How To Use Heat Pumps in the Summer

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. So as you’re doing some spring cleaning this year, don’t forget to pay some attention to your heat pump.

Call Michael Bonsby HVAC, Plumbing & Electrical today at 301-990-7970 to learn more about using heat pumps in the summer.

Using Heat Pumps To Keep Cool in 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.

The excess heat is carried outside by the refrigerant and blown away. In the winter, they do the opposite, using the refrigerant to absorb outdoor heat and transport it into your home. What this means, of course, is if you don’t switch your heat pump from HEAT mode to COOL mode, you’ll know it.

Best Heat Pump Settings for Summer & Maintenance Tips

There are a few heat pump maintenance items you should do in the early spring to get your heat pump ready for summer. These include:

• Switch your thermostat from HEAT to COOL: There should be a switch on your thermostat 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 one 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, and instead, let it turn on and off as needed to keep your home comfortable more efficiently.
• Check your air filters: Dirty filters can wreak havoc on your heat pump, reducing its 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 can increase the life of your heat pump. 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 give our HVAC experts a chance to ensure your system is running properly and fix any minor issues before they require heat pump repair.

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 heat pump repair, heat pump installation, heat pump 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, MD, or Washington, DC areas.