I wouldn't fluctuate it at all without a special programmed themostat
designed to prevent backup heat going on when exiting setback cycle.

You ask an interesting question about heatpumps. I would presume that the
controls for the heatpumps are designed to be smart enuf that you don't have
to worry about bypassing the heatpump. The bypass is for if the heatpump is
broken.


"Home owner" wrote in message
oups.com...
I live in Southern Maryland. This year we had a heat pump installed
with propane backup heat. Early on we were using a lot of propane
because I was turning the heat down to 55 at night. I have rectified
this by setting the heat to 68 when we are home and 66 when we are away
or asleep. Is 2 degrees the most I should fluctuate it on a daily
basis?

Secondly and this is my main question... I have heard that heat pumps
are no longer efficient at 30 degrees. So when I see a stretch of a few
days that are going to be cold, below 30 degrees, should I just turn on
emergency heat? Thus turning off the heat pump for these cold days when
it would be inefficient? Currently it tries until it can't keep up. I
am thinking this time when it trying it is just burning my electricity
and cash. Would this be the most efficient way to heat?