Your heating bill can be high with a heat pump for several reasons related to operation, sizing, weather, and house conditions, even though heat pumps are generally efficient. One common reason is reliance on auxiliary or emergency heat strips. When outdoor temperatures drop below 30 to 35 degrees Fahrenheit, many heat pumps activate electric resistance backup heat, which uses 2 to 3 times more electricity than the heat pump itself, causing bills to spike. If your heat pump is undersized for your home or for cold climate, it will run backup heat frequently. Another reason is poor installation or low refrigerant charge, which reduces efficiency and causes longer run times. Dirty air filters, blocked outdoor unit, or dirty coils also reduce efficiency and increase energy use. Thermostat settings can cause high bills, such as setting temperature too high, using frequent setbacks that trigger backup heat to recover, or leaving emergency heat mode on. Leaky ductwork in attics or crawlspaces can lose 20 to 30 percent of heated air. Poor home insulation, drafty windows, and high ceilings also increase load. Finally, if you have an older single-stage heat pump with low HSPF rating or an improperly sized unit that short cycles, efficiency suffers. To lower bills, keep filters clean, set thermostat to steady temperature, ensure backup heat is not stuck on, seal ducts and insulation, and have annual professional maintenance with refrigerant check.
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