Section 3: The Long Affair

Play with Your Pump.

You bought it. You installed it. Now you live with it.

Heat pumps don’t reward neglect. Unlike the gas furnace that just blasted heat at you whenever you asked, a heat pump is a finesse instrument. Treat it well, and it’ll save you money for fifteen years. Treat it like a furnace, and it’ll cost more than it should.

This section is about getting your hands on the right controls, reading the signals, and tweaking the technique until everything just hums.

Pull the Right Levers

Controls, thermostats, and not screwing this part up. (Spoiler: not the Nest.)

When Things Go Soft

The two new-owner panics: cool air from the vents, and the unit running all day. What’s normal, what’s not, and the six-step diagnostic before you call anyone.