I had a very interesting conversation with a customer recently and I thought it would be a good idea to share it on the blog. This customer was asking me about the efficiency of an electric heat pump system during freezing temperatures. She was also very concerned about her electric bill and I don’t blame her. I explained to her that any heat pump system (electric or gas) that is operating in 20 degree and below temperatures is not efficient at all! The best way to get the most efficiency and heat out of your system during extremely cold temperatures is to turn the system setting on your thermostat to the “Emergency Heat” mode. This will by-pass the heat pump and turn on the heat strips or gas burners right away.
This particular customer had electric heat so I explained that her energy bill is probably going to be very high this month because electric heat is not very efficient during extremely cold temperatures. We are not used to extremely low temperatures in Lubbock, Texas and usually an electric or gas heat pump system works just fine during the winter.
So, if you are going to purchase a new heat pump system in the future or own one now, the best way to save money and heat your home during extremely cold weather is to by-pass the heat pump. Turn your thermostat setting over to “Emergency Heat” and don’t change the setting until the temperatures get above freezing. Do you agree or disagree? Do you have other tips to offer?