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Checklist for choosing a heat pump

As well as choosing an efficient model, here's some other important things to think about:

• Insulate first. Make sure your ceiling and underfloor insulation is sorted first - you'll be able to buy a smaller heat pump and your home will be cheaper to heat properly.
• Quality. Choose a quality brand from a reputable supplier that offers at least a five-year warranty on parts and labour.
• Sizing. Make sure it's sized correctly for the room you want to heat - if it's too small, it will have to work harder and cost you more to run.
• Climate. As the temperature drops, so does the performance of many heat pumps. If you live in a cold area, make sure the unit is sized using the manufacturer's information on how much heat it can deliver at the average outdoor winter temperature of the area in which you live. A good quality unit, sized and installed correctly, should perform effectively down to minus 15° C. Ask your heat pump supplier if you need your heat pump to perform at these temperatures.
• Installation. Good installation is fundamental to how well a heat pump performs - make sure you choose an experienced installer.

Compare heat pumps with the energy rating label

All heat pumps have an energy rating label which helps you compare the efficiency of similar sized models. The more stars, the more energy efficient a unit is. The red stars are for heating efficiency and the blue stars are for cooling efficiency.

Find out more about energy rating labels for heat pumps on the EECA website.

Checklist for using a heat pump efficiently

Like any heating option, heat pumps give the best energy savings when they are used smartly. You can save hundreds of dollars extra on your power bill a year with a few simple actions:

• Only heat the space you're actually using, shutting doors and curtains to keep the heat in.
• Set the thermostat to a healthy temperature. Aim for a minimum of 18ºC while you are using a space (or 20ºC if you have children, elderly or people who are unwell in the home) and 16ºC in bedrooms overnight.
• Learn to use the timer features. Don't leave your heat pump on all day if you're not there. You can set the unit to turn on half an hour or so before you get home.
• Clean the filter (inside and outside) regularly, as per the manufacturers instructions.
• Avoid using it as an airconditioner when you can. Try opening windows and doors on either side of the house to get a through breeze. Close curtains on hot, sunny days to keep you home cool and shady.