Most efficient way to operate air exchange heat pumps?

dean_26

I have recently installed 4 discrete Unico HV systems in my home to take over the bulk (maybe even the entirety) of heating requirements for my 5,000+ square foot historic house. I'm a huge steam fan who has spent years reading Dan's books and tweaking my mammoth two pipe system, but with oil bills tickling $14,000 a year, steam has taken a back seat to more efficient heating methods. I'm not looking for feedback on my decision to go heat pump or HV or Unico or whatever...that decision has been made, it's in and it's working.

What I would like feedback on is the most optimal way to utilize this system.

Zone 1 serves the most used wing of the first floor, zone 2 serves two less used rooms on the first floor and has a few ports to condition some basement space. Zone 3 is the second floor, zone 4 is the third floor.

Each zone is served by an air exchange compressor, blower, cooling unit and electric furnace unit. Zone thermostat requests heat from an outdoor thermostat, which stages the electric furnace coils based on outdoor temperature (I believe compressor only, compressor and low coil, compressor and high coil).

I am used to programming a timed thermostat to increase/decrease temps based on time of day and dropping temps when leaving the house. From what I've read elsewhere, this could end up costing me more given the need to ramp temps back up rather than just maintaining an even temperature. What are your thoughts?

Also, since heat pumps operate more efficiently at warmer exchange temps, is it appropriate to try to make up lost heat during warmer time periods, then drop thermostat temps when it's colder? Or would you suggest I keep all thermostats held at a particular temperature?

Thanks!