A heat pump is a smart way to warm and cool your home. It uses less energy than many other systems.
To get the best results all year, you need to change how you use it. Small habits make a big difference. You also need to ensure the heat pump is properly installed before using it.
This blog post offers easy seasonal tips to get the most from your heat pump year-round, helping Australians keep their heat pump working well in every season.
We also cover how the SLA heat pumps and the SLA home app can help save energy.
Seasonal Efficiency Matters
Heat pump hot water systems work differently as the seasons change. The system works best when it is clean and set up right.
If you ignore it, the pump may use more energy and wear out faster. Seasonal care keeps your bills lower and your home more comfortable.
Summer Usage Tips
Set the cooling to a comfortable but not too low level. Try 24-26°C in living areas. Each degree lower can add to your energy bill. Use fans to help spread cool air. This lets you keep the heat pump at a mild setting.
Use Timers and Schedules
Run the heat pump only when you need it. Use timers to turn it off when no one is home. You can also set it to cool before you arrive. This saves energy and keeps you comfortable.
Block Direct Sunlight
Close curtains or blinds during the hottest part of the day. This cuts the heat load on your home. Lighter coloured blinds reflect heat and help keep rooms cool.
Keep Filters Clean
Dirty filters reduce airflow and make the heat pump work harder. Clean or replace filters every 1-3 months, or as the manufacturer advises. This is one of the easiest ways to keep efficiency high.
Check Outdoor Unit Clearance
Make sure the outdoor unit has room to breathe. Trim plants and remove debris. Good airflow helps the unit cool the refrigerant better and run less.
Use “Eco” or “Energy Saving” Modes
Many heat pumps, such as SLA’s heat pump, have an eco mode, so use it to save energy. It may change how quickly the unit cools, but it lowers running costs.
Winter Usage Tips
Aim for a steady, moderate temperature. Try 18-20°C for bedrooms and 20-22°C for living areas. Avoid overheated rooms.
A steady setting uses less energy than big swings up and down. Select a heat pump size appropriate for your home.
Check our Guide to Choosing the Right Size Heat Pump for Your Home!
Use Setback Temperatures
Lower the temperature slightly when you sleep or are out. A setback of 2-3°C for a few hours can cut energy use. Program the pump to return to comfort before you wake or arrive home.
Keep Doors and Windows Sealed
Check seals on doors and windows to stop cold drafts. Small gaps can let heat escape and force the heat pump to work harder.
Service Before the Cold Hits
Have a professional check your system before winter starts. A quick service can spot problems early. It helps keep the system efficient and reliable.
Use Sunlight for Free Heat
Open curtains on sunny winter days to warm rooms naturally. Close them when the sun goes down to keep the warmth in.
Consider Humidity Control
Dry air can feel colder. Some heat pumps help control humidity. Check your model and use settings that keep the air comfortable without wasting energy.
Spring & Autumn Optimisation
During these mild months, you may need both heating and cooling on different days. Use the heat pump’s auto mode if it has one. It switches between heating and cooling as needed.
Fine Tune Schedules
Shorter runs are often enough in spring and autumn. Use shorter, more frequent cycles to keep comfort while saving energy.
Clean and Inspect
Spring is a good time for a full clean. Check indoor and outdoor units. Clear leaves and dirt from the outdoor unit. Clean filters and vents.
Check Refrigerant and Leaks
A qualified technician can check refrigerant levels and look for leaks. Correct levels help the pump work at peak efficiency.
Balance Ventilation
Mild weather means you can open windows sometimes. Fresh air helps improve indoor air quality. But do not leave windows open if the heat pump is running. Turn the pump off when you want long periods of fresh air.
Use SLA App Automation for Year-Round Savings
Use smart controls to make life easier. The SLA home app gives you simple ways to save without fuss. Here are ways automation can help.
- Smart schedules
- Remote control
- Geo-fencing
- Easy energy modes
- Usage reports
- Alerts and maintenance reminders
Set daily and weekly schedules that match family life. The pump runs only when needed. This keeps comfort high and costs low.
Turn your heat pump on or off from anywhere. Start cooling before you get home on hot days. Or switch off if you forget to turn it down.
Some apps can use your phone location to set the home to an energy-saving mode when you leave. It switches back when you return. This avoids wasted run time.
The app can suggest or set energy saving modes. These tweaks settings to lower power use while keeping comfort.
Daily or weekly reports show how much you use. You can spot waste and change habits. Small changes add up over a year.
Get alerts for filter cleaning or service checks. The app can remind you when it is time to clean or call a technician. This keeps the system efficient and reliable.
Why SLA Heat Pumps and the SLA App Work Well Together
SLA heat pumps are built for Australian homes and the climate. They are efficient and reliable. The SLA app is simple to use.
Together they let you control settings, set schedules, and track use. That means fewer surprises in your bills and a more comfortable home all year.
Practical Habits That Cut Bills
Dress for the season: Wear light clothes in summer and layers in winter. It lets you set the heat pump to a milder temperature.
Use zoning where possible: If your system has zones, heat or cool only the rooms you use. Closing vents in unused rooms saves power.
Maintain good airflow: Do not block indoor vents with furniture or curtains. Good airflow helps keep rooms at the right temperature with less effort.
Use ceiling fans: Fans are cheap to run and make rooms feel cooler. Use them with cooling to raise the set point by a degree or two.
Mind your hot appliances: Avoid using ovens or heaters on hot days. These add heat and make the cooling system work harder.
When to Call a Professional
If you hear strange noises, have poor heating or cooling, or see frost on the outdoor unit, call a qualified technician. Also, call if the unit cycles too often or if you see higher-than-normal bills.
Early fixes prevent big problems and keep the system efficient.
Simple Checklist for Each Season
Summer:
- Set 24-26°C for comfort
- Clean filters
- Block direct sun
- Use eco mode and timers
- Keep the outdoor unit clear
Winter:
- Set 18-22°C depending on the room
- Use setback temperatures at night
- Check seals on doors and windows
- Service before winter
- Use sunlight when you can
Spring & Autumn:
- Use auto or mixed mode
- Do a full clean
- Check refrigerant and leaks
- Fine-tune schedules for mild days
Get the Best from Your Heat Pump in Every Season
An electric hot water heat pump is a smart choice for year-round comfort. Simple seasonal steps keep it running well.
Clean filters, set sensible temperatures, and use timers and the SLA EMS app. Regular checks and small habit changes can reduce bills and extend your system’s lifespan.
Visit our SLA to get an energy-efficient heat pump, and use the tips above to get the most from it all year.
