Your air-to water or air-to air heat pump will only achieve its full potential for energy savings if you operate it efficiently. We helps homeowners in Ireland run their heat pumps correctly by providing them with some basic tips and helpful hints. Here is our guide on how to get your heat pump working at its maximum efficiency.
1. Don’t adjust your settings.
There is no need to change the settings because your installer has already configured them for maximum efficiency. If you feel that any of the settings in your heat pump are incorrect, you should.
You can call your local heat pump supplier/installer and ask if changing any settings will increase your electricity bill.
You can ask your authorized service engineer at your next scheduled service
The TRVs and/or thermostat should be used to regulate the temperature. Remember that the ideal temperature in a living room is 19-20degC, while in a bedroom 17-18degC. Lowering your thermostat even by 1degC can result in significant savings.
Do not switch off your heat pumps as this could result in high electricity bills.
2. Never block the airflow to your heat pump.
Never cover an air-to water or air-to air heat pump. The unit should also not be covered, as it needs to have free airflow at all times. Any obstruction to air flow can make your heat pump less effective, increase the cost of running the system and reduce its lifespan.
There should be at least 1 meter of free space in front of the outdoor unit, while there should be no barriers and nothing built around the outside unit unless specifically approved by your heat pump manufacturer/supplier.
3. Do not turn off the immersion heater or backup heater switch.
You should not turn off the immersion. Most heat pumps use it to complete the anti Legionella bacteria cycle, ensuring that the bacteria can’t survive your hot water system. Some heat pumps use a back-up heater for boosting the start-up or running of the unit. If this is turned on/off, it could increase your electricity bill.
4. Set your hot water temperature at 48degC for optimal performance.
For the best performance from your heat pump in New Plymouth, you should set your hot water to 48degC. Your heat pump will raise the temperature of the domestic hot water to 60-65degC once a week to “burn away” the Legionella bacteria. This ensures a clean and safe supply of hot water. The hot water temperature in your tank will then return to its standard setting.
5. Is there water around your outdoor unit’s base? Don’t worry.
The refrigerant fluid in your heat pump is very cold. This causes any moisture from the air to condense and drip on the coil. It can look like there is a leak around the outdoor unit, but it’s not. The unit may ice up in freezing temperatures. This is normal. The heat pump defrosts itself by draining away the melted water and emitting steam or white mist.
6. Keep to the warranty terms.
Your heat pump, just like a gas boiler must be serviced by a certified technician at least once per year. It is vital that you do this or your warranty may be voided. It is your responsibility to not only contact an authorized technician to get the unit repaired, but to also keep a track of all service and maintenance performed. You will be able to extend your warranty from year to year by keeping a record of the servicing and maintenance you have performed.
7. Uncertain about something? Ask, ask, ask!
You can consult the FAQ section of our website or register your warranty in our dedicated customer service portal. You can register your warranty on our dedicated “Stand By Me” customer support portal if you are a Perl electrical client.
Thank you for reading