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What’s the Best Temperature Setting for Heat Pumps?

Side view of outdoor heat pump unit hanging on brick wall of house on a sunny day.

If you’ve recently had a heat pump installed in your Texas home, you’re probably wondering what the ideal temperature setting should be to remain comfortable year-round.

Heat pumps are incredibly innovative and energy-efficient HVAC devices; however, it’s important to understand what temperature setting is best to maximize their longevity and efficiency.

In this blog post, Damiani’s Comfort Design will provide detailed guidance on what the best temperature setting is for heat pumps in Texas homes so you can enjoy a longer system life span and maximize your investment.

Understanding How Heat Pumps Work

Before you start fussing with the temperature on your heat pump, it’s important to have a basic understanding of how these systems operate. Heat pumps are innovative HVAC systems that work by transferring heat from one area to another using a refrigeration cycle.

Here’s how it works:

Heating Mode

When heating your home, the heat pump’s outdoor unit extracts heat from the air outside or the ground, transferring it indoors to warm your interior space.

Cooling Mode

During cooling mode, the opposite takes place, with the heat pump removing heat from the indoor air supply and releasing it outdoors to cool your home’s interior.

Because these units don’t generate heat but rather transfer it from place to place, they’re far more energy-efficient than traditional HVAC equipment, resulting in greater savings on your monthly utility expenses.

The Most Efficient Heat Pump Temperature

According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the ideal temperature for a heat pump system is around 68º F. At this temperature, your indoor environment will be kept comfortable while reducing unnecessary strain on your system.

Some homeowners may mistakenly believe that a lower temperature setting on their heat pump may result in greater discomfort; however, there are significant differences between a heat pump system and a traditional furnace. For instance, a furnace typically blows heated air at around 120º F, while a heat pump blows air between 90º and 100º F.

While this might seem insufficient, it’s important to keep in mind that heat pumps are transferring heat at a constant rate, so a small temperature increase can have a significant impact. At the end of the day, try to strike a balance between what feels comfortable and what’s best for your budget.  

How Long Should I Run My Heat Pump?

One of the biggest differences between a traditional heating system and a heat pump is the fact that they operate more efficiently when running for extended periods of time.

Regardless of the temperature you set for your heat pump system, you can expect it to run for much longer than a gas-powered furnace would, as it works to maintain your indoor comfort.

Once the outdoor temperature falls below 30º–40ºF, heat pumps should be constantly running. If they aren’t running continuously during periods of extreme cold, heat pumps won’t draw in enough heat from the outdoor air or ground to sufficiently warm your home.

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Heat Pump Installation, Repair & Maintenance in Texas

Whether you’re exploring alternative heating options for the first time or have a heat pump that needs repair or maintenance, Damiani’s Comfort Design is here to help.

Our team has years of experience servicing heat pumps, allowing Texas families to enjoy year-round comfort through these innovative, energy-efficient comfort systems.

Keep your heat pump operating smoothly when you need it. Call 210-646-9600 to request heat pump services in San Antonio today.

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