Posted: May 11, 2026
Here in coastal New England, the spring and fall, when temperatures generally hit between 40°F and 60°F, are a sweet spot for heat pump efficiency. It’s the range where the most popular units—such as mini-splits—can keep indoor temperatures comfortable without consuming a lot of energy.
That time of year, when the weather is milder and temperatures fluctuate a lot, your furnace needs to cycle on and off more frequently, which can lead to higher energy bills even though the weather isn’t extremely cold or extremely hot.
That’s why adding a heat pump to your home’s HVAC system can go a long way to improve cost efficiency. While heat pumps are available that can handle our 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.
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. Depending on the type of heat pump you have, your furnace may do a better job of keeping your home warm during our coldest winter weather, when temps fall and stay well below 40°F.
But 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.
Additionally, you can use heat pumps to strategically heat and cool specific rooms, which can also contribute to lowered fuel and energy costs. 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.
Heat pumps work best when they are set to maintain a steady indoor temperature rather than constantly ramping up and down. Turning the thermostat way up or down at night or while you’re away is not a good way to save money. 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.
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 Atlantic Pratt can help.
Atlantic-Pratt has a century of experience installing, maintaining and repairing heating and cooling systems, including heat pump systems.
Find out why more of your South Shore neighbors trust our knowledgeable and highly trained service with all their home heating (and cooling!) needs. Contact us for more information and to become a customer today.