How to Get the Best From Your Heat Pump This Winter

As temperatures drop, your heat pump will naturally work a little harder to keep your home warm. The good news? With a few simple checks and habits, you can help your system run more efficiently, reduce energy use and stay comfortable all winter long.

Here are our top winter tips from the heat pump experts.

1 – Keep Your Outdoor Unit Clear

Leaves, snow and debris can restrict the airflow your heat pump needs to operate efficiently.

Quick check:
Make sure there’s clear space around the unit and gently remove any build-up. (There’s no need to remove frost or snow by hand – your heat pump will defrost itself.)

2 – Set Your Indoor Temperature and Let It Run

Heat pumps work best when they maintain a steady temperature.

Our advice:

• Choose a comfortable temperature and avoid regular on/off cycles

• Small adjustments are fine – big swings force the system to work harder

A stable set-up is not only more efficient but also keeps your home feeling consistently warm.

3 – Don’t Block Radiators or Air Circulation

Heat pumps run at lower flow temperatures than traditional boilers, so radiators may feel cooler to the touch – this is normal.

To keep your home warm:

• Avoid placing furniture directly in front of radiators

• Keep doors between rooms open to help warm air circulate

• If you have underfloor heating, keep coverings to a minimum

4 – Check Your Filters and Settings

A quick check every few months can help your system run at its best.

Things to look for:

• Dirty filters on indoor units (especially for air-to-air systems)

• Thermostat settings that may have been changed by accident

• Heating schedules that need adjusting for winter routines

If you’re ever unsure, we’re only a phone call away.

5 – Trust Your Heat Pump’s Efficiency

Heat pumps don’t heat in the same way as fossil fuel systems – and that’s a good thing.

They work steadily, use energy far more efficiently, and often reach 300% efficiency or more, even in cold weather. So if your radiators feel different, or it takes a little longer to warm up, it doesn’t mean it’s underperforming, it means it’s working exactly as designed.

Want More Expert Tips?

We’ve been installing and maintaining heat pumps across East Anglia for nearly 20 years – and we’re always here to help you get the most from your system.