Cold climate heat pumps are the most efficient heating system, even on cold winter days. If you have both a heat pump and electric baseboards, your heat pump is the more energy-efficient choice. Heat pumps are at least 2.5 times more efficient than electric baseboards.
Heat pumps operate most efficiently when holding a steady temperature. Instead of turning the temperature up and down, pick a comfortable setting and let it maintain that temperature. This uses less energy than having it work extra hard to warm up a cold room.
Depending on where your heat pump measures the room temperature, you may need to set your heat pump at a higher temperature than with a traditional wall thermostat setting. Adjusting the louvres to direct the airflow to the right area may eliminate the need to increase the temperature. Set your heat pump to whatever temperature you find most comfortable; baseboards should be set to a temperature 2C lower than your heat pump to maintain comfort and maximize efficiency.
For homes heated by both a heat pump and electric baseboards, always rely on your heat pump first to maximize energy savings. Set baseboard thermostats lower in rooms with heat pumps. This way, they'll only turn on if really needed.
On days colder than your heat pump rating, your electric baseboards may be the more efficient option. Follow the owner's manual guidance for optimal temperature range and maintenance schedule. This ensures the best operational lifespan for your heat pump and its components such as fans and compressors.
The Auto mode on heat pumps allows the heat pump to decide whether to heat or cool the space, but it doesn’t always know best. To avoid accidentally air conditioning on a mid-winter sunny day or when a wood stove is running, use “Heat” mode, not “Auto.” Likewise, to avoid accidentally heating on a cool summer night, use “Cool”, “Dry,” or “Fan,” not “Auto” in the summer.
Start off with the fan setting on “Auto Fan.” If that doesn’t spread the heated or cooled air far enough, set the speed to the lowest level that will meet your needs.
Direct the airflow toward open spaces and away from walls or furniture – this helps the warm or cool air reach further into your room.
Heat pumps work best when dust filters are clean. Vacuum or rinse the dust filters whenever they become visibly dirty or when the indicator light comes on. For details on how to take the filters out, consult your user manual.
Keep shrubs away from outdoor units and remove leaves that may become stuck in them, being careful not to bend the fins. Clear snow drifts away from outdoor units. Cold climate heat pumps automatically defrost but units should be checked after heavy snowfall, or an ice storm, and hot water poured over them if there is unusual snow or ice buildup.
To ensure peak performance, follow manufacturers’ recommendations for professional service in addition to regular filter cleaning. Heat pumps collect more dirt in the summer, so it’s best to have them serviced in the fall.
There are three heat pump modes for summer. “Fan” uses the least energy and may suffice when you need a little relief. It will not cool the room so be sure to turn it off when you leave. When it’s muggy, “Dry” mode can reduce the humidity and make the room feel more comfortable. Dry mode is just cooling mode at a lower fan speed so that you dehumidify without overcooling the room. “Cool” mode is the best choice for lowering the temperature and may suit the hottest days.
Not all heat pumps have these same operating modes. A dehumidifier can be more efficient at dehumidifying than dry mode on your heat pump.