Heat pumps reward a slightly different approach than a furnace. Here's how to run yours well when it's cold and damp out.
Set it and leave it.
Heat pumps work best holding a steady temperature. Big setbacks or turning the system off and cranking it back up forces it to work inefficiently to recover. Pick a comfortable temperature and largely leave it there — modest overnight setbacks of a degree or two are fine.
Change your filters.
A clogged filter is the most common cause of weak airflow and rising bills. Check filters every month or two through winter and swap them as needed — it's the cheapest efficiency upgrade there is.
Keep the outdoor unit clear.
Make sure leaves, snow and debris aren't piling up around the outdoor unit, and keep at least 18 inches clear on all sides. Good airflow around it is essential to performance.
Brush off snow gently — never chip ice with anything sharp
Trim back shrubs and clear fallen leaves
Keep the unit raised above typical snow level
Don't panic when you see steam.
On cold, damp days your outdoor unit will periodically melt frost off its coil — you may see steam and hear it change pitch for a few minutes. That defrost cycle is completely normal and a sign it's working as designed.
Frequently asked questions
Should I turn my heat pump down at night?
Only slightly. Heat pumps run most efficiently at a steady temperature, so keep setbacks small — a degree or two. Large drops force an inefficient recovery in the morning.
Why is my outdoor unit steaming in winter?
It's running a normal defrost cycle to clear frost from the coil. The steam and brief change in sound are expected and nothing to worry about.