Sometimes, users may alter the operating settings in a way that compromises the optimal functioning. This can result in reduced comfort and an increase in heating costs, even by more than 100%.
It is essential to emphasize that the operation of a heat pump is entirely different and incomparable to traditional heating methods such as oil or natural gas. Therefore, the heating mode traditionally used in such heating systems is not the same if you want to ensure the most optimal operation and lowest heating costs with a heat pump.
The most common mistake is users turning off the heat pump overnight, causing it to operate only during the day or when they are at home. Explaining why such operation is not optimal and leads to higher costs than if the heat pump operated 24/7 is discussed in an interview with Dani Povše, the Service Department Coordinator at KRONOTERM.
KRONOTERM experts advise that heating with a heat pump should be operational 24/7, even when you are on vacation.
“While with oil heating, users typically controlled the room temperature with a thermostat during the day and adjusted it as needed, often turning the thermostat off at night for maximum savings, the operation of heat pumps is, in fact, the opposite. A heat pump can achieve maximum efficiency only if set to operate continuously without any shutdown during the day. The problem with interruptions in operation (e.g., at night) is that the temperature can drop by up to 2˙C in 8-10 hours of inactivity, and the heat pump must compensate for it during the day, putting more strain on it. Since the heat pump is most loaded during the day, when the electricity tariff is also the highest, this undoubtedly reflects on the monthly bill. Disconnecting the heat pump is strongly discouraged, especially for radiator heating, as the heated water in the radiators will quickly drop below 20°C, causing the electric heaters to kick in during the heat pump operation. Heat pumps are designed so that, for compressor protection, the water in the heat pump must not be colder than 20°C. At lower temperatures, the heat pump switches to electric heaters, and due to their constant operation, the electricity consumption can be up to three times higher,” explains Dani Povše, the coordinator of the service department at KRONOTERM.
7 TIPS FOR MAXIMIZING THE EFFICIENCY OF HEAT PUMP OPERATION
-
Do not turn off the heat pump at night.
-
Do not set a significant temperature reduction at night.
-
Do not obstruct heating elements with objects or fabrics.
-
Do not close the valves on heating elements. If it’s too hot, lower the heating curve value on the heat pump.
-
Do not place large carpets on surfaces with underfloor heating.
-
Do not increase the temperature of domestic hot water to the maximum value – setting it to 50°C is sufficient.
-
Delovanje cirkulacijskega voda sanitarne vode naj ne bo neprekinjeno vklopljeno.
From the above-mentioned reasons for optimal operation of the heat pump with the lowest costs, Povše recommends that the heat pump operates constantly, and the key is the correct and optimal setting of other operating parameters. Of course, the settings for the operation of each heat pump are different and depend on various factors, so it is necessary to check the diagnostics of the specific device and determine the operating settings (all KRONOTERM heat pumps come with built-in remote control via the Krono.Cloud service, which is also used for remote service diagnostics. This allows service technicians to connect and inspect the operation of your device anywhere and anytime). By connecting to the specific device, we can identify incorrectly configured operating settings or any anomalies and promptly address them remotely. For assistance with the configuration of the device’s operation, you can always contact your heat pump installer or the KRONOTERM service team.
4 TIPS TO REDUCE ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION COSTS IN THE OPERATION OF A HEAT PUMP
-
Leave the adjustment of the heat pump operation to a professional; otherwise, the electricity cost may be higher than usual.
-
When you don’t need underfloor heating but want the heat pump to remain on, it is recommended to set the temperature to approximately 20 °C. Setting it below this temperature will trigger the electric heaters. Heat pumps are designed so that, for compressor protection, the water in the heat pump must not be colder than 20°C. At lower temperatures, the heat pump switches to electric heaters, and due to their operation, electricity consumption can be up to three times higher.
-
Even with radiator heating, it is not advisable to turn off the heat pump for the same reason, e.g., at night, as the heated water in the radiators will drop below 20°C, activating the electric heaters.
-
Choose heating based on the weather-dependent curve rather than constant heating curve, meaning that the operation of the heat pump adjusts to external temperatures in connection with the pre-set characteristics of your house (house size, insulation, windows, etc.).
