Heat pump operation & maintenance tips
Learn how to operate and maintain your heat pump system for maximum efficiency, lower electricity bills, and longer lifespan.
- Annual servicing is required to maintain your manufacturer/distributor warranty.
- Only approved and trained engineers can service your system under warranty terms.
- DIY or unqualified servicing will void your warranty.
- A valid warranty saves you costly repairs, ensures priority call-outs, and peace of mind during breakdowns.
- Warranty durations vary by brand and begins on the date of commissioning.
Water operating temperatures
- Set domestic hot water (DHW) as low as 41°C to achieve ~43°C and reduce energy costs.
- Set DHW to 48°C if you require longer showers or have a larger household.
- Radiator flow temperatures should be around 45°C for efficiency.
- Underfloor heating can run between 35–40°C due to higher efficiency.
- Scalding can occur at 45°C, especially for children.
Outdoor unit drain tube maintenance
- Check and clean the outdoor unit's drainage tube to prevent sludge or leaf build-up.
- Blocked drains can lead to corrosion, ice build-up, and damage to components like the compressor or fan blade.
- This cleaning should be part of your annual heat pump service.
Electricity supply interruptions
- Power off your heat pump in advance of planned electricity outages to avoid post-outage fault alarms.
- If a fault occurs, reset by switching off both indoor and outdoor isolators for 30 seconds, then power back on.
- After restarting, wait for the system to complete its power-up sequence before using the control panel.
Avoid timers and scheduling
- Unlike oil/gas systems, heat pumps use low-temperature water (30-45°C) with slow heat-up response times.
- Set a consistent room temperature (e.g. 21-22°C downstairs, 18-19°C upstairs) and avoid daily temp fluctuations.
- Using timers or schedules disrupts the heat pump's ability to maintain a steady 1°C differential, increasing costs and reducing comfort.
- Heat pumps are most efficient when running continuously at low temperatures rather than cycling on/off.
- Reduce stats to 12°C in summer to keep the system on standby without unnecessary activation.