The wall-mounted heat pump is now one of the most popular heating and cooling systems in Quebec, especially in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore. But once it's installed, one question often comes up: what temperature should I set my heat pump to in order to maximize efficiency without sacrificing comfort?
At AirGreen, our field experience through hundreds of installations allows us to identify the best practices for determining the ideal temperature, while keeping in mind energy performance, comfort, and available rebates. In this article, we’ll provide clear answers, real-life examples, and practical advice tailored to our harsh winters and hot summers.
Understanding how a wall-mounted heat pump works throughout the seasons
Modern wall-mounted heat pumps, such as the Fujitsu KZAH, Gree Extreme, or Sharp ZU1 models, are designed to deliver high performance year-round thanks to their Inverter technology. However, their efficiency depends on the setpoint temperature, meaning the temperature you program into the thermostat.
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In winter: we recommend setting your unit between 20°C and 21°C during the day, and 17°C to 18°C at night.
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In summer: an indoor temperature around 24°C to 25°C provides an excellent balance between comfort and energy use.
Extreme temperature settings can force your heat pump to work harder, increasing electricity consumption unnecessarily.
How your thermostat setting directly impacts energy savings
Every additional degree of heating or cooling has a direct effect on energy usage. Based on data we’ve collected from projects in Laval and Longueuil, raising your heating setpoint by just 1°C can increase your annual energy bill by 5%.
In Saint-Lambert, a client used to heat constantly at 23.5°C. After we recommended reducing the setpoint to 20.5°C and enabling smart modulation settings, they saved nearly $480 in a single season.
Optimizing your heat pump with a smart thermostat: a must-have
Many models such as the Gree Sapphire or Lennox MPB Wall-Mounted Unit are compatible with smart thermostats. These tools allow you to:
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Set precise time schedules based on your daily routine.
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Automatically adjust the temperature depending on weather conditions.
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Avoid short, energy-wasting cycles.
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Control your unit remotely using a mobile app.
In Boisbriand, we integrated a smart thermostat with a 12,000 BTU Fujitsu heat pump, programmed for day/night cycles. The result: consistent comfort and a 15% drop in energy usage after just three months.
Pitfalls to avoid: common temperature setting mistakes
Despite their efficiency, heat pumps can be misused if certain key factors are ignored:
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Constantly switching between heating and cooling modes, which puts strain on the compressor.
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Setting the temperature too low in summer, causing overcooling and harmful thermal shocks.
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Turning the unit off completely, which leads to energy spikes at every restart.
At AirGreen, we always educate our customers during installation to avoid these common mistakes and to extend the lifespan of their system.
Real-life example: a winning strategy in Pointe-Claire
A home in Pointe-Claire equipped with an 18,000 BTU Gree Extreme heat pump contacted us due to inconsistent indoor temperatures and high bills. After inspection, we:
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Repositioned the temperature sensor to prevent inaccurate readings.
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Adjusted the setpoint to 21°C with a nighttime drop to 18°C.
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Programmed optimized defrost cycles for winter.
The result: a $1,120 reduction in electricity costs over 12 months, and consistent comfort throughout the home.
How we tailor temperature settings to each home’s characteristics
Every house is unique—south-facing exposure, uninsulated top floors, large bay windows, etc. That’s why, at AirGreen, we customize temperature settings based on:
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The unit’s precise BTU sizing.
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The home’s thermal insulation level.
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The occupants’ daily habits.
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The electrical setup that allows for smart thermostat integration.
Our certified technicians guide you to fine-tune your settings for maximum energy savings while ensuring optimal indoor comfort.
The combined benefits of proper settings: comfort, durability, and rebates
Properly managing your setpoint temperature not only cuts your energy bill, but also:
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Extends the compressor’s life by avoiding short cycles.
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Maintains the energy efficiency level claimed by the manufacturer.
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Meets the technical requirements for certain LogisVert or Rénoclimat rebates, which demand compliant installations and optimal usage.
Conclusion: the ideal temperature—a small adjustment with a big impact
Setting your wall-mounted heat pump to the right temperature is much more than a comfort issue. It’s a strategic decision that affects your budget, energy use, and the long-term health of your unit. At AirGreen, our mission is to optimize every installation and every setting so you get the best possible performance, year-round.
Do you live in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, or the South Shore and want to get the most out of your heat pump? Trust AirGreen to guide you with professionalism and precision.