Should I use a setback thermostat with a heat pump?

You should talk with your contractor about the specifics of your system, but in general, we do no recommend a setback temperature of more than 5 degrees with a heat pump in heating mode.

Should you use a programmable thermostat with a heat pump?

Programmable thermostats are generally not recommended for heat pumps. In its cooling mode, a heat pump operates like an air conditioner, so turning up the thermostat (either manually or with a programmable thermostat) will save energy and money.

Does a heat pump require a special thermostat?

You need a special thermostat for a heat pump because it needs to be able to communicate with the reversing valve when changing from heating to cooling. Heat pumps rely on outside air and electricity. Heat pump thermostats will typically have a fifth wire explicitly for the reversing valve.

What temperature should I set my heat pump in the winter?

In the area where you’re using your heat pump, turn your old thermostat 10°F lower than you used to. If you used to set it to 68, turn it to 58. This allows your old system to become the backup heat source. If the area gets chilly during a severe cold snap, don’t be afraid to turn up the old thermostat temporarily.

At what temperature do heat pumps become ineffective?

between 25 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit
Heat pumps do not operate as efficiently when temperatures drop to between 25 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit for most systems. A heat pump works best when the temperature is above 40. Once outdoor temperatures drop to 40 degrees, heat pumps start losing efficiency, and they consume more energy to do their jobs.

At what temperature outside Should I turn my heat off?

When the house is empty for an extended amount of time and at night, it is a good idea to lower the temperature to 58 to 62 degrees. When everyone is sleep and less active, there is no need for the heating and cooling system to waste energy when it is not needed as much.

Will any thermostat work with a heat pump?

Most smart thermostats are compatible with heat pump systems. What is worth noting is the installation process is a little tricker as there are additional wires to manage.

Is 74 too high for thermostat in winter?

It’s best to not set your thermostat lower than 70 to 72 degrees. Most units are not designed to cool a house below that point, and you risk the system freezing up. I recommend trying to keep your house below 80 degrees at all times during the summer.

What is the best thermostat setting for a heat pump?

The bottom line is that unless you are using a special programmable thermostat that is designed to work with heat pumps, the best thermostat setting to save heating cost is to keep a moderate temperature setting – say 65°F rather than dropping the heat pump thermostat back to a much lower setting during the setback period.

How much can I save on heating costs using a thermostat set-back?

How much can I save on heating costs by using a manual or programmable thermostat set-back? By turning your thermostat back 10° to 15° for 8 hours, you can save 5% to 15% a year on your heating bill — a savings of as much as 1% for each degree if the setback period is eight hours long.

Can a programmable thermostat be adjusted manually?

Although thermostats can be adjusted manually, programmable thermostats will avoid any discomfort by returning temperatures to normal before you wake or return home. – U.S. DOE (2012) at Other Switches on a Room Thermostat.