Best Heat Pump Thermostat Settings for Winter

Heat pumps are different from furnaces

A gas furnace blasts heat quickly, so turning it down at night and up in the morning can save money. A heat pump works differently — it heats gently and steadily, and it is most efficient when it can run at a low, continuous output. When you set it back too far, it often triggers electric auxiliary (backup) heat to recover, which costs far more to run. That is why the old furnace habit of big setbacks can quietly backfire with a heat pump and inflate your hydro bill.

Recommended winter settings

📞 Talk to a licensed ROMA technician — (604) 704-0300

• Occupied daytime: 20 to 21°C (68 to 70°F)
• Sleeping / away: no more than 1 to 2°C lower — a small setback is fine
• Fan setting: Auto, not On
• Mode: Heat (avoid “Emergency Heat” unless the outdoor unit has failed)

Vancouver’s mild, damp winters are actually ideal for heat pumps — they run efficiently at the temperatures we typically see, rarely dropping into the deep cold where efficiency falls off. For most local homes, a “set it and mostly forget it” approach works best.

Why ‘set it and forget it’ works

Every time a heat pump recovers from a big temperature drop, it may lean on resistance backup heat, which uses electricity at roughly one-to-one instead of the two-to-four-times efficiency of the heat pump itself. Holding a steady temperature lets the compressor do the work at its most efficient. The comfort bonus is a home that never feels cold when you wake up or walk in the door.

Why a small setback beats a big one

Avoiding expensive auxiliary heat

• Skip big overnight temperature drops.
• Raise the temperature gradually — 1°C at a time — rather than jumping several degrees at once.
• Use a heat-pump-compatible thermostat that manages backup heat intelligently.
• Keep filters clean so the system does not struggle. See our guide on how often to replace a heat pump filter.
• Close blinds at night and open them to south-facing sun during the day for a little free heat.

Choosing the right thermostat

Not every thermostat suits a heat pump. A heat-pump-aware or communicating thermostat can stage the backup heat properly and avoid triggering it unnecessarily. If your current thermostat frequently flips to “Aux” or “Emergency Heat,” it may be mismatched or misconfigured — worth having checked.

What about very cold snaps?

During a rare Metro Vancouver cold snap, a properly sized cold-climate unit still heats well. If you want to understand performance in the cold, read our overview of cold-climate heat pumps. Only switch to “Emergency Heat” if the outdoor unit has genuinely stopped working — otherwise it just runs pricey backup heat. It is also normal for the outdoor unit to briefly enter a defrost cycle in cold, damp weather; you may see steam and hear a change in sound, and it should clear on its own.

A quick winter settings checklist

• Set a steady 20 to 21°C and resist the urge to crank it up and down.
• Keep any setback to 1 to 2°C, and only overnight or when away for long periods.
• Leave the fan on Auto so heat is delivered efficiently.
• Reserve Emergency Heat for a genuine outdoor-unit failure, not for a cold morning.
• Change the filter on schedule and keep supply vents unblocked by furniture or rugs.
• Clear snow, ice, and leaves away from the outdoor unit so it can breathe and defrost.

These small habits add up to lower bills and steadier comfort through a Vancouver winter, and they reduce wear on the equipment so it lasts longer.

When to call a professional

If auxiliary heat runs constantly, rooms never reach the setpoint, or the outdoor unit ices over and will not defrost, something is off. Weak refrigerant charge, a failing defrost cycle, or an undersized system all need a licensed technician — refrigerant work is never a DIY job. A regular visit through our maintenance plans keeps things efficient. Explore our full heat pump services or book a free estimate. ROMA Heating & Cooling has served Greater Vancouver since 1999.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I turn my heat pump down at night in winter?

Only slightly — 1 to 2°C at most. Large setbacks trigger inefficient auxiliary heat to recover, which usually costs more than leaving it steady.

What temperature should I set my heat pump to in winter?

A steady 20 to 21°C (68 to 70°F) suits most Vancouver homes and keeps the system running efficiently.

When should I use Emergency Heat mode?

Only when the outdoor unit has failed. Emergency Heat runs expensive electric backup and should not be used as a normal setting.

Why is my heat pump using so much electricity in winter?

Common causes are large thermostat setbacks, a clogged filter, or auxiliary heat running too often. Steady settings and clean filters usually help.

Reviewed by the ROMA Heating & Cooling team — TSBC-licensed gas contractor (Gas LGA0202903), serving Greater Vancouver since 1999. Updated June 2026.

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