Meta Description: Learn the best temperature for a heat pump in winter, how to balance comfort and efficiency, and smart ways to reduce auxiliary heat and energy bills.
Finding the best temperature for a heat pump in winter can feel like a trade-off between staying warm and keeping energy bills in check. The right settings depend on climate, home insulation, and the type of heat pump. This guide explains recommended thermostat settings, how to reduce auxiliary heat, and practical steps to improve comfort and efficiency in cold weather.
What “Best Temperature” Means For Heat Pumps
“Best” often means the temperature that maintains comfort while minimizing energy use and wear. For heat pumps, that balance is achieved with steady, modest setpoints and small adjustments, not frequent or deep setbacks.
Unlike furnaces, heat pumps move heat rather than generate it. They are most efficient with long, low-intensity runtimes. Abrupt changes can trigger auxiliary heat (electric resistance), which is much less efficient and more expensive to run.
Energy agencies commonly recommend 68°F as a starting point for winter when people are home and awake. Many households are comfortable slightly above or below that range, especially when humidity and airflow are optimized.
Recommended Heat Pump Thermostat Settings In Winter
Baseline Daytime Setpoint
For most U.S. homes, a practical winter target is 66°F–70°F during occupied hours, with 68°F as a widely cited baseline. If the home is well insulated or the system is a cold-climate heat pump, some can maintain comfort at the lower end of that range.
If sensitive to cooler air, bump the setpoint to 69–70°F instead of relying on frequent auxiliary heat calls. Maximizing comfort with a slightly higher but steady setpoint can still save energy compared to cycling AUX on and off.
Night And Away Setbacks
Unlike gas furnaces, heat pumps typically do not benefit from deep setbacks. Large temperature drops often prompt AUX heat on recovery. Use small setbacks of 2–4°F at night or when away for short periods. Example: 68°F day, 65–66°F night.
For longer trips, a larger setback can make sense if the thermostat can recover gradually without AUX, or if outdoor temperatures are moderate. Smart thermostats with heat pump optimization can manage this more effectively than basic models.
When To Use Auxiliary Or Emergency Heat
Auxiliary heat helps during defrost cycles or extreme cold. However, it is costly. Configure the thermostat to delay AUX and limit large setpoint jumps that trigger it. Many thermostats allow an AUX lockout above a chosen outdoor temperature.
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Use Emergency Heat only if the heat pump is malfunctioning or frozen. In normal operation, Emergency Heat disables the compressor and drives energy bills up quickly.
Regional Considerations Across U.S. Climates
Setpoints and AUX strategies vary by climate and system type. A cold-climate variable-speed heat pump can maintain comfort at lower outdoor temperatures without heavy AUX use, while older single-stage units may need more support below their balance point.
| U.S. Climate Profile | Typical Outdoor Winter Range | Daytime Setpoint | Night/Away Setback | AUX Heat Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warm/Mild (Southeast, Gulf Coast) | 35–55°F | 66–68°F | 2–4°F | AUX Lockout ≥ 40–45°F; rarely needed |
| Mixed (Mid-Atlantic, Pacific Coast) | 30–50°F | 66–69°F | 2–4°F | AUX Lockout ≥ 35–40°F; gradual recovery |
| Cold (Midwest, Northeast) | 10–35°F | 67–70°F | 2–3°F | AUX Lockout ≥ 25–35°F; increase runtime |
| Very Cold (Northern Plains, Northern New England) | -10–25°F | 68–70°F | 0–2°F | AUX Lockout ≥ 15–25°F with cold-climate units |
| High Desert/Mountain West | 0–35°F (big swings) | 66–69°F | 2–3°F | AUX Lockout ≥ 25–35°F; avoid deep night setbacks |
Note: AUX lockout requires an outdoor sensor and a compatible thermostat. Consult the installer to set lockout temperatures that fit the equipment and home load.
Comfort Vs Efficiency: Humidity, Airflow, And Runtime
Indoor comfort depends on more than temperature. At the same setpoint, homes with proper humidity and airflow often feel warmer, allowing a slightly lower setpoint without discomfort.
- Humidity: Aim for 30–50% relative humidity. In dry winter air, 68°F may feel chilly. Humidifiers or whole-home systems can improve comfort, potentially allowing a 1–2°F lower setpoint.
