Don’t Make These 5 Heat Pump Mistakes in Woodbridge, VA

Using a heat pump effectively is entirely different than using a furnace. Consider these five mistakes people around Woodbridge, VA, make when using their heat pump:

Cranking the Heat Way Up

Heat pumps don’t produce high-temperature heat like their fuel-burning counterparts. This creates a temptation for people new to heat pumps to crank the temperature up higher.

Unfortunately, this doesn’t cause it to heat your space more quickly. Rather, it’ll slowly raise the temperature to the thermostat’s setting. Give your system a little time to achieve your desired temperature, knowing that it’ll stay consistent once it’s there.

Continually Changing the Temperature

To achieve peak efficiency with a furnace, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends reducing the temperature when you’re away. Heat pumps work differently and achieve their peak efficiency when they’re left at a constant temperature. Find a comfortable setting for your family and leave it alone to enjoy the consistent temperature it delivers.

Using “Auto” Mode

Auto on a standard heating system means the fan will only run when the system cycles on. However, on a heat pump, it means that the system will intelligently determine whether to run heating or cooling. This can lead to your system modulating between the modes, reducing your system’s efficiency.

Skipping Maintenance

Maintenance is one of the most critical aspects of achieving high efficiency over time. Staying current on your maintenance is also one of the best ways of reducing preventable heat pump repairs.

Neglecting Your Air Filter

Neglecting your air filter will restrict the amount of air flowing through your system and reduce its heating efficiency. You may have washable filters or a single disposable filter, depending on your heat pump style. Replace or clean it when it appears dirty or according to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule.

Make sure you’re getting the best efficiency from your heat pump this winter. Call to schedule your routine heat pump maintenance with our award-winning service technicians at Brennan’s Heating & Air Conditioning.

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