Heat pumps provide clean, renewable heating for your home.
They’re controlled through a thermostat like a boiler and requires minimal care. It can withstand freezing weather and will ensure you always have access to hot water.
Bite size summary of air source heat pump
- It will provide zero-carbon* heating, and as a result, energy will be used efficiently to heat your home. (* provided you are on a renewable generation electricity tariff.)
- Your heat pump is controlled through a thermostat like a boiler.
- You will always have access to hot water.
- Your heat pump will work and can withstand freezing weather.
- The heat pump requires minimal care and do not store any things obstructing the unit.
How does a heat pump work?
An air source heat pump is a system that uses heat energy in the outside air to provide heating and hot water for your home throughout the year without gas. It operates similarly to a fridge but in reverse, pulling heat from the air outside and using it to warm your living space or hot water. A heat pump is really efficiency, creating 3-4 units of heat energy for every unit of electricity it consumes.
How to use your heat pump efficiently
- Don’t change the settings on the heat pump itself. Use the thermostat and programmer to change heating and hot water settings instead. If you don’t want the heating on, just turn the thermostat down (don’t switch off the heat pump).
- We recommend setting your thermostats to between 18°C and 21°C.
- For the heat pump to work most efficiently, it’s really important to keep your home at a constant temperature. It might sound counterintuitive to be heating your home when you’re not there, but the heat pump will have to work a lot harder (and use a lot more electricity) to heat up the house after it has cooled down.
- Don’t keep windows and doors open when your heating is on. The warm air inside will escape so your heat pump will need to work harder to replace it, and it will cost you more to run
- If your home is too hot or too cold, turn the thermostat up or down by 1°C at a time and give it time to respond. Heat pumps work at lower temperatures than gas boilers, and consequently take longer to raise the temperature inside than you might be used to. Cranking up the thermostat to a high level won’t heat up your home any more quickly.
- Your heat pump will automatically heat your hot water to set temperature (usually around 40°C). Every so often, the water temperature will rise to above 55°C for a short period. This is to prevent bacteria growing in the hot water system which could be harmful to health, and is a standard precaution on all modern hot water storage cylinders.
- The heat pump also works in colder conditions, so you needn’t worry in winter about the unit potentially freezing or being damaged. It is designed to last during these times.
- You will always have access to hot water as the system will continuously top up your hot water cylinder.
If there’s a problem with your heating or hot water, get in touch with our customer service team by giving us a call on 0300 5000 600.
Explainer video
User guides
Panasonic air to water heat pump instructions
Panasonic quick heat pump guide
Stiebel Eltron heat pump manual
A guide to your Panasonic heat pump
FAQs
Use the thermostat to adjust temperatures and schedules. Most systems are pre-set for efficiency.
Aim for 18–22°C for consistent comfort. Avoid large temperature swings, as heat pumps work efficiently by maintaining steady warmth.
Heat pumps deliver lower, more consistent heat than boilers. Radiators will feel warm but not scalding – this is normal and ensures efficient operation.
Turning off the system entirely can lead to higher costs when reheating. For short absences, lower the temperature slightly
Keep the area clear of leaves, debris, and obstructions (e.g., garden furniture). Ensure airflow around the unit.
Yes, modern heat pumps are designed for UK winters. Performance may slightly dip in extreme cold, but they remain operational.