As one of the UK’s leading renewable energy installers, Geo Green Power understands that investing in an air source heat pump (ASHP) is a significant step towards a more sustainable and cost-effective home. However, the true benefit of these high-efficiency systems is only unlocked when they are used correctly. Unlike traditional boilers, air source heat pumps operate optimally when delivering low-grade heat over long periods.
Our expertise, refined through countless successful air source heat pump installations and ongoing support, allows us to provide definitive guidance on maximising the efficiency of your system. Follow these expert recommendations to ensure your ASHP runs at its peak performance, delivering maximum comfort and minimum running costs.
Phase 1: The Foundation of Efficiency – Property Suitability and Professional ASHP Installations
Before you even switch on your system, the foundation for efficiency is laid during the assessment and ASHP installation phase. Geo Green Power stresses that the property itself and the quality of the installation are the most crucial factors.
The Importance of a Well-Insulated Home
Air source heat pumps work by transferring heat from the outside air into your home, operating most efficiently at lower flow temperatures (35 and 55 degrees). If your property is poorly insulated, this valuable, low-temperature heat will escape too quickly, forcing the heat pump to work harder, which negates its efficiency advantage.
Rob Jennison is Geo Green Power’s Heating Installation Manager and has overseen over 100 Heat Pump Installations
Rob’s recommendation: “As experienced air source heat pump installers, we will always advise on necessary insulation upgrades, such as fitting loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, and robust draught-proofing, before or alongside your air source heat pump installation. A well-insulated home minimises heat loss, allowing the ASHP to maintain a comfortable temperature effortlessly and economically.”
System Design and Heat Emitters
A core part of a professional ASHP installation involves correctly sizing the unit based on a comprehensive, room-by-room heat loss calculation. Geo Green Power’s qualified ashp installers use industry standards (such as BSEN12831) to ensure your unit is neither oversized (which wastes money) nor undersized (which results in inadequate heating).
Furthermore, the heat distribution system must be optimised. Air source heat pumps pair ideally with large-surface-area heat emitters, such as underfloor heating. If you have existing radiators, our team will assess their size. Due to the lower flow temperatures, it may be necessary to replace older models with larger radiators to ensure sufficient heat transfer and maximum efficiency.
Phase 2: Mastering the Controls for Daily Efficiency
Once your high-quality Geo Green Power system is installed, efficiency becomes a matter of smart operation. The key principle is to shift from the ‘on-demand’ heating style of a traditional boiler to a ‘continuous, low-and-slow’ approach.
Maintain a Consistent, Lower Flow Temperature
This is arguably the most important operational change. Lowering the water flow temperature that your air source heat pump produces directly improves its Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP), meaning it produces more heat energy for every unit of electricity consumed. Geo Green Power recommends setting the flow temperature as low as possible while maintaining comfort.
Rob recommends: “Try adjusting the temperature downwards by one-degree increments throughout the winter until you find your home is too cool, then raise it back up to one degree.”
Run Your Heat Pump for Longer, Consistent Periods
Unlike a gas boiler that heats your home quickly and is then turned off, an ASHP is designed to maintain a stable, comfortable temperature constantly. Turning your heat pump off completely or using drastic temperature setbacks (a large drop overnight or during the day) forces the system to perform a large burst of work to recover the lost temperature, which is inherently less efficient.
Instead, keep your system running consistently. Use a small ‘setback’, lowering the thermostat by a few degrees, when you are out or asleep. This allows the heat pump to maintain a steady temperature efficiently without having to ‘sprint’ to reheat the house from a cold start.
Utilise Weather Compensation Controls
Many modern air source heat pumps come equipped with ‘weather compensation.’ This intelligent feature automatically adjusts the flow temperature based on the outside air temperature. For example, on a mild day, the system will use a lower flow temperature to heat your home, and on a cold day, it will slightly increase the flow temperature. Geo Green Power always integrates and configures these controls during ASHP installations to ensure the system is only working as hard as it needs to, avoiding wasted energy and keeping comfort levels consistent.
Combine with Other Renewables
To maximise your financial and environmental savings, Geo Green Power champions the combination of air source heat pumps with solar PV. By scheduling your hot water production during the sunniest hours of the day, you can power a significant portion of your heat pump’s electricity consumption using free, renewable energy generated on your own roof. Integrating a home battery system can further enhance this synergy by allowing you to store excess solar electricity to run your ASHP when the sun isn’t shining.
Phase 3: Long-Term Performance and Air Source Heat Pump Maintenance
Even the most expertly installed system requires proactive care to maintain peak efficiency. Geo Green Power offers ongoing support and professional air source heat pump maintenance to protect your investment.
The Necessity of Annual Air Source Heat Pump Servicing
While ASHPs have fewer moving parts than traditional boilers and typically have a long lifespan (up to 25 years), we strongly recommend an annual professional service. This is not just about preserving efficiency; it is also often a mandatory requirement to keep your manufacturer’s warranty valid.
During an air source heat pump maintenance check, a qualified Geo Green Power engineer will:
- Inspect and clean the outdoor evaporator coil to ensure maximum heat exchange.
- Check refrigerant levels and system pressures for any potential leaks or imbalances.
- Inspect and clean internal components, including system filters.
- Check all electrical connections and components for safety and secure mounting.
- Verify the system’s operation parameters and controls that are set correctly for peak performance.
Simple Owner Checks
Between professional services, homeowners can perform simple checks to ensure optimal airflow and function:
- Keep the External Unit Clear: Regularly check the area around the outdoor unit, clearing away any leaves, dirt, snow, or garden debris. The unit needs at least one metre of clear space on all sides for unrestricted airflow.
- Monitor System Pressure: Keep an eye on the heating pressure gauge. If it drops below the recommended level (typically around 1.5 bar), it may indicate a leak and require attention from a professional air source heat pump installer.
Partnership with Geo Green Power
Operating an air source heat pump efficiently is a blend of professional system design, correct installation, and smart day-to-day use. By partnering with experts like Geo Green Power for your air source heat pump installations and committing to regular ASHP maintenance, you ensure your renewable heating system delivers a comfortable home environment with the lowest possible energy bills for decades to come.
Contact our heat pump experts today for more information.
