‘I didn’t see this coming’: Homeowner says new heat pump feels less warm after swapping out aging system

"Now it's all one temp 24/7."

One homeowner expected a new heating system to make the house more comfortable, but the opposite seemed to happen. After replacing oil-fired baseboards with heat pumps that move heated air, their home felt colder at 68 degrees than it had at 65.

With cold feet and worries about higher electric bills, they went online looking for advice.

Here's what to know

In a Reddit post, the homeowner said they were having trouble getting comfortable after the heating upgrade.

"I know they operate very differently, but I wasn't expecting this big of a temp feel," the original poster wrote.

One commenter said they were satisfied with their own forced-air setup at 68 degrees, but added that moving away from radiant heat can "take some getting used to," even though heat pumps are generally designed to keep rooms comfortable without needing higher thermostat settings.

Another user suggested the thermostat itself might be part of the problem, saying its sensor could be off by several degrees.

That led the homeowner to reveal that the old unit was 25 years old.

"That's a good call," they said.

Updating heating and cooling equipment is often one of the most effective ways to cut utility costs and guard against rising energy prices. Palmetto helps homeowners compare options for more efficient HVAC systems and heat pumps, while its Comfort Plan network connects them with vetted installers.

More background

The homeowner said their feet still felt cold even when warm air collected overhead. Most of the vents were installed in the ceiling and had originally been designed for air conditioning, and the home's insulation had already been updated.

The thermostat's location may also have been part of the issue, since it was placed in the only enclosed room in an otherwise open floor plan.

Another commenter described similar ductwork issues in their own home, including ducts that were the wrong size, uninsulated, and routed through unconditioned space.

What can be done?

In response to a suggestion to keep the temperature steady, the homeowner said they had normally used scheduled settings for sleep and for when they were home.

"Now it's all one temp 24/7," the original poster wrote.

Commenters also pointed to window quality, vent direction, insulation and humidity as factors that can affect comfort.

"Consider adding humidity in the winter to increase temp feel," one said.

Even so, the main adjustment remained the thermostat.

"The real answer to your question is, you must set your thermostat to whatever feels comfortable to you," one user advised. "There's not a single person on this subreddit that can tell you a magic number to set your thermostat to to feel comfortable, because that is subjective to you alone."

The homeowner also admitted they were still uneasy about touching the thermostat at all.

"Growing up I wasn't allowed to touch the thermostat; now in my 40's and I still look over my shoulder if I turn it up!" they shared.

For homeowners who are not ready to pay upfront for a new system, Palmetto's Comfort Plan includes $0-down options that can cut heating and cooling costs by up to 50%. Palmetto Comfort Plans also include 12 years of free maintenance.

Homeowners can also combine solar panels with electric appliances, including efficient HVAC systems, to push utility costs even lower. EasyHome helps compare solar options and find a system and installer that fit a home's needs and budget.

Where can I learn more?

Other homeowners who have switched from oil heat to heat pumps have raised similar questions about comfort and cost.

• Heat pump owners say expecting air to feel furnace-hot can lead to disappointment.

• HVAC pros advised a homeowner to keep the boiler while adding a heat pump.

• A New Hampshire homeowner questioned oil heating's value after two winters without oil.

• A Connecticut homeowner's electricity use barely changed over four winters after replacing oil with mini-splits.