While most energy experts suggest 68°F (20°C) as the best temperature for heat pumps in winter, the most efficient setting for your home isn’t just about comfort—it’s about avoiding Auxiliary (Emergency) Heat. Unlike a gas furnace that can blast heat at any time, a heat pump has a finite capacity that drops as the outdoor air gets colder. If you set your thermostat too high, or try to “recover” from a 10-degree night setback, the system will realize it can’t reach the goal quickly and will engage expensive electric resistance coils to help.
The secret to heat pump efficiency in winter is the “Set it and Forget it” rule. Because heat pumps are “marathon runners, not sprinters,” maintaining a steady temperature prevents the system from entering high-stage or auxiliary modes. Understanding your home’s Balance Point—the exact outdoor temperature where your heat pump needs help from a backup source—is the key to minimizing your winter utility bills.
To find the optimal setting for your specific system and climate, use the Winter Efficiency & Balance Point Auditor below.
What’s the best temperature for heat pumps in winter
According to the information from the department of energy, the ideal temperature setting for your heat pump during fall or winter is 68°f. At this level of temperature, your indoor spaces will be kept reasonably warm while also ensuring that your device is working at the best energy efficiency level.
💡 Pro Diagnostic Tip: The higher you set your winter temperature, the lower your indoor relative humidity will drop as the air expands. If you find that 68°F feels “chilly” but 72°F makes your skin itchy and dry, you have a moisture deficit. Use our Winter Humidity Gap Auditor to find the right balance between heat and comfort.
What is the most efficient temperature for a heat pump?
As stated earlier, knowing the right temperature setting suitable for each changing season may help improve the performance of your heat pump. During winter, keep the temperature level between 18 to 21° for heating and between 23 to 26° for cooling during summer. This will help to prevent your unit from suffering the effect of overloading and excessive energy consumption due to the wrong temperature settings.
How can I make my heat pump more efficient during winter?
Ensure your unit has access to uninterrupted airflow
For the condenser and the compressor of your heat pump to function optimally, you have to ensure there’s enough air flowing through them. You can achieve this by ensuring the heat pump has a minimum of 2 feet of clearance around it. And also by refraining from stacking items on the top of your unit.
Ensure your heat pump is running on a steady temperature setting
Anytime there’s a drop in temperature level, and the indoor spaces become colder, most homeowners respond by trying to immediately adjust the settings on the thermostat, which might not be the best idea as it can be counterproductive. Instead, keep it working at a particular temperature level for some time before you make any adjustment.
Have the proper knowledge of the defrost cycle of your heat pump
At some point during winter, you may notice ice or snow on the sides of your heat pump; instead of attempting to clean them, wait for the defrost cycle of your unit to help get rid of the frost around the outdoor coil. Normally, the defrost cycle should be complete in about 15 minutes. But for more reliable intel on the defrost cycle of your unit, you can check the owner’s guide of your device.
Keep the air filters clean
Just like every other appliance, your heat pump needs to be properly maintained, and one sure way to do this, is through routinely check for stains or dirt that may clog the air filter. When having a clogged air filter will not only reduce the efficiency and the overall performance of your heat pump, but it will also cause your heating device to consume more energy than usual since it will be working harder to meet up with its standard performance. Hence, the reason why you have to take this task seriously; is if you care about its efficiency.
Heat pump temperature range
Generally, the temperature level of a typical heat pump for cooling ranges between -10°c and 46°c. And as for heating, the capacity of most heat pumps to supply enough heat in excess of low ambient temperature may be limited.
What temperature is too cold for a heat pump?
First of all, you need to know that heat pumps work best when the temperature is above 40°F, and any little drop will affect the efficiency of your appliance. When the temperature level drops below 30°, your heat pump will likely lose all its efficiency. Of course, you know what will happen at this stage — they start struggling to heat the room and consume extra energy.
💡 Pro Diagnostic Tip: Running a heat pump is extremely cheap until you cross the “Balance Point.” Once your auxiliary electric strips turn on to compensate for extreme cold, your operational costs can triple in a single day. To see how these infrastructure costs impact your overall budget, read our full breakdown on Why Air Source Heat Pumps are Expensive.
Can heat pumps be used in cold climates?
Yes, heat pumps can work in cold climates. Some heat pumps come with extra features that make them suitable for use in cold weather. The heating efficiency of a heat pump is determined by its Heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF) rating. This rating is measured in BTU, and it is determined by dividing the overall heating output by the total energy consumed for the same period. A heat pump with high HSPF will work perfectly in cold weather. This heat pump model is capable of supplying dependable heat when the temperature falls below -20°f.
Can it get too cold for the heat pump?
Yes, it can get too cold for a heat pump. Heat pumps work better in warm climates and are usually at their best performance when outdoor air is above 40°, which means when the weather is too cold, it can impact negatively on the appliance in the form of reduced efficiency. For most heat pumps, a temperature below 30° is considered to be too cold for effective performance. Although air source heat pumps can work below 20°f.
The best temperature for heat pumps in winter
Whether it is fall or winter, the best temperature for your heat pump is 68°F. At this temperature level, your heat pump will be able to balance energy efficiency and warmth.
Best temperature for heat pump
The ideal temperature level for your heat pump is above 40; a drop below this margin may affect the performance of your heat pump.