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Your Guide to Cooling Your Home With a Heat Pump

Heat pumps operate just like normal, energy-efficient air conditioners during the summer, keeping your home cool for less. In the winter, heat pumps do the opposite. They use the refrigerant to absorb outdoor heat and transport it into your home.

When you’re spring cleaning this year, remember to pay attention to your heat pump. In the summer, if you don’t switch your heat pump from the HEAT mode to its COOL mode, you’ll know it.

The Best Temperature Settings For Heat Pumps in the Summer

As we mentioned, heat pumps work just like air conditioners to provide cooling during the summer. This means they use a special refrigerant to absorb heat from the air in your home, reducing its temperature before blowing it back through your home. For many people, the ideal temperature setting for your heat pump is around 75 to 78°F.

The Best Heat Pump Settings for Summer

You should do some heat pump maintenance tasks in the early spring to prepare your heat pump for summer. The best heat pump settings for summer include:

• Switch your thermostat from HEAT to COOL: Your thermostat should have a switch with three settings: HEAT, COOL, and OFF. Before you do anything, turn the switch to COOL so you don’t forget to do it later.
• Make sure your fan is set to AUTO: In addition to the HEAT, COOL, and OFF switches on your thermostat, there should be another for your fan labeled ON and AUTO. While you’re adjusting the first switch, make sure this one is set to AUTO. This will prevent the fan from running constantly; instead, it will turn on and off as needed to keep your home comfortable more efficiently.
• Set the thermostat to 78°F: The U.S. Department of Energy recommends this setting for a balance of comfort and efficiency.
• Increase the temperature when away: If you’re out for several hours, raise the thermostat by a few degrees to save on cooling costs.
• Use a programmable or smart thermostat: Automating temperature adjustments can improve efficiency without sacrificing comfort.

Heat Pump Maintenance Tips For Summer

To ensure your heat pump is working optimally this summer, follow these maintenance tips:

• Check your air filters: Dirty filters can wreak havoc on your heat pump, reducing efficiency and potentially causing a complete breakdown. Remember to change your air filters every month to three months, depending on how often you run your heat pump.
• Set the right temperature: During the summer, every degree higher you set your thermostat can save you as much as 3 to 5% on your heating bills. Setting your thermostat as high as is comfortable will help you save money and increase your heat pump’s lifespan. For best results, install a programmable thermostat to optimize cooling and efficiency.
• Schedule heat pump maintenance: If you want your heat pump to run as efficiently and effectively as possible all year, it’s best to have your system inspected in early spring and again in early fall. These preventative inspections allow our HVAC experts to ensure your system is running properly and fix any minor issues before they require heat pump repairs.

Schedule Heat Pump Service in Maryland & Washington, DC

If you’re in Gaithersburg, Germantown, Potomac, Clarksburg, or other nearby areas, call the experts at Michael Bonsby HVAC, Plumbing & Electrical for professional and reliable heat pump services, including repair, installation, maintenance, and more.

We can help you keep your heat pump working through the summer so you can enjoy a cool, comfortable home all season.

Contact us today to schedule heat pump maintenance in the Gaithersburg, Maryland, or Washington, DC, area.

FAQs

Can a heat pump cool as effectively as a traditional air conditioner?

Yes in cooling mode, a heat pump operates similarly to an air conditioner by reversing its heat transfer cycle, absorbing indoor heat and expelling it outdoors.

Why might a heat pump freeze up during summer operation?

Although it’s less common in cooling mode, freezing can occur due to low refrigerant levels, restricted airflow (dirty filters or blocked vents), or a dirty evaporator coil.

What thermostat settings are ideal for a heat pump in summer?

A good range is 75–78 °F for balancing energy efficiency and comfort. Also, set the fan mode to “AUTO” rather than “ON” so the system only runs the fan when actively cooling.