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As the leaves turn and the air chills, homeowners begin to think about their heating needs for the upcoming cooler months. Heat pumps, an increasingly popular choice for efficient home heating, can come with a lot of questions, especially around this time of year. To help get the most out of your HVAC system, we’ve put together this FAQ.
When Is the Best Time to Activate Heat Mode?
Deciding when to switch from cooling to heating mode in a heat pump is more complicated than you might think. It really depends on a number of intersecting considerations like temperature, home insulation, and personal preference. There’s no magic temperature that clearly delineates when you should start using heat mode. That said, a good rule of thumb is when outdoor temperatures consistently fall below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s time to at least consider switching to heating mode.
Dry air during winter can impact your family’s health and the level of comfort in your home. Monitor humidity levels as excessively dry air can increase flu risk and sinus irritation as well as increase heating costs. Proper insulation and HVAC maintenance can delay switching to heat mode.
How Do You Maintain Efficiency in Cooler Weather?
To maintain the efficiency of your heat pump in cooler weather, you should learn as much as you can about insulation. Insulation is one of the biggest considerations in the area of efficiency. Proper insulation and sealing can literally save you hundreds of dollars throughout a heating season and extend the life of your HVAC system at the same time.
In that vein, inspect your home from roof to basement. Take temperature readings of each space if at all possible. If you have an unfinished attic, you might want to consider bulking up the insulation. Heat rises, and without a good winter hat, your house may well leak your hard-earned money into the sky. Other key areas to check are exterior walls and floors above unfinished spaces like vented crawl spaces and unheated garages. You should also take a close look at band joists.
Caulking and weatherstripping can really drive down your heating costs, too. Seal even the smallest air leaks around windows and doors. The less cold air gets in and warm air gets out, the less that your HVAC system has to work to keep your home comfortable. Something else to keep in mind is that properly utilized draperies can reduce heat loss by as much as 25%. Since glass allows sunlight to pass through, opening your drapes during the day can let in natural light and warmth, while the insulation acts to keep it in. Talk about energy savings!
How Do You Tackle Frost and Ice?
When outdoor temperatures drop, the heat pump can develop a coating of frost or ice. This is usually normal, so there is no need to panic right away. The condensation from the heat pump can freeze when exposed to winter temperatures. Fortunately, heat pumps are designed to defrost themselves. When it detects the ice, the defrost function will kick on automatically. However, it’s important to note that, sometimes, obstructions to the airflow can prevent the heat pump system from defrosting appropriately. When too much ice builds up on the heat pump, it could cause substantial damage and be unable to heat properly. If you notice the heat pump is fully encased in ice or if you don’t feel any air being pulled through the system, you should have a professional technician take a look right away.
Why Does a Heat Pump Release Steam?
It is perfectly normal for a heat pump to produce steam. It is part of the heat pump’s natural operation, especially during the colder months, and it’s absolutely nothing to be alarmed about. Understanding why this happens requires a peek into the workings of a heat pump.
A heat pump works by extracting heat from the outside air, even when it’s cold outside, and transferring that heat into your home. In winter months, moisture in the outdoor air can condense and freeze on the heat pump’s outdoor coils.
When frost accumulates on the outdoor coils, the heat pump’s controls detect the frost and switch the unit into a “Defrost Mode.” When in Defrost Mode, the heat pump does three things: it turns off the outdoor fan motor, enters the cooling mode briefly, and turns on electric heat. This process melts the frost from the coils, and at this point, steam or fog may be seen coming from the outdoor unit. This is a normal function of the heat pump system and just indicates that the unit is working the way it’s supposed to​.
What Is the Ideal Temperature Setting?
The U.S. Department of Energy suggests setting the heat pump at 68 degrees Fahrenheit during the fall and winter months when the home is occupied and family members are awake. However, that’s mostly to account for striking a balance between comfort and efficiency. In terms of maximal efficiency, the ideal temperature level for a heat pump in heat mode is anything above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature drops below this threshold, it may affect the heat pump’s performance. In terms of the ideal setting, it’s really all about personal preference.
When you’re sleeping, some studies have suggested setting the thermostat as low as 60 degrees, and the Department of Energy concurs that doing so has financial benefits aside from improving sleep quality. Additionally, setting the thermostat at 60 degrees can actually reduce overall heating costs by up to 10%.
Is DIY Maintenance a Viable Option or Should You Hire a Professional?
While basic upkeep like cleaning or replacing filters can be done by homeowners, more complex maintenance should be handled by professionals. Regular maintenance not only ensures the longevity of your system but also its efficient and safe operation. HVAC maintenance and repairs are a part of your heating and cooling warranty, and it is required to be performed by a licensed professional. It’s also important to remember that DIY maintenance can end up costing more in damages than what you might save by attempting it yourself.
That said, homeowners and even renters can and should conduct brief inspections of the outdoor unit for debris, foliage, or snow blockages. Just a twice-a-year visual inspection can prevent efficiency losses and minimize any maintenance or repair costs for your system.
Understanding the ins and outs of your heat pump and making sure it is well-maintained, especially as we approach the cooler months, is incredibly important. At Air Authority, A Riteway Service Company, our team of experts is always ready to assist you with your heating or cooling needs. Our locally owned and operated HVAC company offers AC and heating installation, repair, and maintenance as well as air quality assistance. We proudly serve residents of San Antonio and the surrounding areas. Contact us today for help preparing for the season.
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