Summer is here! For households with heat pump hot water systems, this is the most cost-effective season of the year. Warm air and ideal temperatures create perfect conditions for your heat pump to shine. Today, we’re sharing practical tips to help you slash your summer energy bills to the absolute minimum.

Why Summer Is the “Golden Season” for Heat Pumps

The principle behind heat pumps is simple: they extract heat from the air to warm your water. The higher the temperature, the more efficient your heat pump becomes. Australian summers typically hover between 25-35°C, which is like a heat pump’s natural habitat.

Picture this: On a 30°C summer day, your heat pump only needs to consume 1 unit of electricity to produce the equivalent of 3-4 units of heat. This is what we mean when we talk about a COP (Coefficient of Performance) of 3-4. In other words, summer heat pump efficiency can be 30-50% higher than winter!

What does this mean? For the same amount of hot water, your summer electricity bill could be half or even less than in winter!

5 Summer Money-Saving Strategies

1. Switch Your Heat Pump to “Economy Mode”

With high summer temperatures, your heat pump doesn’t need to work as hard to reach ideal water temperatures. Here’s what you can do:

• Switch the operation mode to “Eco” or “Economy mode”
• Let the heat pump run during warmer daytime hours (e.g., 1-5 PM)
• Avoid heating during the coldest early morning hours

Pro Tip: If your heat pump has a timer function, set it to run between 2-4 PM for maximum savings—that’s when temperatures peak and efficiency is optimal.

2. Lower Your Hot Water Temperature Setting

Summer showers don’t require scalding water. Try reducing your water heater temperature from 60°C to around 55°C. Just 5 degrees less might not sound like much, but the savings add up significantly!

Important Reminder: Don’t go too low, though! Keep temperatures above 50°C to effectively prevent Legionella bacteria growth and ensure safe water usage.

3. Rethink “Off-Peak Mode” Strategy

Many people habitually set their heat pumps to run at night (because of cheaper electricity rates). But summer calls for reverse thinking:

• Daytime high temperatures mean high heat pump efficiency, making it more cost-effective even with slightly higher electricity rates
• Nighttime electricity might be cheaper, but lower temperatures reduce heat pump efficiency

Let’s do the math: Running 1 hour at 30°C during the day consumes 1 kWh (electricity cost $0.30). At night at 15°C, you might need 1.5 kWh to achieve the same result (electricity cost $0.22 × 1.5 = $0.33). Daytime actually saves you money!

4. Maintain Good Airflow Around Your Heat Pump

Heat pumps need to “absorb heat” from the air, so ventilation around the unit is crucial. In summer, ensure:

• At least 50cm of clearance around your heat pump
• Remove nearby debris, fallen leaves, or shrubs
• If your heat pump has an air intake filter, clean it monthly

DIY Tip: Gently rinse the heat pump exterior and air intake with a hose to keep it clean. A clean heat pump can save an additional 10-15% on electricity!

5. Regularly Check System Settings and Status

Summer is the perfect time to give your heat pump a health check. Inspect:

• Whether refrigerant levels are adequate (if heating performance drops, you may need a refill)
• If the fan operates normally (listen for unusual noises)
• Whether the thermostat display is accurate
• If pipe insulation is intact

If you discover any issues, summer maintenance appointments are usually easier to book than winter, and technicians aren’t as busy.

Common Summer Usage Misconceptions

Misconception 1: “Summer efficiency is high, so I can use water carelessly”

While summer heat pumps perform excellently, planning your water usage times wisely remains important. If the whole family showers consecutively during cooler morning hours, your heat pump will still struggle.

Misconception 2: “I can turn off the heat pump in summer and just use cold water”

Although Australian summers are hot, you’ll still need warm water for morning and evening showers. Plus, hot water is needed for kitchen dishwashing and laundry. Keep your heat pump running normally—just adjust the operating times and temperature settings.

Misconception 3: “Installing my heat pump in direct sunlight makes it work better”

Quite the opposite! Heat pumps perform better in shaded, ventilated areas. Direct sunlight causes the exterior casing to overheat, actually reducing efficiency and accelerating aging. If you can’t avoid it, consider installing a shade canopy.

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