We are more aware each year of the need to electrify our homes and reduce the use of fossil fuels. We are in the early stages of a green energy revolution in our homes, converting from natural gas or fuel oil to heat pumps, heat-pump water heaters, EVs, and maybe replacing gas with an induction cooktop.

Many residents have added heat pumps over the past several years and have seen savings in oil or gas bills. Others are still considering adding or expanding heat pumps in their homes. It’s a new technology for most of us and we aren’t sure if we are using it well.

For example, should you turn a heat pump down at night to save electricity? We always did that with an oil furnace, however the expert advice for heat pumps is “no.” Don’t turn it down at night. A heat pump uses more energy trying to recover from a temperature setback than with no setback.

Here are some general tips from Focus on Energy (a Wisconsin Utilities statewide program).

• Avoid using ‘Auto’ mode. It results in the unit unnecessarily toggling between heating and cooling mode. To ensure your heat pump operates most efficiently, put it on either the ‘Heating’ setting or the ‘Cooling’ setting.
• Do not make frequent temperature adjustments. Heat pumps are most efficient when allowed to hold a steady temperature. A couple-degrees reduction for night-time comfort is fine, and it is still recommended to set the temperature back if the home is unoccupied for 24 hours or more.
• Make your heat pump do the work. Maximize your heat pumps reach by using the highest fan speed to increase air flow and heat distribution. Higher fan speeds will be louder, so pick the fan speed best for your household comfort.
• Maintain your heat pump on a regular basis. Clean air filters every few weeks depending on how quickly dust, dirt, pollen, or pet hair accumulate. Keep outdoor units free of debris by removing leaves or other items restricting air flow.

Questions remain. With climate change and unpredictable temperatures can heat pumps keep our homes comfortable in these new conditions? Should you add one or more heat pumps for your home?  Are you wondering how best to use one you already have? How do you manage a heat pump when it gets very cold? How does temperature affect operation? And what is too cold for effective operation? Do you still need a backup oil/gas system?

Lots of questions, but more information available each year as the technology and our understanding improves. Join us next Wednesday, Jan 24, at 7PM for the next in our series with Randall Library. Our speakers include Joel Boucher of Boucher Energy Systems, Steve Breit of the HeatSmart Alliance and Dave Korn of Stow’s Green Advisory Committee.