Should You Leave Your Air Source Heat Pump on All the Time?
Air source heat pumps are becoming increasingly popular across the UK, especially with rising energy bills and a growing focus on greener heating options. If you have one or are thinking about getting one, you have probably heard people talk about whether it’s better to always leave it running. It is a good question because running a heat pump is not quite the same as using a gas boiler or electric heater.
How Air Source Heat Pumps Work
An air source heat pump works differently from a traditional heating system. Instead of burning fuel to generate heat, it collects heat from the air outside and moves it into your home. It uses electricity to power the process, but because it transfers heat rather than creates it, it’s far more efficient than a standard electric heater.
Heat pumps are designed to work steadily rather than in short bursts. They are much better at keeping a constant, comfortable temperature throughout your home rather than delivering sudden blasts of heat like a typical boiler or radiator system.
Is It Better to Leave It On
In many cases, it is better to leave your heat pump running at a steady pace rather than switching it on and off. Heat pumps are most efficient when maintaining a constant temperature rather than working hard to catch up after being turned off for a while.
If you turn the heat pump off overnight or when you go out, the house can cool down quite a lot, especially during the winter. When you switch it back on, the heat pump has to work harder and longer to bring the temperature back up, using more electricity than it would have done just ticking over gently.
Many homeowners find that setting the thermostat a few degrees lower overnight, rather than turning the heat pump off completely, keeps the house comfortable and uses less energy overall.
What About the Costs
Running costs will always be an important factor. It can sound expensive to leave any heating system on all the time, but with a heat pump, the numbers tell a different story.
On average, an air source heat pump can cost around 12p to 15p per kilowatt hour to run, depending on your electricity tariff. A well-installed heat pump could give you three or even four units of heat for every unit of electricity it uses, making it about three times more efficient than a standard electric heater.
For a typical three bedroom house, you might spend between £800 and £1200 a year running your heat pump, depending on how well-insulated your home is and how cold the winter gets. Leaving it running gently could actually work out cheaper over time than turning it off and making it work hard later.
Of course, if your home is poorly insulated, you could lose a lot of that gentle heat to the outside, which means your heat pump has to work harder no matter what. Good insulation always makes a big difference.
How To Use Your Heat Pump More Efficiently
If you want to get the most out of your air source heat pump without wasting money, here are a few practical tips:
- Set your thermostat to a comfortable but sensible level, around 18 to 21 degrees
- Use a timer or smart controls to lower the temperature slightly at night or when you are out
- Make sure your radiators or underfloor heating are appropriately sized for low temperature heating
- Keep up with regular servicing to make sure the system stays efficient
- Improve insulation where you can, especially around windows, doors and loft spaces
Using your heat pump correctly lets you stay comfortable without spending more than you need to.
Leaving your air source heat pump running constantly can seem strange if you are used to traditional heating systems. However, because heat pumps work in this way, keeping a steady temperature is often the most efficient and cost-effective way to use them.
Good insulation, sensible thermostat settings, and regular maintenance all play a big part in keeping running costs under control. With a bit of attention to how you use it, your air source heat pump can keep you warm, cosy, and a little bit greener too.