- Airflow: Keep vents open, filters clean, and doors cracked to reduce hot/cold spots. Use Auto fan mode unless the system is designed for continuous low-speed circulation.
- Runtime: Long, steady runs at lower compressor speeds improve uniformity and efficiency. Variable-speed units excel at this and may reduce AUX usage.
Improved comfort means fewer manual overrides and fewer large setpoint jumps that trigger AUX. That stabilizes energy use and can extend system lifespan.
How Heat Pumps Perform In Cold Weather: COP, Defrost, And Balance Point
A heat pump’s efficiency is measured as COP (Coefficient of Performance). Higher COP means more heat per unit of electricity. COP changes with outdoor temperature and equipment design.
| Outdoor Temperature | Typical COP (Standard Ducted) | Typical COP (Cold-Climate, Variable-Speed) |
|---|---|---|
| 47°F | ~2.5–3.5 | ~3.0–4.0 |
| 35°F | ~2.0–3.0 | ~2.5–3.5 |
| 17°F | ~1.5–2.2 | ~1.8–2.8 |
| 5°F | ~1.3–1.8 | ~1.5–2.2 |
Modern cold-climate models maintain capacity and reasonable COP in subfreezing conditions. However, output still drops with falling temperatures, which is where balance point and auxiliary heat come into play.
Balance Point: The outdoor temperature where the heat pump’s heat output equals the home’s heat loss. Above it, the heat pump meets the load alone. Below it, AUX or backup may be needed. Balance points vary by home and unit, often between 25–40°F.
Defrost Cycles: When outdoor coils frost, the system temporarily reverses to cooling mode to melt ice, sometimes engaging AUX to offset a short cool air burst. Keep the outdoor unit clear of snow and debris to shorten defrost time.
Smart Thermostats And Controls For Heat Pumps
A heat pump-optimized thermostat can reduce energy use by controlling AUX heat, staging recovery, and using outdoor temperature data. Choose models that explicitly support multi-stage heat pumps and AUX lockouts.
- Outdoor Sensors: Enable AUX lockout above a set temperature and compressor lockout in dual-fuel systems.
- Differential (Swing) Settings: A 1–2°F differential reduces short cycling and unnecessary AUX calls.
- Intelligent Recovery: Slowly warms the home ahead of schedule without big AUX use.
- Manufacturer Integration: Matched controls from the heat pump maker often provide the best staging and defrost coordination.
Generic smart thermostats may default to aggressive recovery that triggers AUX. Carefully configure heat pump specific options, or consider a thermostat designed for the equipment brand.
Practical Tips To Optimize Winter Performance
- Set It And Keep It Steady: Favor a stable 66–70°F daytime range with small setbacks. Avoid frequent manual overrides.
- Limit Setbacks: Use 2–4°F setbacks to minimize AUX during morning recovery.
- Use Auto Fan: Continuous fan can move cool air and increase drafts unless the system is designed for low continuous circulation.
- Change Filters: Replace or clean every 1–3 months. Choose MERV 8–11 unless the system supports higher without restricting airflow.
- Clear The Outdoor Unit: Remove snow, ice, leaves. Maintain 2–3 feet of clearance for airflow and service.
- Weatherize: Air-seal and insulate attics, basements, and rim joists. These upgrades often allow a lower setpoint with the same comfort.
- AUX Lockout: If supported, set AUX lockout in the 25–40°F range depending on climate and system capability.
- Defrost Awareness: Brief cool airflow during defrost is normal. Repeated long defrosts may indicate airflow or sensor issues.
- Dual-Fuel Logic: For heat pump + gas furnace, set a compressor lockout temperature where the furnace becomes more cost-effective.
Cost And Savings: What A Few Degrees Can Do
Small setpoint changes can meaningfully reduce winter bills. A common rule of thumb is about 1% savings per degree Fahrenheit of setback for an 8-hour period, though results vary with climate and home performance.
