Heat pump mistake costing UK households hundreds

They are the trendy new form of heating that's rapidly rising in popularity as UK households look to replace creaky old boilers - but a common heat pump mistake could end up costing you hundreds.

Heat pumps are a new form of which works like an air conditioner but the other way around: they draw cold air in, heat it, then put it back out. The other upside of is that most models can be thrown in reverse and used as aircon in the summer, which is a big upside as British summers increasingly become hotter and more humid thanks to . But heat pumps are still expensive to install, even with government grants in place, and what's more, they're so new that many households are still making mistakes when running their heat pumps that could end up costing even more.

According to installers ECM, one common heat pump issue involves thermostat settings.

Setting the thermostat incorrectly can lead to higher energy bills, as well as increased wear on the heat pump itself.

ECM advises: "Improper thermostat settings are a common mistake that can lead to increased energy usage and unnecessary wear on your heat pump. Setting the thermostat too high in winter or too low in summer forces the system to work harder, using more energy. "For optimal efficiency, set your thermostat to 20C in the winter and 25C in the summer.

"Keeping your thermostat at a steady, moderate temperature will help ensure your heat pump works efficiently.

"Many homeowners forget to adjust the backup thermostat settings when using their heat pump, which can cause unnecessary energy consumption.

"Backup heat is typically used in extremely cold temperatures, but if it is left on too high, it can cause your system to use more energy than needed.

"Make sure your backup heat is set properly, and let your heat pump do most of the work for optimal efficiency."

Heat pumps, which use electricity to draw heat from the air or ground to warm homes and provide hot water, are seen as a key technology in replacing gas boilers to cut climate emissions from homes.

A poll of more than 2,000 people by Savanta found a majority of people had not heard some of the widely cited concerns about heat pumps ranging from 'they are only worth putting in new-build homes' to being 'very noisy'. But more than half were aware of claims they were more expensive to run than gas boilers. But the polling has led to calls to make heat pump information more clear and more accessible.

Of the possible benefits of a heat pump, lower energy bills were the most important, well above improved air quality, reduced environmental impact and long-term increases in house value, the polling found.

The Government offers a £7,500 grant in England for householders to install heat pumps under its boiler upgrade scheme, but installation costs remain high.

Michael Sammon, director of Ainsdale Gas and Heat Pumps and Heating Trades Network expert, said: "The boiler upgrade scheme has been successful in increasing heat pump take-up but, for most people, the £7,500 does not go far enough.

"We need clearer communication around the genuine financial benefits and increased accessibility through improved support measures.

"Especially during the current cost-of-living crisis, consumers want reassurance that transitioning to greener heating is financially achievable, rather than feeling pressured into expensive technology."

Matt Copeland, head of policy at fuel poverty campaign group National Energy Action, added: "The data clearly demonstrates that cost is the priority for households when considering changing technologies, so that they can afford to live in a warm home.

"It's critical that support mechanisms are accessible, particularly for vulnerable and low-income households, if our energy transition is to be fair and affordable."