As the summer sun cranks up, so can your energy bills—and your frustration—if your heat pump isn’t running at its best. Whether you’re a new homeowner, a busy parent, or someone enjoying retirement, staying cool without breaking the bank matters to all of us. That’s why we’ve gathered the best summer heat pump tips to help you keep your home comfortable, your system efficient, and your mind at ease.
1. Set It and Forget It—Almost
Imagine walking into your home after a hot, hectic day to that perfect, steady coolness. No fiddling, no fuss—just comfort. Your heat pump thrives on consistency. Instead of cranking it down to “arctic” when it’s blazing outside, set it to a comfortable temperature—typically around 76–78°F—and let it do its job. Constantly adjusting the thermostat forces your system to work harder, which can mean higher bills and less comfort.
2. Clean Your Air Filter
It’s easy to forget, but a clogged air filter can choke your system, reduce efficiency, and make your home feel warmer than it should. Check it monthly and clean it at least every 1–3 months. If you have pets or allergies, you may need to clean filters more often. Just use a dust brush attachment on your vacuum to clean them off.
3. Shade and Save
Sunlight pouring through windows is beautiful, but it also heats up your home fast. Use curtains or blinds during the hottest parts of the day to reduce the load on your heat pump. Planting trees or adding window films can also help keep things cooler naturally.
4. Keep the Outdoor Unit Happy
Your heat pump’s outdoor unit needs breathing room. Trim any nearby plants, remove debris, and make sure it has at least 2 feet of clearance on all sides. A clean unit not only works better—it lasts longer.
5. Get It Checked Before You Need It Most
Just like you’d check your car before a road trip, your heat pump might need a little tune-up before peak summer hits (and also before winter rushes in). If you have had any concerns with your heat pump, a quick professional inspection can catch small issues before they become big, expensive problems. If you would like to try cleaning your heat pump yourself, that is very possible with these useful tips. If you are not confident in your ability to do it yourself, we always advise that you contact our wonderful partners at We Clean Heat Pumps who do a fantastic job!
At Building Energy, we pride ourselves on being here for you long after installation. If you have any questions, whether big or small, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!