Reality Check · August 2026
Heat Pump Controls, Wiring Centres, Thermostats & Secondary Pumps
The costs that quietly appear on proper quotes — and how they already sit inside our full installed calculator bands.
Quick Answer
Public prices for the controls layer typically include:
- • Wiring centres: £40–£160
- • Smart or programmable thermostats: £60–£220 each
- • Secondary return pumps: £100–£350 installed
- • Zone actuators: £25–£45 each
A proper multi-zone package commonly lands between £300 and £800+. These components are not optional on a well-designed heat-pump or underfloor system. Our full installed calculator bands already include a realistic allowance for a standard professional controls package rather than a bare single-zone minimum. The public component prices form the foundation; the calculator builds the complete figure from them so the planning number includes the controls that make the system work properly in a real home.
What public prices show
| Component | Typical public price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wiring centre (4–8 zone) | £40–£160 | Heatmiser UH4/UH8, Grant EP001 style |
| Smart thermostat (per zone) | £60–£220 supply | Installed often £100–£275 |
| Thermal actuator | £25–£45 each | One per manifold circuit |
| Secondary return / circulation pump | £100–£350 installed | Common on larger or multi-zone systems |
| Full multi-zone package | £300–£800+ | Wiring centre + actuators + stats + relays |
These are the components that turn a basic heat source into a controllable, zoned system. They appear on almost every proper quote once more than one or two zones are involved.
Why these components matter
A wiring centre is the practical heart of a multi-zone underfloor or hybrid system. It takes the call for heat from each room thermostat and switches the correct manifold actuators, the heat source, and any secondary pumps. Without it, zoning becomes unreliable or impossible.
Secondary return pumps keep hot water available at distant outlets and help maintain balanced flow on larger systems. Priority relays stop the heating and hot-water demands fighting each other.
Smart or weather-compensating thermostats improve comfort and efficiency, especially with heat pumps that prefer steady, lower flow temperatures. Basic single-thermostat setups exist, but most modern homes benefit from proper zoning.
How our calculators treat the controls layer
The full installed planning bands for both the air-source heat pump and underfloor heating calculators already include a realistic allowance for a professional controls package. They do not assume a bare single-zone minimum.
The public component prices above form the foundation. The calculator builds the complete figure from them so the planning number includes the wiring centre, actuators, thermostats and secondary pumps that make the system work properly in a real Devon or Cornwall home. This keeps the overall band honest and useful rather than artificially low.
South West notes
Larger or multi-storey properties, barn conversions and homes with distant bathrooms often need secondary returns and more zones. Period properties with mixed radiator and underfloor circuits also rely on proper wiring centres and priority logic. These are the situations where the controls package becomes more visible on the quote — and where the calculator’s realistic allowance protects the planning figure.
See the full planning band for your project
The free heat pump and underfloor heating Passports already include a realistic controls allowance inside the installed figures. No obligation. Every submission is personally reviewed.
Start heat pump Passport →Frequently asked questions
What is a wiring centre?
A wiring centre is the central switching unit that connects room thermostats to the manifold actuators, the heat source and any secondary pumps. It is the practical heart of a multi-zone system.
How much do heat pump or UFH controls typically cost?
Public prices show wiring centres £40–£160, smart thermostats £60–£220 each, secondary return pumps £100–£350 installed, and a full multi-zone package commonly £300–£800+. These form part of the professional layer already allowed for in our full installed bands.
Does the calculator include controls?
Yes. The full installed planning bands include a realistic allowance for a proper controls package rather than a bare single-zone minimum. The public component prices form the foundation; the calculator builds the complete figure from them.