Do Heat Pumps Use a Lot of Electricity?

Written on: May 22, 2023

Get energy efficient comfort with a heat pump from Williams Energy!

As the technology of heat pumps continues to evolve, many South Shore homeowners are discovering the benefits of them.

They often have questions about heat pumps, especially in terms of electricity consumption and the impact of heat pumps on energy bills. Williams Energy is here to help with expert heat pump installation and service.

We have also compiled some common questions about heat pumps to provide answers to them.

How much energy do heat pumps use?

Heat pumps are not a one-size-fits-all piece of equipment. Our team of HVAC experts will carefully go over your home’s needs to make sure that your heat pumps will provide efficient, comfortable heating and cooling for your home.

The more you use a heat pump, the more your electricity usage will increase. The extra cost will vary depending on factors like how long you use it, the electricity rates in your area, and the number of air handlers you have at home.

Obviously, your electricity bill will go up, potentially significantly. That increased cost will be balanced somewhat as your fuel consumption will go down dramatically as you won’t be running your boiler or furnace much, if at all. Some heat pump owners opt to retain their furnace or boiler in addition to their heat pump. This serves as a backup heat supply during the coldest weeks of the year.

What size heat pump do I need?

Choosing the right size for your heat pump is crucial to avoid increased energy bills and expenses for repairs and maintenance. Even though a small pump can provide cooling and heating for a large area, it may not be cost-effective as it will need to run more frequently and use more electricity. It will also have greater wear, resulting in increased repairs and a decreased life expectancy. Therefore, it is important to select a pump that is accurately sized for your needs.

There are many factors to be considered when determining which size heat pump will work best for your home. These factors include the square footage of your home, how well insulated it is, and the number of people living in your home.

We’ve put together some general guidelines regarding the BTU output homes need based on size. This will give you an idea of what size heat pump your home will require.

• 500 square feet: 1 ton
• 1,000 square feet: 2 tons
• 1,500 square feet: 3 tons
• 2,000 square feet: 4 tons
• 2,500 square feet: 5 tons
• 3,000 square feet: 6 tons

How do I make sure my heat pump runs efficiently?

Using heat pumps is not exactly the same as using a central cooling or heating system in your home. These tips will help you maximize the energy efficiency of your heat pump while keeping your home comfortable.

1. Don’t use the “Auto” setting. The “Auto” setting of heat pumps maintains a constant temperature by alternating between “Cool” and “Heat” modes, which can result in higher energy consumption and expenses. To avoid using air conditioning while operating a fireplace or wood stove, it’s better to choose the “Heat” setting instead of “Auto.” Similarly, to prevent heating on a cold summer night, it’s recommended to choose the “Cool,” “Dry,” or “Fan” setting instead of “Auto.”
2. Customize the fan speed. To distribute the heated or cooled air more widely, begin by selecting the “Auto Fan” option. If this is insufficient, adjust the speed to the lowest setting that satisfies your requirements.
3. Maintain your heat pump. First, have Williams Energy perform an annual maintenance tune-up on your heat pump, which is included in our Heat Pump Service Plan. To help keep your heat pump running at peak performance and efficiency, check your heat pump filters once a month and clean as needed. Also, check the outside units and clear away debris such as leaves, twigs, and litter.
4. Use your heat pump in winter. Heat pumps are the most efficient heating system, even on very cold days. If you have a heat pump and a boiler or furnace, using the heat pump is the better choice for saving energy.
5. Don’t fiddle with the thermostat during the winter. This is where heat pumps are very different than furnaces or boilers. To maximize efficiency, it is recommended to maintain a consistent temperature when operating a heat pump. Turning down the heat pump when you are not at home or asleep, may result in increased energy usage as it requires more effort to restore the desired temperature. Therefore, it is recommended to set a comfortable temperature and keep it consistent.

Ready for the comfort and energy efficiency of a heat pump in your home? Contact the heat pump experts at Williams Energy today for a FREE estimate!