How to Use Air-Source Heat Pump Floor Heating Correctly

Air-source heat pump floor heating systems are effective, energy-efficient, eco-friendly, and safe, and are being adopted by an increasing number of people. However, some users fail to utilize these systems correctly, preventing them from realizing their full potential. For example, some users, in an effort to save electricity, often turn on the thermostat only when people are present and turn it off when the space is unoccupied; in fact, this practice is incorrect.

Air-source heat pump floor heating systems operate at low temperatures. Since the heating pipes are embedded in concrete, the concrete must first be heated before the system can provide warmth. Consequently, these radiant floor heating systems possess excellent thermal storage capacity. This characteristic creates a time lag in the system’s performance: it takes a certain amount of time for the room temperature to reach the set point after the system is turned on, and the indoor temperature does not drop rapidly after the system is turned off—it takes a long time for the temperature to decrease.

Tests on air-source heat pump floor heating systems have shown that after the room temperature reaches the set point, with doors and windows closed, the temperature drops by 2°C to 3°C after 24 hours without power, and by 5°C to 6°C after 48 hours. Therefore, the correct usage method is: turn on the system as soon as you feel a chill at the beginning of winter and set it to the desired temperature. For rooms that are not frequently used, you can lower the temperature by a few degrees. You should only choose to turn off the system when the room will be unoccupied for an extended period or when you will be away for a long time. However, please note that if there is equipment or piping in the room that is susceptible to freezing damage, you should still set the system to a standby temperature to prevent the equipment or pipes from freezing and cracking.

The correct way to use an air-source heat pump floor heating system is to set the temperature exactly to the level you need, or to use a smart thermostat, which can automatically calculate the time required to preheat the room. This is particularly beneficial in regions with peak-off-peak electricity rates (peak hours: 8:00 AM–10:00 PM; off-peak hours: 10:00 PM–8:00 AM; times may vary by region—please refer to announcements from your local power authority). By utilizing smart programming, you can maximize heating during off-peak hours at night and maintain a standby mode during peak hours to reduce electricity costs.