For heat pumps, savings depend on avoiding AUX and maintaining higher COP. Steady operation with minimal setbacks often beats deep nightly setbacks that trigger AUX on morning warm-up.
| Scenario | Assumptions | Estimated Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Small Night Setback | 68→66°F for 8 hours; limited AUX | ~1–2% daily heating energy savings |
| Deep Night Setback | 68→60°F for 8 hours; AUX on recovery | May erase savings or increase cost |
| Humidity Optimization | Maintain 35–45% RH | Comfort at 1–2°F lower setpoint |
| AUX Lockout Enabled | AUX disabled above 30–35°F | Lower kWh use in shoulder temps |
Consider a simple cost example. If a home uses 2,000 kWh for heating over a winter at $0.16/kWh, the bill is $320. Trimming 2% through careful setbacks and AUX control saves about $6–7. Combined with weatherization and better controls, savings can be much larger.
How To Choose The Right Setpoint For Your Home
Every home is different. Insulation levels, window performance, and infiltration all affect comfort. Use these steps to fine-tune the best temperature for a heat pump in winter.
- Start At 68°F: Run this for several days to gauge comfort and AUX frequency.
- Adjust In 1°F Steps: Move down or up slowly, monitoring runtime and comfort.
- Set Small Setbacks: Try 2–3°F at night for a week and track whether AUX increases on recovery.
- Monitor Data: Check thermostat reports for AUX runtime. If AUX rises, reduce setbacks or lengthen the recovery window.
- Address Comfort Gaps: Fix drafts, balance airflow, or add humidification before raising setpoints.
Tip: If supply registers feel lukewarm, that’s normal. Heat pumps deliver air closer to room temperature compared to furnaces. Supply temperatures around 90–105°F are common in mild cold.
Special Considerations: Mini-Splits And Multi-Zone Systems
Ductless mini-splits and multi-zone systems often support very efficient low-speed operation. The guidance is similar: steady setpoints and small setbacks. Use the manufacturer’s remote or app to enable weather-adaptive or economy modes.
In multi-zone homes, avoid closing off entire rooms. Significant imbalances can reduce overall efficiency and create comfort complaints. If some rooms run cool, increase that zone’s setpoint slightly rather than raising the whole home.
Common Myths About Heat Pump Temperatures
- Myth: “Higher Setpoint Heats Faster.” Heat pumps heat at a rate limited by capacity, not the target temperature. Large jumps just trigger AUX.
- Myth: “Deep Setbacks Always Save Money.” Deep setbacks can backfire with heat pumps due to AUX heat during recovery.
- Myth: “Emergency Heat Is A Boost Mode.” It’s for equipment failure or extreme events, not routine heating.
Troubleshooting Temperature And Comfort Issues
If the home feels cold despite an appropriate setpoint, investigate these common issues before raising the thermostat significantly.
- Dirty Filters Or Coils: Restrict airflow and reduce capacity. Clean and replace regularly.
- Leaky Ducts: Especially in attics or crawlspaces, can waste heat. Seal and insulate ducts.
- Thermostat Settings: Ensure heat pump mode is configured with proper staging and AUX delay.
- Outdoor Unit Blockage: Snow or ice accumulation extends defrost and reduces capacity.
- Poor Weatherization: Drafts around windows/doors increase heat loss; add weatherstripping and caulk.
- Incorrect Refrigerant Charge: Professional service may be needed if performance is persistently poor.
Best Temperature For Heat Pump In Winter: Quick Reference
- Daytime: 66–70°F (start at 68°F)
- Night/Away: 2–4°F below daytime, not deeper unless system recovers without AUX
- AUX Strategy: Lock out AUX above 25–40°F if supported; use gradual recovery
- Humidity: Maintain 30–50% RH for comfort at lower setpoints
- Fan: Auto mode; continuous low fan only if system is designed for it
Energy Ratings, Standards, And Helpful Resources
Look for ENERGY STAR certified heat pumps and compare HSPF2 and SEER2 ratings. Cold-climate models are tested to deliver strong performance at lower temperatures.
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- U.S. Department of Energy: Guidance on thermostat settings and weatherization.
- ENERGY STAR: Product criteria and rebates.
- ASHRAE: Standards for HVAC performance and ventilation.
Rebates and incentives can reduce upgrade costs for smart thermostats and high-efficiency heat pumps. Check state and utility programs for options that improve winter comfort and reduce bills.
Dual-Fuel Systems: Heat Pump With Gas Backup
In dual-fuel setups, the thermostat switches to a gas furnace at a set outdoor temperature. Choose a balance point where the furnace becomes more cost-effective than the heat pump, based on local gas and electric rates.
