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For heat pumps with outdoor coils, the location
of the outdoor unit may affect its efficiency.
Outdoor units should be protected from high winds, which
can cause defrosting problems. You can strategically place
a bush or a fence upwind of the coils to block the unit from
high winds.
Proper operation of your heat pump will also save energy.
Do not set back the heat pump's thermostat if it causes the
backup heating to come on. Backup heating systems are usually
more expensive to operate. Continuous indoor fan operation
can degrade heat pump performance unless a high-efficiency,
variable-speed fan motor is used. Operate the system on the
"auto" fan setting on the thermostat.
And like all heating and cooling systems, proper maintenance
is key to efficient operation. Clean or change filters once
a month or as needed, and maintain the system according to
manufacturer's instructions. Dirty filters, coils, and fans
reduce airflow through the system. Reduced airflow decreases
system performance and can damage your system's compressor.
Clean and lubricate the fan motor annually to ensure the required
airflow is provided for proper operation. The fan speed should
be checked at the same time. Incorrect pulley settings, loose
fan belts, or incorrect motor speeds can all contribute to
poor performance.
See Also:
Using a Heat Pump
Choosing a Heat
Pump
Energy
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