Posted: May 25, 2026

Smart Use of Your Heat Pump

Improving Efficiency, Maximizing Comfort

Here on Long Island, ocean breezes mean our temperatures can be a bit more moderate than those of our inland neighbors. It means our spring and fall temperatures can be cooler—lingering in that range between 40°F and 60°F. That can be challenging for a furnace.

When the weather is milder and temperatures fluctuate a lot, it means a furnace needs to cycle on and off more frequently, which can lead to higher energy bills even though the weather isn’t particularly cold or hot.

But those temperatures are a sweet spot for heat pump efficiency. It’s the range where the most popular units—such as ductless mini-splits—can keep indoor temperatures comfortable without consuming a lot of energy.

That’s why adding a heat pump to your home’s HVAC system can go a long way to improve energy efficiency. While there are heat pumps that can handle the coldest temperatures, for most homeowners the savvy option is to use a heat pump to maximize efficiency and comfort, rather than completely replace their current system. Here’s what you should know.

Boosting Efficiency

Heat pumps work by moving existing heat in the air from one place to another using an outdoor compressor and an indoor air handler. While it sounds counterintuitive, in the winter, the pump extracts heat from the outdoor air or ground and distributes it to your home. We install whole-home systems that can easily handle temperatures as low as -15°F.

Mini-split type heat pumps need to work much harder, and they become less efficient, when temps fall and stay well below 40°F. That’s when your furnace may do a better job of keeping your home warm.

Using your heat pump at those times when using your furnace might be overkill can lead to significant savings on your energy bills. Many heat pumps come with features such as programmable thermostats and variable-speed compressors, which further enhance their efficiency and comfort levels.

In the Zone

Using heat pumps to strategically heat and cool specific rooms is another excellent way to boost efficiency and keep energy costs in check. Because there’s no need for ductwork, these low-profile air handlers can be installed almost anywhere—on the wall, the floor, even the ceiling. All that’s needed to connect them to the condenser is a pair of slim refrigerant pipes that fit in a three-inch hole.

This makes them ideal for condos and apartments, but it also makes them a good solution for spaces that aren’t effectively heated or cooled by your central heating or cooling system. Think additions or converted spaces like attics and garages.

This zoned heating approach means you can lower the thermostat for your whole home, and then warm specific spaces with mini-split air handlers. The same idea can work in reverse in summer, since heat pumps are fantastic at cooling and reducing humidity, too. Raise the thermostat in areas people don’t use much, and spot cool rooms you’re using.

Settings for Savings

A big difference between heat pumps and other HVAC systems is that heat pumps work best when they are set to maintain a steady indoor temperature rather than constantly ramping up and down. Adjusting the thermostat up or down at night or while you’re away is a good way to save money with a traditional heating system or central AC. But with a heat pump, those large temperature changes force the system to work harder—and less efficiently—in order to recover. That said, in summer raising the thermostat by 3 to 5 degrees can reduce energy use without sacrificing comfort when you return.

During the colder months, the most efficient temperature setting for a heat pump is typically between 68°F and 70°F when you’re home and awake. In summer, the recommended efficient setting for cooling with a heat pump is around 75°F to 78°F when you’re home. Heat pumps are also great at reducing humidity, which goes a long way to making you feel comfortable even at higher temperatures.

The Bottom Line

Choosing between a heat pump and a furnace doesn’t have to be an either-or decision. Understanding the benefits of each and how they can complement each other can help you make an informed choice—and that’s where the experts at Scarpelli can help.

Our technicians are experts at installing, maintaining and repairing heating and cooling systems, including heat pump systems. We partner with leading manufacturers like Bosch and Rheem, and can answer all your questions and help you find the best solution for your home and your budget.

Contact us for more information and to become a customer today.