Guide
How to cut your heat pump running cost
Everything below is free or cheap. None of it requires a new unit.
Eight things that actually move the bill
- 01
Set the tank to 55°C
Higher setpoints push the unit into element-assist territory and shorten compressor life for water nobody uses that hot.
- 02
Run on a timer
Heat in the warmest part of the day and just before peak demand. Overnight heating in winter is the most expensive way to run a heat pump.
- 03
Insulate the hot run
Uninsulated pipe between the unit and the house throws away heat you paid for. It is the cheapest fix on this list.
- 04
Clean the evaporator
A dust-blocked coil destroys COP. A rinse twice a year keeps the unit at its rated efficiency.
- 05
Fix dripping taps
A single dripping hot tap can waste hundreds of litres of heated water a month.
- 06
Service annually
Correct gas charge is the single biggest driver of running cost. Low gas means long run times and high bills.
- 07
Check the backup element
A stuck element contactor makes a heat pump cost more than a geyser. It is a common and easily missed fault.
- 08
Size it correctly
An undersized unit runs constantly and still runs out of hot water. Sizing is worth getting right up front.
Symptoms that mean you are wasting money
FAQs
What temperature should my heat pump be set to?
55°C suits most households: hot enough for safety and comfort, low enough to keep the compressor efficient.
Should I switch the heat pump off when away?
For a few days, leave it on a reduced schedule. For longer absences switch it off at the isolator, then run a full heat cycle on return.
Why did my bill go up after installation?
Almost always a backup element running continuously, low refrigerant charge or a badly configured schedule. All three are quick to diagnose.
Book an efficiency service
Call 069 268 0988 — coil clean, gas check and controller reconfiguration.