Homeowners wonder whether they should leave their heat pump running continuously or turn it off at certain times – in short, they have no experience on how to operate a heat pump, unsurprising given that heat pumps remain a relatively new option to many people.

"Do you have the heat pump on 24/7?"

"Do you run the heat pump non-stop?"

"I have just read that you turn off your air source heat pump in the summer. Can anyone advise if that is correct/a good idea, and if I do turn my air source heat pump off, how do I get domestic hot water to wash with?"

"Also, do you run the air source heat pump overnight?"

"Can you manage your heat pump to run harder in your cheap periods and just idle in between them?"

While heat pumps don’t technically run all the time, they stay on standby, ready to heat when required. This maximises their efficiency, as heat pumps operate best at lower temperatures, keeping the house warm all the time and avoiding the energy intensive process of reheating a cold house. 

Turning a heat pump off at night can be inefficient, as it forces the system to work harder to recover the lost heat. Instead, using a setback temperature – a slightly lower setting during off peak hours- can save energy without reducing comfort.  

A well-insulated home allows a heat pump to run more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and maintaining stable temperatures. In homes with poor insulation, heat pumps may need to run for longer periods to maintain warmth, which can lead to higher energy bills. 

Installers can provide further information on how to make the best use of a heat pump.

"How will you control your heat pump?"

"Are you using the heat pump’s own controller?"

"That’s quite important; are they part of how the heat pump is being controlled?"

"Are these the settings on the heat pump itself, and do you have the ability for separate temperature settings, timings, and delays on the cylinder itself?"

"With a HP that has a fixed temp output setting, is the output controlled via a room stat that switches the pump on and off as the room temp rises above or falls below the desired level?"

Heat pumps are managed through a thermostat and controller, which may be built-in or separate. The controller adjusts the heating schedules, flow temperatures and hot water settings, while the thermostat signals when heating is needed. 

Most systems are pre-programmed by installers, meaning manual adjustments are rarely needed. Some controllers allow for separate temperature settings and schedules for heating and hot water. Again, an installer will be able to advise on controls, though information on how to operate a heat pump is available. 

Heat pumps can also be remotely controlled to shift energy use and cut costs. A trial by Nesta and the Centre for Net Zero found automation reduced heat pump electricity use by 74% during peak times while keeping homes comfortable.