most homes in New Zealand, an ideal temperature is around 18 to 21 degrees Celsius during the cooler months and 20 to 22 degrees Celsius in the summer.
Avoid setting the temperature too high in winter or too low in summer, as this can strain the system unnecessarily and increase your energy bills. Remember these systems are typically much larger than a single high wall unit, so they use more electricity as well. Even a small improvement in efficiency therefore can turn out to be a significant saving, especially if your system is used a lot.
Insulation and Zoning: The Unsung Heroes of Efficiency
Your home's insulation and air tightness plays a huge role in the efficiency of your ducted heat pump system. Poor insulation and draught stopping means your system will have to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. Make sure your home is well-insulated with as many gaps sealed as possible, particularly in the roof and walls, to keep warm air in during winter and out during summer.
Additionally, consider installing a zone control system. Zoning allows you to heat or cool only the areas of your home that you're using, rather than all the rooms the ducted is supplying air to - usually the entire house. For example, you can set the living room and kitchen to a comfortable temperature during the day and reduce heating in bedrooms until the evening or even shut down the air supply there totally. This lowers your monthly power bill as your system has less space to heat or cool and doesn’t have to work as hard or long to get the selected room to the desired temperature set point.
Energy-Saving Tips for Different Seasons
Energy efficiency isn't just about setting the right temperature—it's also about using your ducted system effectively throughout the year. Here are some seasonal tips:
Winter: Set your thermostat to a moderate temperature and use zoning to focus heating in the rooms you use most—close curtains and shut doors to rooms that aren't in use to prevent heat from escaping. If your home is damp with a lot of moisture in the air, run the ducted in dry/dehumidify mode first for 15-30 min or so before switching to heat mode. Dry air is easier to heat than damp air and your room will reach temperature faster when all the excess moisture has been removed.
Summer: Close curtains or blinds during the hottest part of the day to keep out excess heat. This reduces the load on your cooling system and helps it operate more efficiently.
The Cost-Saving Benefits of a Ducted Heat Pump System
One of the most significant advantages of a ducted heat pump system is its potential for long-term cost savings. Although the upfront installation costs can be higher than for other types of heating and cooling systems, the energy efficiency of a ducted system can lead to significant savings on your power bills over time.
A well-maintained ducted heat pump system typically uses less energy compared to traditional heating methods, such as electric heaters or gas fireplaces. In fact, studies have shown that heat pumps can be up to three times more energy efficient than traditional heating systems, as they move heat rather than generate it. This can result in up to 30-40% savings on your energy bills, especially during peak heating months.
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
For eco-conscious homeowners, energy efficiency isn't just about saving money—it's also about reducing environmental impact. When properly maintained, a ducted heat pump system can significantly lower your household's carbon emissions by using less electricity. By optimising your system's efficiency, you're not only reducing your utility bills but also contributing to a more sustainable future for New Zealand.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your ducted system runs efficiently, avoid these common mistakes:
Cranking the Temperature: Setting the thermostat too high in winter or too low in summer won't heat or cool your home faster—it will just waste energy.
Neglecting Maintenance: Skipping regular maintenance can lead to costly repairs and reduced efficiency. Set reminders to check filters and book annual servicing.
Ignoring Drafts and Insulation Issues: Even the most efficient system can't compensate for poor insulation or drafts. Ensure your home is well-sealed to maximise your system's performance.
Get the Most Out of Your Ducted Heat Pump System
A ducted heat pump system is an excellent investment for homeowners in New Zealand, offering energy efficiency, comfort, and cost savings year-round while maintaining a discreet appearance that makes your home look sleek and modern. A hot tip is to consider introducing fresh air into your system as that helps with indoor air quality. This is best done at the new installation stage, but can also be retrofitted with only relatively minor modifications required.
Should you have any questions about this, or anything else regarding a ducted heat pump / air conditioner, contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our HVAC experts!