Get the Best from Your Heat Pump

A heat pump that has been properly designed and installed should run efficiently and keep your home comfortable without much input from you. But there are a few things that make a real difference to how well it performs, and knowing what to look out for means you can get the most from your system, year after year.

What is Flow Temperature and Why Does it Matter?

Flow temperature is the temperature of the water your heat pump sends to your radiators or underfloor heating. It's one of the biggest factors in how efficiently your system runs, and it's something your installer should set correctly from day one.

Unlike a gas boiler, which typically runs at 60 to 70°C, heat pumps work most efficiently at lower flow temperatures - around 45°C for most homes with radiators, and lower still for underfloor heating. At these temperatures, the heat pump doesn't have to work as hard to produce heat, which improves its coefficient of performance (COP). A COP of 3 means the system produces three units of heat for every one unit of electricity. The lower the flow temperature, the better the COP.

A well-commissioned system will also have weather compensation enabled, which automatically adjusts the flow temperature based on how cold it is outside. On a mild autumn day, the system runs cooler and draws less electricity. On a cold January night, it ramps up accordingly. When it's set up properly, you won't need to think about it at all

A note on settings

Flow temperature and weather compensation are set during commissioning and are best left to your installer to configure. If you're not sure whether your system is running at the right settings, it's worth asking your installer to check rather than making adjustments yourself. Small changes can have a bigger effect than expected.

How Can Controls Help - Without Over-complicating Things?

Good controls make it easy to match your heating to how you actually use your home. For heat pumps, the key is simplicity. These systems are designed to run steadily and maintain a comfortable background temperature, rather than switching on and off in response to short bursts of demand.

A well-programmed schedule that reflects your daily routine is usually all you need. Running the system consistently, rather than switching it off overnight and reheating a cold home each morning, tends to be more efficient and more comfortable.

Zoning - dividing your home into separate heating areas - can work well in some properties, but it's worth knowing that more zones don't automatically mean better efficiency for a heat pump. The right setup depends on your home and how the system has been designed, so if you're thinking about adding zones or changing your controls, it's worth a conversation with your installer first.

For most homes across Kent and Sussex, a straightforward heating schedule tailored to your routine will get you a long way. Keep it simple and let the system do what it was designed to do.

Does Insulation Really Affect Heat Pump Performance?

Yes, and it's one of the most important factors. Heat pumps are designed to run at lower temperatures for longer periods, which works beautifully in a well-insulated home that holds onto heat. If warmth is escaping through the roof, walls, or draughty windows, the system has to work harder to keep up.

For properties in rural areas like Lamberhurst, Goudhurst, and Brenchley, where solid walls or older construction are common, insulation is always part of the conversation when we're designing a system. A full heat loss assessment, which we carry out for every installation, tells us exactly how much heat your home loses and allows us to size and configure the system correctly for your property.

Even modest improvements can make a difference. Loft insulation, draught-proofing around doors and windows, and secondary glazing are all worth considering, and they benefit any heating system, not just a heat pump.

Not sure if a heat pump is right for your property? Our free Heat Pump Quote tool gives you a personalised recommendation based on your home in a few minutes.

How Does Annual Servicing Keep Things Running Well?

A heat pump that's well-installed and properly commissioned should run reliably for many years. Annual servicing is what keeps it that way. A good service checks refrigerant levels, the heat exchange, pump performance, and control settings - all things that can drift gradually over time and affect how the system performs.

Catching small issues early also means avoiding bigger, more expensive problems later. A minor refrigerant issue that goes unnoticed won't stop the system from working, but it will make it work harder than it needs to.

We recommend annual servicing for all heat pump systems. You can find out more about what's included on our heat pump servicing page.

The Essential at a Glance:

Flow temperature	Lower is better for heat pumps. Aim for 35 to 45°C with underfloor heating, 45 to 50°C with radiators.
Weather compensation	Enable it if your system supports it. It adjusts output automatically and avoids unnecessary energy use on mild days.
Zone programming	Heat only the rooms you need, when you need them. A well-programmed schedule can cut running costs by 10 to 20%.
Insulation	Better insulation means the heat pump runs at a lower flow temperature, which improves COP and reduces bills.
Annual servicing	Keeps refrigerant levels, heat exchanger, and controls in spec so efficiency doesn't gradually decline.
Radiator sizing	Undersized radiators force the flow temperature up. Upgrading key radiators allows you to run cooler and more efficiently.

What If My System Doesn't Feel Right?

If your heat pump isn't keeping your home comfortable, or your energy use seems higher than it should be, it's worth getting your installer to take a look. The most common cause is a system that wasn't commissioned correctly at the outset.

The good news is that most issues can be resolved with a proper review of the settings and setup. It's always better to get a professional eye on it than to start adjusting things yourself.

Ready to Get More from Your Heat Pump?

Whether you're looking to optimise an existing system or planning a new installation, we can help. Read our servicing guide to understand what a full annual check involves, or use our Heat Pump Quote tool to get a personalised recommendation for your home.