7 Heat Pump Efficiency Tips to Cut Your Energy Bills in 2025

Heat pumps are one of the most energy-efficient heating systems available — but are you getting the most out of yours? With energy prices still a hot topic in 2025, maximising your heat pump's efficiency can make a real difference to your bills. Here are our top heat pump efficiency tips from the team at Reliable Renewables.

1. Set a Lower, Consistent Temperature

Unlike gas boilers, heat pumps work best when set to a lower, steady temperature rather than being turned up and down frequently. Set your thermostat to around 19–21°C and let the system run consistently. Constantly adjusting the temperature forces the system to work harder and uses more energy.

2. Keep the Outdoor Unit Clear

Your outdoor unit needs good airflow to extract heat from the air efficiently. Make sure there's at least 30cm of clear space around it, and regularly remove leaves, dirt, and debris. In winter, check it hasn't become blocked by snow or ice.

3. Use Weather Compensation Controls

Many modern heat pumps support weather compensation — a feature that automatically adjusts the flow temperature based on the outdoor temperature. This can significantly improve efficiency. If your system has this feature but it's not enabled, ask us to set it up during your next service.

4. Insulate Your Home Well

A heat pump is only as efficient as the home it's heating. Good loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, and double glazing all reduce heat loss and mean your heat pump doesn't have to work as hard. If your home is poorly insulated, even the best heat pump will struggle.

5. Use a Smart Thermostat

A smart thermostat lets you control your heat pump remotely and set schedules that match your lifestyle. This avoids heating an empty home and ensures your system is always running at the right time. Many smart thermostats are also compatible with heat pump systems and can optimise performance automatically.

6. Service Your Heat Pump Annually

A poorly maintained heat pump can lose up to 25% of its efficiency over time. An annual professional service from Reliable Renewables ensures your system is clean, correctly charged with refrigerant, and running at peak performance. It's the single most impactful thing you can do for long-term efficiency.

7. Check Your Flow Temperature Settings

Many heat pumps are installed with flow temperatures set too high — often a legacy from gas boiler settings. Heat pumps work most efficiently at lower flow temperatures (around 35–45°C). If your system is set higher than this, it could be costing you more than necessary. Our engineers can review and optimise your settings during a service visit.

Need a Heat Pump Service in Nottingham or the East Midlands?

If your heat pump isn't performing as efficiently as it should, Reliable Renewables can help. We provide expert heat pump servicing, repairs, and maintenance packages across Nottingham, the East Midlands, Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, and North England. Call us on 07775071761 or email reliablerenewables@outlook.com — we're always happy to help.