Keep your heat pump running around the clock with set back temperatures at night

One of the first lessons that air source heat pump owners learn is that it costs less to keep your heat pump running all the time, day and night than it does to turn it off and on. Air source heat pumps have a lower flow temperature (the temperature of the water that they pump through your system) than gas boilers, which makes them much more energy efficient. They’re designed to keep your home at a constant temperature rather than pumping out a lot of heat quickly. You'll save very little money by turning an air source heat pump off for a few hours. Instead, you'll force it to use more energy, working harder to get your home back up to temperature. Set your thermostat to the temperature you want your house to be, and then leave your heat pump running to keep it that way. If you prefer a cooler home at night, you can set your heat pump to drop the temperature for a few hours.

One of the first changes that many air source heat pump owners notice is that their radiators no longer get as hot as they used to. This is another result of the slow and steady way that a heat pump warms your home. Gas boilers overshoot by pumping much more heat than you need into radiators for a short space of time and then leaving them to cool. If you struggle with sinus congestion or asthma, you'll be familiar with some of the side effects of this constantly changing temperature and the very dry air that it creates. Overly hot radiators don't make for a healthy environment.

Air source heat pumps are much more efficient because they warm your whole home to the temperature you actually want without wasting energy. It’s like the difference between the tortoise and the hare in the old fable, and we all remember which approach works best. With an air source heat pump, you won’t be able to warm up your hands quickly by holding them close to the radiator. On the other hand, you won’t need to. You'll probably find yourself breathing more easily too.

Hot water tips

Air source heat pumps don't just give you more control over the temperature of your home. They also give you much more control over the temperature of your water. Traditional boilers often deliver hot water at a temperature close to 70°C, which is hotter than you can actually use. You end up having to add cold water, wasting both water and energy and adding to your bills.

Set the water temperature for your air source heat pump to between 48°C and 50°C, and you’ll have water at the right temperature for a bath, shower or sink of dishes while saving money. Your heat pump will run a weekly cycle that heats your stored water to 60°C to kill any bacteria, and the rest of the time it will get on with delivering your water at the temperature you really want.