Examples: In very cold climates or high electric-rate areas, switch at higher outdoor temperatures. In regions with inexpensive electricity or mild winters, keep the heat pump running down to lower temperatures.
Regardless, keep setbacks modest to avoid unnecessary switchover and maintain steady comfort.
Defrost Behavior And What To Expect
Frost on the outdoor coil is normal in humid cold weather. Expect periodic defrost cycles lasting several minutes. You may hear the reversing valve shift and the fan pause, with brief cool supply air.
If defrost becomes frequent and long, check for restricted airflow, dirty coils, or ice buildup. Clear snow carefully without bending fins. Persistent issues warrant professional service to check sensors and refrigerant charge.
Setting Up A Smart Thermostat For Winter
- Confirm Heat Pump Type: Identify stages and AUX heat.
- Enable Heat Pump Optimization: Turn on intelligent recovery and gradual warm-up.
- Set AUX Lockout: Choose a temperature (e.g., 30–35°F) to minimize AUX use in shoulder weather.
- Adjust Differential: Use a 1–2°F swing to reduce short cycling and AUX calls.
- Schedule Modest Setbacks: 2–3°F at night; add a longer preheat window in colder weather.
Review runtime and AUX usage weekly during the first cold month. Fine-tune to reduce AUX while maintaining comfort.
Weatherization: The Secret To Lower Setpoints
Air sealing and insulation lower the home’s heat loss rate, making lower setpoints feel just as comfortable. These upgrades also reduce AUX calls and extend the useful temperature range of the heat pump.
- Air Sealing: Seal attic bypasses, rim joists, and around windows/doors.
- Insulation: Target attics to recommended R-values; insulate ducts in unconditioned spaces.
- Windows: Add interior storms or cellular shades to cut nighttime losses.
With a tighter envelope, many homeowners comfortably run 66–68°F daytime setpoints, saving energy without sacrificing comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Temperature For A Heat Pump In Winter? For most homes, 66–70°F while occupied, with 68°F as a solid starting point. Adjust in 1°F steps for comfort.
Should I Use Night Setbacks With A Heat Pump? Yes, but keep them small (2–4°F). Deep setbacks can trigger AUX and erase savings.
How Do I Stop Auxiliary Heat From Running Constantly? Use modest setpoints, enable AUX lockout if available, lengthen recovery times, and improve insulation and air sealing.
What About Emergency Heat? Use only if the heat pump is not working or during extreme events. It is the least efficient mode.
Why Does The Air Feel Cool? Heat pumps deliver gentler, lower-temperature supply air. This is normal. Consistent runtime and proper humidity improve perceived warmth.
Do Smart Thermostats Help? Yes, if configured for heat pumps. They can manage AUX, recovery, and lockouts to reduce costs while maintaining comfort.
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Will A Cold-Climate Heat Pump Work Below 0°F? Many are designed to do so with reduced capacity. Correct sizing and a well-sealed home are key to minimizing AUX.
How Often Should I Change Filters In Winter? Every 1–3 months, or more often if dusty or if occupants have allergies. Clean filters maintain airflow and efficiency.
Key Takeaways For Winter Settings
- Choose A Steady Setpoint: 66–70°F, start at 68°F.
- Keep Setbacks Small: 2–4°F to avoid AUX-heavy recovery.
- Control AUX: Enable lockouts and gradual recovery in compatible thermostats.
- Optimize Comfort: Maintain 30–50% RH, clean filters, and ensure open supply/return paths.
- Upgrade The Envelope: Air seal and insulate to allow lower setpoints without sacrificing comfort.
With the right thermostat settings and a few home improvements, the best temperature for a heat pump in winter is the one that keeps the home comfortable, minimizes auxiliary heat, and delivers predictable, affordable energy bills.
How to Get the Best HVAC Prices
- Firstly, keep in mind that installation quality is always the most important thing for residential HVAC project. So never sacrifice contractor quality for a lower price.
- Secondly, remember to look up the latest rebates as we talked above.
- Thirdly, ask for at least 3 bids before you make the decision. You can click here to get 3 free estimates from your local contractors, and this estimate already takes rebates and tax credit into consideration and filter unqualified contractors automatically.
Lastly, once you chose the right contractor, remember to use the tactics from this guide: Homeowners Tactics When Negotiating with HVAC Dealer to get the final best price.
