Air-Source Heat Pumps (ASHP)

Getting the Most From Your New Air-Source Heat Pump

Here are some helpful tips for using and maintaining your new air-source heat pump system:

Homeowner maintenance

To ensure your units run efficiently, clean or replace indoor air filters every 1–6 months, depending on their level of dirtiness. You can watch a helpful video by INsource Renewables on how to clean these filters. You can wash the main filters in the sink or use a vacuum cleaner, and remember that some optional filters, like deodorization filters, might require replacement over time.
Keep outdoor units free from leaves, debris, snow, and ice.
Trim any plants or bushes that might be growing too close to the outdoor units.
Make sure both the outdoor and indoor units have unobstructed airflow.

Professional maintenance

Keep your air-source heat pump in top shape by scheduling a maintenance check with the installer every 1–2 years, or as recommended. This ensures smooth operation.
Check your system at least once every season. Look out for issues like mold, ice buildup, or indicator lights. If you notice any problems, schedule a maintenance appointment with the installer to ensure your heat pump is working well.
When making home renovations after installing a heat pump, be cautious not to disturb the equipment or refrigerant lines. This helps prevent leaks from occurring.

Operation

For optimal efficiency, it’s best to keep your thermostat consistently comfortable, even overnight or when you’re away for a day or two, when using air-source heat pumps. Unlike fossil fuel heating, it’s not recommended to lower the temperature.
Don’t hesitate to use your heat pump during extremely cold weather. If you feel your home isn’t warm enough, turn up the temperature on the thermostat and adjust the air flow to the highest setting. Well-sized and properly installed cold-climate air-source heat pumps can effectively heat homes even when it’s well below zero outside.
If your existing heating system serves as a backup, use it only when necessary. Unless you have automatic controls that coordinate both systems, lower the thermostat for your existing system a few degrees below the usual setting to prioritize your air-source heat pumps as the main heat source.
If you find your heat pumps aren’t providing sufficient warmth on very cold days even after increasing the heat pump’s thermostat temperature and setting the airflow to high, raise the backup system’s thermostat temperature slightly. Be sure to set the backup system thermostat temperature back down after the very cold weather passes. To enable your heat pumps to function more efficiently on very cold days, track down air leakage points around windows, recessed lights, and windows and doors. An infrared camera, which can be borrowed from some public libraries or rented from home improvement stores, is helpful in identifying air leaks. A home energy professional can also administer a blower door test to locate air leaks.