Key takeaways
- Pick a comfortable temperature and leave it; big night-time setbacks can cost more with a heat pump.
- Leave emergency heat off unless the heat pump has stopped working.
- Heat pump air feels cooler than furnace air, but it runs longer and keeps rooms evenly warm.
Why steady beats big setbacks
A furnace can reheat a cold house quickly by burning more gas. A heat pump recovers more slowly, and if the house has cooled a lot, the thermostat may switch on backup heat — usually electric heat that costs two to three times as much to run.
Small setbacks of 1–2 °C at night are fine. A smart thermostat made for heat pumps can also plan the morning warm-up for you.
What each setting means
| Setting | When to use it |
|---|---|
| Heat | Winter, most of the time |
| Cool | Summer |
| Auto | Spring and fall, when days are warm and nights are cold |
| Emergency / auxiliary heat | Only if the heat pump has stopped working — then call your installer |
| Fan: Auto | Usually best. “On” runs the fan all the time and uses more electricity |
If your thermostat has a “balance point” or backup-heat setting, ask your installer to set it so backup heat only runs when it’s truly needed.
Why the air feels cooler
A furnace blows short bursts of very hot air. A heat pump delivers a steady stream of warm air — often about 30–40 °C at the vent — for longer. The room ends up just as warm, with fewer temperature swings.
Ductless heads and remotes
- Set each head to the temperature you want and leave it
- Keep doors open where you can so warm air spreads
- Point the louvres down in winter, and level or up in summer
- Clean the head’s filter every month or two
Summer settings
- Start around 24–25 °C and adjust to your comfort
- Use “Dry” mode on muggy days to remove humidity
- Close blinds on sunny windows in the afternoon
Common questions
Should I turn the heat pump off when I’m away?
For a day or two, lower it by a few degrees instead of switching it off. For longer winter trips, keep the house at about 15 °C or warmer so pipes don’t freeze.
Can I keep my old thermostat?
Sometimes. Heat pumps often need a compatible thermostat to control the compressor and backup heat properly; your installer will tell you.