How to limit my heat pump's power consumption?

Heat pumps are green and economical, they can heat your home at a reduced cost by drawing heat from the environment (water, air, soil).

However, in order to function, heat pumps use electricity. So how do you minimise your heat pump's consumption and optimise its efficiency? A few tips:

1. Avoid varying the temperature during the day

Heat pumps consume less electricity when they have to maintain a constant temperature.

• Don't play around with the settings by greatly reducing the desired temperature at night or when you are out. Despite what you might think, this will not save you money.
• If you want to reduce its power consumption, do not vary the desired temperature by more than one degree.

2. Restrict the flow temperature of the heating water

To make sure that you have a comfortable temperature, installers often tend to set the water heating temperature to one that is too high compared to your actual needs.
However, the more your heating water has to reach a high temperature, the more electricity your heat pump consumes and the lower its efficiency.

• Reduce the initial temperature of the central heating water to maximum 40°C. This can be handy with floor heating, radiators or oversized convectors, as these also work effectively at lower temperatures.
• Ideally, the control should be set according to an external sensor. This means that the temperature set for the heating water will be directly adjusted to the actual outside temperature.

3. Manually activate the electric heater

Heat pumps are often equipped with an electric heater that takes over when the system fails to gather enough heat to heat the water to the desired temperature.

However, this electric heater can quickly increase your electricity consumption. In order to avoid this, ensure that this resistance does not start up automatically (via the thermostat, for example) but must be manually enabled. You then know when it is on and you can monitor its consumption.

4. Regularly maintain your system

Unlike a traditional boiler, there is no obligation to maintain your heat pump regularly (unless it is subject to an environmental permit or EPB air-conditioning regulations).It is nevertheless advisable because a good clean of the system makes it possible to improve performance!

• Some installers offer their customers a maintenance contract, which provides for an annual or six-monthly inspection of the system.
• In the case of an air/air or air/water heat pump, your heat pump's filters must be washed with water every two months.

Refer to the manufacturer's instructions to find out how to use the model you have.

5. Monitor your electricity consumption closely

To avoid unpleasant surprises, keep an eye on your electricity consumption! This will allow you to quickly notice any anomaly and take immediate action.

6. Combine your heat pump with solar panels

By using electricity you produce yourself (power generated by photovoltaic panels for example), you can easily reduce your energy bill while at the same time lowering your ecological footprint.