12/03/2025
9 ways to get the most out of your heat pump all winter
3 min read
More Vermonters than ever are heating their homes with heat pumps. Even in our cold climate, ductless heat pumps have proven effective for keeping homes warm and cozy. They can also help reduce heating costs.
Using a heat pump is a little different than using a traditional heating source like a furnace. But once you get the hang of it, it's easy.
Whether you just installed a ductless heat pump, moved into an apartment with one, or you're just curious about what it's like living with a heat pump, these tips are for you.
1. Don’t focus on the exact temperature – focus on how the room feels.
A heat pump measures temperature differently than your old heating system. Unlike conventional thermostats that measure room temperature, ductless heat pumps use a sensor inside the unit, where the air could be warmer or cooler than the rest of the room. That means the temperature reading doesn’t necessarily reflect the ambient room temperature.
Instead of focusing on the specific temperature reading, pay attention to how you feel in the room. Set your heat pump to a comfortable temperature, then adjust the setting up or down over the course of a few days until you’ve reached the temperature number that feels right for you.
a man and woman enjoy a room with a heat pump on the wall
2. Set it and forget it.
In the space being heated by your heat pump, adjust the thermostat of your backup heat source to 5°F lower than its current setting. If you used to set it to 68, turn it to 63. That way, your backup heat will kick on only if the heat pump can't maintain your desired temperature. Ask your installer about integrated controls (see #6), which can automatically switch between your heat pump and your backup system.
You might be accustomed to turning the heat up and down based on your daily schedule. But a heat pump is different: It's most efficient when maintaining a set temperature. Find the right temperature setting (see #2), then leave it alone and let it work! Exception: If you're away from home for more than 24 hours, you can set back the temperature.
In the summer, it’s okay to turn your heat pump on and off as needed. When it comes to cooling, leaving your heat pump on 24/7 doesn’t offer substantial energy savings in the same way that leaving it on all winter does. Do whatever is most comfortable in your home.
3. Leave it on all winter.
Heat pumps are remarkably effective as a primary heat source, even in the winter. Today’s cold-climate heat pumps can handle temperatures as low as -15°F and below. If you only use your heat pump for cooling in the summer, you're missing out on the opportunity to save on heating costs and reduce your carbon footprint. Heat pumps are three times as efficient as traditional heating systems, so you'll use less energy to get the same amount of warmth in your home.
The best way to benefit from a heat pump’s superior efficiency is to use it for as much heating as it can handle. Experiment by opening a few doors to expand the zone, then turn up the fan. You might be surprised how much space a heat pump can heat.
Many Vermonters are worried that a heat pump might not be able to "keep up" on the coldest days. The best gauge is actually you: Are you still warm enough? If your heat pump can keep your home warm at your desired thermostat setting, there's generally no need to switch to your backup heat. If your heat pump is struggling to reach or maintain your desired indoor temperature, then it might be time for supplemental heat. This could also be a sign that your ductless heat pump needs to be cleaned or serviced, or your home could use weatherization. Before you assume it’s too cold for your heat pump, try some adjustments, like:
Turning the fan up
Adjusting the settings
Checking the filter
Clearing snow or debris from the outdoor unit
Consider whether it’s time for a professional check-up
You might be surprised how warm your heat pump can keep your home, even on very cold days, if you let it.
