How do you use an Air Source Heat Pump?
Air source heat pumps heat your home differently to other heating systems. Our short guide will walk you through the basics and help you get the most from your system.
An air source heat pump (ASHP) is a reliable way to heat your home and provide hot water. It works a little differently from a traditional central heating system, so it may take some time to get used to.
If you're not sure how it works, don't worry. This guide will explain the basics and help you get the best performance from your ASHP, so you can keep your home comfortable all year round.
How does an air source heat pump work?
An air source heat pump takes warmth from the air outside, increases it, and uses it to heat your home. It can still work even when the temperature outside drops below freezing.
The most common air source heat pumps are air-to-water systems. This means the heat pump warms up water, which then flows through the pipes to your radiators and underfloor heating system. It can also heat a hot water tank, giving you hot water for your kitchen and bathroom.
Air source heat pumps need some electricity to run. You can help keep costs down by using your heating in the right way and making sure you are on the best electricity tariff for your needs.
Hot water tank
Unlike some other heating systems, an air source heat pump does not produce hot water instantly when you turn on a tap. Instead, it stores hot water in a hot water tank, which is usually located in a cupboard.
The water in the tank is typically kept between 40°C and 55°C, providing plenty of hot water for everyday use. To keep the water safe and maintain good hygiene, your heat pump will automatically heat the tank to 60°C once a week.
This is a normal part of how your system works and helps ensure your hot water remains safe to use.
How to use your heating
Like most central heating systems, your air source heat pump is controlled by a programmer. This lets you:
- Choose when your heating comes on
- Set the temperature you would like your home to reach
Air source heat pumps work a little differently from traditional heating systems. While some systems are designed to heat your home quickly for short periods, a heat pump works best when it has time to warm your home gradually. Don't worry if this feels unfamiliar at first. In most cases, your heat pump will be more efficient and cost less to run when it isn't being switched on and off frequently.
When setting your heating:
- Decide what temperature feels comfortable for you. The recommended temperature is between 18°C and 21°C.
- Think about when you would like your home to be at that temperature. For example, you may want your home to be warm when you get up in the morning.
- Set your programmer to come on around three hours before that time. This gives your heat pump time to warm your home comfortably and efficiently.
Once you've found settings that work for you, you should not need to adjust them very often. Most modern heat pumps will feature weather compensation function that automatically adjusts indoor temperature based on outdoor conditions, to improve efficiency and comfort.
Electricity tariffs
More and more energy suppliers are now offering tariffs specifically for heat pumps. As heat pumps use electricity, these tariffs usually offer a cheaper rate of electricity between certain hours of the day.
Which tariff is best for you will depend on your current household energy usage, your electricity provider and how flexible your usage is.
Getting even more out of your air source heat pump
When your air source heat pump was installed, it should have been set up to run efficiently. For most people, this means there is no need to change any of the settings. However, if you feel comfortable making adjustments, you may be able to fine-tune some settings to help your heat pump work even more efficiently.
If you would like to learn more, you can:
- Check your air source heat pump manual for detailed information about the settings.
- Visit the manufacturer's website, where you may find helpful guides and videos explaining how to adjust them.
Before making any changes, it's a good idea to make a note of the current settings. That way, if the new settings don't work as expected, you can easily switch back to the original ones.
Want to find out more?
Want to know if a heat pump will work for your home? PEC can help.
Our Future Fit services provide independent, expert advice on the suitability of a heat pump for your property and how they can fit into a wider home upgrade.
If you are just starting out on your retrofit journey, a free Home Visit is the easiest way to explore what’s possible for your home.
If you are ready to make your home feel even better choose a Future Home Survey for a detailed retrofit plan tailored to your home.
Visit our Retrofit Services page to see what services we offer.