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Many homeowners have been installing heat pumps for radiator heating. This is not a big surprise considering that they offer the most efficient and effective way to keep your home warm and cozy.
If you have ever decided to invest in this unit, or you are planning to get one soon, here are some helpful tips on how to make the most out of your heat pump.
Don’t Use Auto Mode in Winter and Summer
Heat pumps have an auto mode that lets them decide whether to cool or heat the space. However, most of the time, it doesn’t know what is best.
To ensure that the unit doesn’t accidentally produce air conditioning while you are using your wood stove or during sunny days in the middle of winter, don’t use Auto mode and use Heat mode instead.
Similarly, to prevent accidentally heating your home on a cool night during summer, don’t use Auto in the summer and use Fan, Dry, or Cool.
Keep the Dust Filters Clean
Heat pumps for radiator heating work in their best performance when their dust filters are kept clean. Make sure that you rinse or vacuum the dust filters every time they get visibly dirty or whenever the indicator light turns on.
How often you clean your heat pump can range from a few weeks to even months, depending on the volume of dust and frequency of usage. You can refer to the user manual to learn the steps on how to take out the filters.
Avoid Fussing with Your Heat Pump Daily
Your old heating device probably required you to lower the temperature at night and every time you go to work. But heat pumps are a different story. These units reach their peak efficiency by retaining a set temperature.
Determine the correct setting, leave It on its own, and just let it do its job. The only exception is when you are not home for more than 24 hours. In this case, it is recommended to turn it down.
Let the Pros Service Your Heat Pump
To guarantee peak performance, always follow the recommendations of the manufacturer for professional service on top of regular cleaning of filters. Heat pumps tend to accumulate more dirt during summer, so it is always best that you have your unit serviced during fall or autumn.
Maintain a Clear Outdoor Unit
See to it that your outdoor units are always clear of shrubs and remove any leaves that might get stuck in them. You just have to be extra careful to avoid bending the fins.
You also need to keep the outdoor unit clear of snowdrifts. The good news is that you don’t have to worry about ice and snow accumulating on heat pumps for radiator heating. This is because these devices can automatically defrost.
Always Stay Updated with Maintenance
This one is true for almost all heating systems. However, it doesn’t make maintenance any less critical. The good news is that this is generally easy and quick to do.
Once again, be sure you consult the user manual of your heat pump for details on how to replace and clean cartridges.
The outdoor compressor must be clear of snow, ice, and debris. You can also seek help from a qualified professional who can service your unit every one to two years.
Match the Summer Mode with Your Needs and the Weather
There are three modes in your heat pump during summer. The first one is Fan. This uses the lowest amount of energy and may already be enough every time you need a bit of relief. However, this will not keep your room cool so make sure that you turn this mode off if you are not at home.
Meanwhile, if the weather is muggy and warm, the Dry mode can lower the humidity levels to make your home feel comfier. Finally, the Cool mode is your best option to lower the temperature and is most suitable for the hottest days.
Optimize the Direction of Airflow
Redirecting airflow on heat pumps for radiator heating is easy. To optimize reach, you should direct the air to the open space that is away from obstructions and is farthest away from your indoor unit. You might need to experiment a bit to determine what will be most comfortable for you.
Adjust the Fan Speed
To get started, you can turn on Auto Fan on the fan setting. If this still doesn’t spread the cooled or heated air far enough, you can have the speed set to the lowest level that suits your preferences.
Set Heat Pumps for Radiator Heating for Comfort
The indoor units of most heat pumps are mounted high on a wall close to the ceiling. Since heat increases and the heat pumps measure the temperature at indoor units, there might be a need for you to set the heat pump at a temperature higher than with the traditional wall thermostat setting.
Make sure that you set it for comfort whatever your usual furnace or boiler setting is. It might be different in the case of heat pumps with wall-mounted thermostats or floor units.
Set and Forget Your Heat Pump During Winter
Your heat pump operates most efficiently when it holds a steady temperature. Turning down your heat pump when you are asleep or away might end up using more energy than keeping it turned on.
This is because it needs to work harder to return to the preferred temperature than it does to retain it. It will be best that you set your heat pump at a comfortable temperature and leave it as it is. You will not be able to save money when using your heat pump if you adjust the temperature for just short periods like overnight.
Heat pumps for radiator heating can work wonders to keep your home warm and comfortable. Make sure that you follow the tips above to get the best out of your investment.