Below are the best practical strategies to make your heat pump perform at its peak — saving you money while keeping your home cosy.

1. Improve Your Home’s Insulation First

Heat pumps work best in well-insulated properties. The UK has many older homes, and insulation upgrades make a big difference.

Focus on:

Loft insulation (270mm recommended)
Cavity or solid-wall insulation
Double/triple glazing
Draught-proofing around doors and windows

Better insulation means:

Lower heat loss
Lower running costs
A more comfortable indoor temperature

2. Use Low Flow Temperatures (The #1 Efficiency Booster)

Heat pumps perform best when running at low, steady temperatures.

Optimal flow temperature:

35–45°C (vs. 60–80°C for gas boilers)

Lower flow temperatures = higher COP = cheaper bills.

How to achieve low flow temperatures:

Install larger radiators or underfloor heating
Balance your heating system
Ensure thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) are open, not choking flow

If your radiators feel “not very hot”, that’s normal — heat pumps rely on gentle, continuous heat, not quick blasts.

3. Keep Your Heat Pump Running Steadily

Avoid turning your heat pump on and off like a traditional boiler.

Heat pumps are most efficient when they:

Run for longer periods
Maintain consistent room temperature
Avoid frequent cycling

Recommended settings:

Set a comfortable target (e.g., 18–20°C)
Leave the system running throughout the day in colder months
Use nighttime setback rather than turning it off completely

4. Optimise Your Thermostat and Controls

Smart control settings help your heat pump think ahead.

Best practices:

Use weather compensation (adjusts flow temperature automatically)
Avoid aggressive thermostat schedules
Use gradual heating plans
Check that thermostats are in appropriate rooms (not near heat sources or drafts)

Weather compensation alone can improve efficiency by 10–20%.

5. Use Off-Peak Electricity Tariffs

In the UK, many energy providers offer heat-pump-friendly tariffs.

Potential options:

Octopus Cosy
Octopus Agile
OVO Heat Pump Tariffs
EDF GoElectric

Using cheaper off-peak electricity for heating and hot water reduces running costs significantly.

6. Maintain Your Heat Pump Annually

A well-maintained heat pump lasts longer and runs more efficiently.

Tasks during servicing:

Clean external unit and coils
Check refrigerant pressure
Inspect filters
Test electrical connections
Verify system controls

DIY maintenance:

Keep leaves and debris away from the outdoor unit
Ensure airflow is unobstructed
Clear snow/ice in winter

A simple clean can boost efficiency by up to 5–10%.

7. Pair with Solar Panels for Additional Savings

Solar PV and heat pumps are a perfect duo.

Benefits:

Offsets electricity used for heating
Cuts running costs dramatically
Increases your home’s EPC rating
Reduces reliance on grid power

On sunny winter days, your solar panels can power much of your heating.

8. Make Use of UK Government Grants

Depending on region and eligibility, you may access:

Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)

£7,500 grant for ASHP or GSHP installation
England & Wales

Home Energy Scotland Grants/Loans

Up to £15,000 in support

ECO4 Scheme / ECO+

For low-income households

These schemes can significantly reduce upfront costs and improve return on investment.

Heat Pump Efficiency FAQs (UK Homeowners)

Do heat pumps work in older UK homes?

Yes — provided insulation and radiator upgrades are done properly.

Will my heating bills be cheaper?

In well-insulated homes with low flow temperatures and good tariffs, yes — often 20–40% cheaper.

Are heat pumps noisy?

Modern ASHPs are quiet (40–60 dB), similar to a fridge or dishwasher.

Do heat pumps work in freezing temperatures?

Absolutely. Heat pumps work efficiently even at –10°C to –20°C.

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