Maximize heat pump efficiency with Princeton Air!
Qualify for a tax credit of up to $2,000 when you upgrade.
As the mercury drops, your heat pump can still keep you cozy and warm all winter long. Because heat pumps operate differently from other heating systems, it’s important to understand how you can maximize your heat pumps' energy efficient features during the winter months.
The Difference in Winter Heat Pump Operation
Unlike traditional furnaces or boilers, heat pumps and mini-split heat pumps don’t actually generate heat, they just move heat from one location (outside) to another (inside). Even with chilly temperatures, heat pumps are able to extract heat from outside air to heat your Middlesex and Suffolk County NJ home. Heat pumps are very efficient overall, but in colder weather they do lose a bit of functional efficiency. As a result, it’s important to get the most out of your heat pump in winter! Here are five easy tips to max your heat pump operation:
1. Hands Off the Thermostat!
Fiddling with your thermostat is counter productive with heat pumps. Cranking up the setting to 90 will not heat your home faster, but you could end up wasting energy if you forget to turn the dial back down!
Most heat pumps are equipped with programmable settings and smart thermostat options that can elevate the temperature settings 15 minutes before you wake up or turn them down when no one’s in the room. One great option to maximize heat pump operation is to install a Nest Smart Thermostat, which learns your habits and can respond to your daily routine. As a Nest Pro Elite Installer, the heating and cooling pros at Princeton can sync your thermostat with your heat pump for top heat pump performance.
2. Don’t Cover Your Heat Pump’s Outside Unit
Outdoor heat pump units are designed to withstand winter weather. Covering a heat pump unit can actually cause serious problems, such as mold growth and pest infestation that can damage your unit, and create air flow problems that affect performance.
3. Clear Away Clutter, Leaves, Snow and Other Debris
Keep your heat pump’s outside unit clear of debris, snow leaves and other clutter. Heat pumps need to circulate air freely to operate properly, so keeping anything that might block the flow of air through the heat pump should be kept at a distance.
4. Don’t Be Concerned about the Defrost Cycle
The defrost cycle is a normal part of winter operations. Your heat pump defrost cycle usually takes a short time to complete. If the defrost cycle runs for an extended time period however, the unit may require heat pump service from the local experts at Princeton Air.
5. Keep Up with Heat Pump Maintenance
Regular cleaning and maintenance can keep your heat pump working properly and identify any problems that might affect winter performance. Checking the fan, refrigerant line and filters all help your heat pump work to its intended specifications in the winter. If you missed your fall maintenance check-up, it’s not too late! Princeton Air is available for heat pump maintenance all year long! In fact, many of our customers opt for our Club Memberships to take the guesswork out of scheduling routine maintenance.
BONUS: By maximizing your winter heat pump operation, you can keep them running more often, using less energy! But when the weather gets too cold, a hybrid heat pump system will automatically switch from heat pump operation to gas furnace operation to ensure that you get the heat you need when you need it most!
Upgrade to Heat Pumps and Save!
If you haven’t switched to a heat pump or ductless mini split heat pump, now is the perfect time to take advantage of generous rebates and tax incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Using the 25C tax credit allowance, homeowners in Mercer, Middlesex and Somerset counties in NJ and Bucks County, PA can claim a 30% federal tax credit for home efficiency upgrades in 2023—as much as $2,000 for heat pump and mini split installation!
