Practical steps if your heat pump is costing more than expected.
It’s common for people to feel surprised by their heat pump running costs, especially in the first year. In many cases, higher costs are not inevitable — they’re often caused by factors that can be improved.
This is the most common cause. If your home loses heat quickly, the heat pump has to work harder and for longer. Improving insulation and reducing draughts usually gives the biggest improvement in running costs.
Many systems are set up with higher flow temperatures than necessary, or the controls (such as weather compensation) are not configured correctly. Simple adjustments can sometimes make a noticeable difference.
If your radiators or underfloor heating are too small for low-temperature operation, the heat pump may have to run at higher temperatures, reducing its efficiency.
Staying on a standard tariff when a heat pump or off-peak tariff would be more suitable can increase running costs unnecessarily.
This is usually the highest-impact, lowest-cost improvement. Focus on loft insulation, draught proofing, and any accessible floor or wall insulation.
Ask an experienced heat pump installer to check the settings, flow temperatures, and controls. Sometimes small adjustments can improve efficiency without major work.
Check whether you’re on the best tariff for a heat pump. Many suppliers now offer specific tariffs that can reduce running costs.
If radiators are too small, upgrading to larger ones (or adding more) allows the heat pump to run at lower, more efficient temperatures.
In some cases, high running costs are due to fundamental design or installation issues. Getting an independent review from an experienced installer is often the best first step before making bigger changes.
Use our Heat Pump Estimator to get a better idea of system size and performance for your home.