How to save money from your air source heat pump – even if you’re not techy 

Switching over to an air source heat pump (ASHP) is a savvy investment for your home and energy bills – and the planet in the long run. And you don’t have to be a heating engineer or love tinkering with settings to get the best results from it. 

With some simple habits and regular professional care, your system will thrive for years, avoiding the stress and cost of unexpected breakdowns.

Find out how to maximise your heat pump’s performance without the jargon – with simple tips, settings and regular servicing to save money, reduce emissions, and maintain year-round comfort.

Keep it steady: simple temperature & control tips

The first and simplest way for your air source heat pump to run efficiently is to keep temperatures steady. While gas boilers quickly blast heat when needed, air source heat pumps work best when running consistently over longer periods. If you’re constantly turning temperatures up and down that’ll make the system work harder, using more energy.

The same principle applies if your heat pump is used for cooling during warmer months. Setting a steady, comfortable temperature will keep the indoor climate just right without overworking the system, avoiding sudden spikes in electricity use.

Here’s what you can do:

• Set your preferred temperature and let the system maintain it – reducing sudden demand on the system.
• Use built-in timers for heating or cooling to match your daily routine, avoiding running it at full power when no one’s home.
• Adjust TRVs (thermostatic radiator valves) per room, so you’re only heating or cooling spaces you actually use.

These small, low-effort habits require no technical skills, but will make a big difference to running costs, system performance, and year-round comfort.

Servicing: your heat pump’s best friend

The most advanced air source heat pump can only perform at its best if you look after it. Dust, debris, and wear is going to reduce efficiency over time, increasing energy use and shortening your system’s lifespan. A regular, professional service isn’t just a ‘nice to have’ – it’s essential for protecting your investment, keeping bills in check, and keeping your home comfortable all year round.

An annual air source heat pump service plan gives you:

• Clean and clear components – coils, filters, and fans are inspected and cleaned to keep airflow strong and efficient.
• Correct refrigerant levels – essential for transferring heat effectively, for heating in winter and cooling in summer.
• Accurate controls – thermostats and sensors are tested and recalibrated to maximise system responses.
• Early fault detection – identifying minor issues before they become expensive breakdowns.

If you’ve had your heat pump installed through a government grant, keeping up with servicing is often part of the deal. It protects your warranty, keeps you within the scheme’s requirements, and gives you the efficiency you were promised.

As a car needs its annual MOT to stay safe and roadworthy, your heat pump needs its yearly service for peak performance and efficiency. Skipping it will mean higher bills, more repairs, and even reduced carbon savings – the very benefits you signed up for in the first place.

Low flow temperature: the hidden money saver

One of the most effective and efficient ways to run your air source heat pump is through lowering the flow temperature – the temperature of the water sent through your radiators or underfloor heating. While traditional boilers often run at 70–80°C, heat pumps work best at lower settings, often between 35–55°C.

A lower flow temperature means your system doesn’t work so hard to heat the water, saving electricity and maintaining a steady, comfortable warmth in the home. The key is pairing this with good home insulation, keeping the heat where you want it.

If you’re unsure what your current flow temperature is – or how to adjust it – your service technician will be able to help during a routine maintenance visit. This small tweak can lead to noticeable savings over time.

Habits that boost efficiency without gadgets

You don’t need to be a tech expert (or invest in lots of smart controls) to keep your heat pump running efficiently. These simple, low-effort habits make a real difference to performance and running costs:

• Keep the outdoor unit clear – leaves, snow, and debris can block airflow, making the system work harder. Check every couple of weeks, especially after storms or through autumn and winter.
• Avoid blocking indoor vents – furniture, curtains, or laundry racks in front of radiators or indoor units can trap heat, reducing efficiency.
• Set your water heating temperature sensibly – around 60°C is usually enough for most homes. Higher settings waste energy without noticeable benefits.
• Let it run longer at lower settings – a steady, lower output is more efficient than short, intense bursts of heating or cooling.
• Book your service on time – regular maintenance will maximise efficiency while keeping your warranty valid.

These small, manageable steps fit easily into daily life – and work as well for summer cooling as they do for winter heating. Over time, these good habits will make noticeable savings and help to support a more reliable system.

Pro Tips: 3 quick wins for non-techy heat pump owners

1. Check your filters every few months – it takes minutes and keeps your system running easily.
2. Trim plants near the outdoor unit – good airflow is essential for top performance.
3. Book your service at the same time each year – make it a habit, like your car MOT, to ensure it never gets missed.

Looking ahead: how smart controls could make things even easier

You don’t need advanced technology to run your heat pump efficiently – but if you’re curious, smart controls are worth knowing about. Some newer systems even use AI to learn your routine, predicting heating or cooling patterns, and adjusting settings automatically.

The aim isn’t to take control away from you – it’s to quietly help you save energy, cut running costs, and keep your home comfortable without you having to think about it. If you’re not yet ready for tech upgrades, you can still achieve excellent results with simple habits and regular servicing.

Pair with renewables or smart tariffs

If you want to get even more from your heat pump, pairing it with renewable electricity (like solar panels) or a smart tariff can make a big difference. Solar panels can supply free electricity during the day, cutting your reliance on the grid. Smart tariffs offer cheaper rates off-peak, allowing your heat pump to run when electricity costs less.

Even without extra tech, your service provider can help you adjust settings, so you make the most of any tariff changes. It’s another simple way to reduce costs and keep your home running sustainably.

When to call for help

Sometimes, even well-maintained systems need attention. Common signs your heat pump may need repairs include:

• Unusual noises such as grinding or banging.
• Struggling to heat or cool your home as before.
• Sudden increases in energy bills without a change in usage.

Quick fault reporting is key – small issues can escalate quickly, costing more to fix and potentially shortening your system’s lifespan. 

Making it easy with a service plan

You don’t need to be tech-savvy to get the best from your air source heat pump. The right service plan takes care of the technical details for you – cleaning, testing, checking, and adjusting – so all you have to do is enjoy comfortable, efficient heating all year round.

With ServiceMy, you get:

• Annual servicing to keep your system running at peak efficiency.
• Priority response for faults and emergency call-outs.
• Expert engineers who understand your system inside and out.

Whether you’ve had your heat pump installed privately or through a government grant, a ServiceMy plan keeps you covered – protecting your warranty, your efficiency, and your peace of mind all year round.