Use heat mode (not auto), set the temperature to around 18–21 °C, leave the fan on auto, and use the timer to warm the house before you get up or come home. Keep doors and curtains closed, and clean the filters regularly.
In this article9 sections
A heat pump is only as good as its settings. A few simple changes can make your home warmer and your power bill smaller this winter.
What temperature should I set my heat pump to?
Around 18–21 °C suits most living areas, and bedrooms can be a little cooler. Setting it to 30 °C doesn't heat the room any faster. It just keeps running harder for longer and overshoots. Pick a comfortable temperature and let the heat pump hold it.
Heat mode or auto mode?
Use heat mode in winter. Auto mode can switch between heating and cooling to reach the set temperature, which isn't what you want on a cold day.
Fan speed and louvres
- Set the fan to auto. It runs faster to warm the room up, then slows down to save power and noise.
- Point the louvres down when heating. Warm air rises, so directing it towards the floor warms the room more evenly.
Use the timer
Rather than heating an empty house all day, set the timer to start 30–60 minutes before you get up or come home. Wi-Fi models let you do this from your phone. In a well-insulated home that's occupied most of the day, holding a steady temperature can also work well. See how to estimate your heat pump running costs.
Dry mode for damp days
Dry (dehumidify) mode removes moisture from the air without heating it much. It's useful on damp autumn and spring days, but in the depths of winter, heat mode keeps the house warmer and also dries the air. For ongoing damp and condensation, read our guide to condensation and home ventilation.
Why does my heat pump stop heating on frosty mornings?
That's the defrost cycle. On cold, damp mornings ice builds up on the outdoor unit, so the heat pump briefly reverses to melt it. Heating pauses for a few minutes and you may see steam rising from the outdoor unit. This is normal. Keep the outdoor unit clear of plants and debris so it can drain and breathe.
Keep the heat in
- Close doors to rooms you're not heating.
- Close curtains at dusk to stop heat escaping through the glass.
- Keep furniture away from the indoor unit so air can circulate.
Clean the filters
Dusty filters make the heat pump work harder and blow less air. Clean them every few weeks in winter, and book a professional heat pump service once a year.
Still feeling cold?
If the room never reaches the set temperature, the heat pump may be undersized or need a service. Try our heat pump sizing calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature should I set my heat pump to in winter?
Around 18–21 °C suits most living areas. Each degree higher uses more power, so start around 20 °C and adjust to what feels comfortable.
Should I use auto or heat mode in winter?
Use heat mode in winter. Auto mode can switch between heating and cooling, which you don't want on a cold day.
Why does my heat pump stop blowing warm air in frosty weather?
That is usually the defrost cycle. In cold, damp conditions ice forms on the outdoor unit, and the heat pump briefly reverses to melt it. It pauses heating for a few minutes and you may see steam from the outdoor unit. This is normal.
Ready for a comfortable home all year?
Book a free in-home assessment and get a fixed-price written quote from our local team in Hamilton, the Waikato and Auckland.