Heat Pump User Tip: Optimize Airflow Direction and Fan Speed

Mainers have installed tens of thousands of heat pumps in their homes and businesses* because they are the most efficient way to heat and cool a building, saving users on their energy costs throughout the entire year.

If you’ve made the investment, or are considering it, we’d like to share some tips on how you can save the most with a heat pump. In our last heat pump blog, we discussed Efficiency Maine’s user tip, “set your heat pump for comfort.” This fourth post in our series talks about how to optimize your heat pump’s airflow direction and fan speed. 

Many heat pump users have questions about how to choose an airflow direction and a fan speed for their heat pump. Adjusting your heat pump’s airflow direction and fan speed is easy to do and can help you adjust your heat pump for better comfort. 

To redirect airflow on your heat pump, begin by pressing the “Set” button on your heat pump (for Fujitsu heat pumps) or the “vane” direction setting for Mitsubishi heat pumps. Each time the button is pressed, the airflow direction changes its movement. To maximize the reach of your heat pump’s airflow, we recommend directing air toward the open space that is the farthest away from the indoor unit. We also recommend considering any obstructions that may block your heat pump’s airflow, such as a sofa or a stairway, and directing airflow away from those obstructions. 

Most heat pump users are most comfortable directing warm air towards the floor and away from occupants and directing cool air up and directly at occupants. Try experimenting with your heat pump’s airflow direction to see what’s most comfortable for you. The diagram below shows the airflow for a heat pump that has been optimized to avoid obstacles and to distribute air to as much of the room and adjoining rooms as possible.

When it comes to optimizing your heat pump’s fan speed, we recommend starting off with the fan set to “Auto Fan” (not to be confused with setting your heat pump to “Auto mode,” which we do not recommend). If the “Auto Fan” setting doesn’t spread the heated or cooled air far enough, consider setting the fan to the lowest speed and increasing the speed until it meets your needs.

Adjusting your heat pump’s airflow direction and fan speed will help maintain a comfortable temperature and help you use your heat pump in the most efficient way. Continue experimenting until you find the settings that keep you cozy or cool depending on the season.

Efficiency Maine offers rebates and loans for homeowners and businesses interested in installing heat pumps. If you don’t have a heat pump, go to www.efficiencymaine.com/about-heat-pumps/ for more information on how to select a model, apply for rebates and financing, review installation considerations, and more. Also check www.efficiencymaine.com/heat-pump-user-tips/ to see more tips like this one and to view a video on how to get the most from your heat pump. To estimate your home heating costs, consider using our Home Heating Costs Calculator.

*Efficiency Maine Trust, 2021 Annual Report, (2021) p vii.