Posted: July 21, 2025
Heat pumps are a powerful tool for energy-efficient home comfort, offering both heating and cooling from a single unit. However, to get the most out of your heat pump—especially during extreme temperatures—it’s essential to program your thermostat correctly. Done right, this can significantly reduce your energy bills while keeping your home cozy in winter and cool in summer.
At Bottini Fuel, we help homeowners across the Hudson Valley enjoy the year-round benefits of heat pumps. From expert installation to ongoing maintenance and repairs, we’re your go-to resource for high-performance home comfort solutions. Here’s how to get the most from your heat pump by optimizing your thermostat settings.
Unlike traditional HVAC systems, heat pumps work best when they maintain a consistent temperature. Frequent adjustments or drastic temperature changes can cause the heat pump to rely on its less efficient backup heat source. To avoid this, program your thermostat to hold a comfortable temperature throughout the day, especially during colder months.
Now that we’re in the summer months, aim for 76°F when you’re home and slightly higher when you’re not. When winter rolls around, set your thermostat to around 68°F during waking hours and slightly lower while you sleep or when you’re away. The key is consistency—your heat pump will operate more efficiently without frequent changes.
A programmable thermostat makes it easier to stick to an energy-saving schedule. Smart thermostats go a step further by learning your habits, adjusting automatically based on occupancy, and allowing remote control from your phone. These advanced features can significantly improve your heat pump’s performance and your comfort.
Most heat pump systems include an emergency or auxiliary heat mode. This setting uses electric resistance heating, which is far less efficient and should only be used in truly extreme conditions. Make sure your thermostat isn’t set to “emergency heat” unless recommended by a technician. Instead, let the heat pump do its job—even when it’s chilly outside, it’s still pulling heat from the air and saving you money.
To keep your heat pump running smoothly and efficiently, regular maintenance is essential. Bottini Fuel offers professional service plans that ensure your system is inspected, cleaned, and tuned up before each heating or cooling season. This not only improves efficiency but can also extend the life of your equipment.
Bottini Fuel has more than 70 years of experience keeping our customers safe and comfortable. We specialize in high-efficiency heat pump installations, maintenance, and repairs to keep your heat pump system operating at maximum efficiency. Our expert technicians are trained to help you program, maintain, and optimize your heat pump for peak performance. And all our work is backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Ready to take control of your comfort and energy savings? Let Bottini Fuel help you make the most of your heat pump system. Contact us today to request a free estimate or to learn more.