At Goldstar Heat Pumps, we often meet customers across Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, and Papamoa who have great heat pumps installed but are not getting the best results from them. And often, the issue comes down to thermostat settings.
It might sound like a small thing, but how you use your thermostat can have a big impact on both your comfort and your power bill. Whether it is heating your home on a crisp Tauranga morning or cooling things down after a hot Papamoa afternoon, the right settings make a noticeable difference.
Let’s walk through what we recommend when it comes to getting your thermostat working smarter—not harder.
Why Thermostat Settings Matter More Than You Think
Your heat pump is a smart system, but it still relies on the settings you give it. The temperature you set, how often you change it, and whether you use the timer all affect how efficiently your heat pump runs.
Many people think that turning the temperature way up will heat the home faster. Or that constantly adjusting the setting gives better control. In reality, both of these can use more energy than necessary—and may even shorten the life of your heat pump.
With Tauranga’s mild winters and humid summers, small tweaks can go a long way in keeping your home comfortable and your energy usage low.
Best Thermostat Practices for Tauranga Homes
Set It and Forget It: Why Constant Adjustments Waste Power
It can be tempting to adjust your thermostat every time the room feels slightly warm or cool, but doing so actually makes your heat pump work harder.
We recommend setting your temperature and leaving it. For most Tauranga homes, 21–22°C for heating and 24–25°C for cooling is the sweet spot. This gives you a comfortable indoor climate without putting unnecessary strain on your system.
Avoiding ‘Blast Mode’ – It Does Not Heat Your Home Faster
A common myth we hear is that if you crank your heat pump to 28°C, the house will heat up faster. Unfortunately, that is not how it works. Your heat pump will heat at the same rate—it will just keep going until it reaches that high temperature, which usually means overshooting your comfort zone and wasting power.
Stick to your target temperature, and let the heat pump do its thing. You will feel the benefits in both comfort and cost.
Using Timer and Scheduling Features
Using the timer function is one of the easiest ways to make your heat pump more efficient. We help many Tauranga homeowners set their units to switch on 30 minutes before they wake up or arrive home, so the space is comfortable without running the system all day.
If you are on a set routine, scheduling can make a noticeable difference in your power usage.
The Ideal Heat Pump Temperature Settings for Tauranga’s Climate
Recommended Winter Settings
While Tauranga winters are not extreme, the early mornings and evenings can still get quite cool. We usually recommend setting your thermostat to 21–22°C for heating. It is warm enough to stay cosy, without driving your electricity use up.
If you are dealing with particularly damp conditions or live closer to the coast where salt air lingers, using the ‘Dry’ mode for short periods can also help reduce condensation without having to raise the temperature.
Recommended Summer Settings
During summer, especially in places like Papamoa or Welcome Bay, things can heat up fast indoors. Resist the urge to turn the heat pump down to 16°C. You will stay comfortable (and save money) if you keep it around 24–25°C.
Also, using ‘Cool’ mode instead of ‘Auto’ gives you more control and often helps avoid unexpected temperature swings.
Common Thermostat Mistakes We See in Tauranga
We have installed and serviced thousands of heat pumps across Tauranga and the Bay, and we see some patterns when it comes to thermostat settings:
- Setting the temperature too high or too low, thinking it speeds things up.
- Leaving the system on Auto mode when a specific mode would be more efficient.
- Ignoring ‘Eco’ or ‘Power Save’ settings available on most newer units.
- Forgetting to adjust settings for seasonal humidity, which is especially important in coastal homes.
These habits may not seem like a big deal, but over time they add up in both energy use and wear on the system.
How Goldstar Heat Pumps Helps Tauranga Homes Run Smarter
Every time we install a heat pump, we take the time to show you how to use it properly. That includes going through your thermostat, timers, and different modes so you know what to do right from day one.
We often revisit homes after installation to help fine-tune settings for families, couples, or those who have shifted routines. You are never on your own with us—we are always happy to help you make the most of your system.
And if you are ever unsure, we are just a phone call away.
Small Thermostat Tweaks, Big Tauranga Savings
Using your heat pump thermostat properly is one of the easiest ways to get more out of your investment. With Tauranga’s relatively mild climate, you should not need to spend a fortune to stay warm in winter or cool in summer—if your settings are dialled in.
At Goldstar Heat Pumps, we are always here to help you understand your system, save energy, and enjoy a more comfortable home. Whether you need a new installation, a service, or some friendly advice, we are ready when you are.
Get in Touch
If you would like help with your heat pump settings or want to explore energy-efficient options for your home, get in touch with us today:
0800 864 964
