For a full year I have lived in a house that has one of these.

It’s a hot summer and I’m delighted that it can not only heat but also keep my place cool!

Now I got an email from my electricity provider that during the last weeks (I was at home most of the time) my electricity consumption was roughly twice of what it usually is.

Hence my question: compared to its heating capabilities, does a heat pump use much more electricity for cooling?

I’m not looking for a scientific breakdown.

edit:

Thanks for all replies so far. Cooling seems to be trickier than heating and I should keep my windows closed, which just feels wrong during summer… but apart from that cooling does not use more energy than heating.

  • seathru@lemmy.sdf.orgEnglish
    0·
    17 days ago

    Hence my question: compared to its heating capabilities, does a heat pump use much more electricity for cooling?

    In my experience, they use slightly more electricity heating than cooling. I retrofitted my 120 year old home with inverter style heat pumps about a year ago and have been watching the energy use during temperature extremes.

    They do seem a lot more susceptible to drafts than traditional central heat and air units; So making sure your doors and windows are sealed, and the attic (if you have one) is properly ventalated, will go a long ways towards helping their efficiency.

    • A_norny_mousse@feddit.orgOP
      0·
      17 days ago

      Thanks.

      They do seem a lot more susceptible to drafts

      This seems pertinent. I like to keep windows open - it feels weird not to do that in summer.

      • CmdrShepard49@sh.itjust.works
        0·
        17 days ago

        I only open the windows when the temperature is at least several degrees lower outside than in and run the AC when it’s not during the summer. I also have blackout honeycomb shades mostly closed during the day to help block the heat. I’m really hoping you dont mean that you have windows cracked while running your heatpump.