As the days grow shorter and the temperatures start to fall, it’s time to prepare your home for the colder months ahead. For homeowners with modern, energy-efficient heating systems such as underfloor heating and air-source heat pumps, a little preparation can significantly improve comfort and reduce running costs.

General Winter Preparation

Before you focus on your heating system, a few simple checks around the house can ensure you’re not losing heat.

• Insulation and draughts: Check your loft and wall insulation. Properly insulated homes retain heat more effectively, reducing the workload on your heating system. Seal any gaps around doors and windows to prevent cold air from entering.
• Pipe lagging: Insulate exposed pipes, especially those leading to and from your heating system, to prevent heat loss and protect against freezing.
• Professional servicing: Schedule an annual service for your heat pump and heating system. A professional can ensure everything runs at peak efficiency and catch minor issues before they become significant problems.

Optimising your underfloor heating

Unlike traditional radiators, underfloor heating warms the room from the ground up, providing a consistent, comfortable heat. The key to optimising it for winter is to run it at a steady, lower temperature rather than turning it off and on.

Set a consistent temperature: Underfloor heating systems work best when they maintain a constant, low temperature. Turning the system off and on requires a lot of energy to reheat the entire floor and substructure, which can take several hours. Instead, set a comfortable background temperature (e.g. 18°C) and increase it by a few degrees (e.g. to 21°C) during periods when the room is in use.

Don’t overcompensate: If a room feels slightly cool, resist the urge to increase the temperature dramatically. Underfloor heating has a slow response time, so a gradual increase is more effective and efficient than a large, sudden one.

Use Smart thermostats: A smart thermostat lets you programme your heating schedule around your routine, automatically lowering the temperature when you’re out or asleep and raising it just in time for your return, all without the system ever going cold.

Optimising your air source heat pump

Air source heat pumps are highly efficient at extracting warmth from the outside air, even in cold weather. To ensure they perform optimally during the winter, consider these tips:

Keep the outdoor unit clear: The outdoor unit needs unobstructed airflow to work efficiently. Regularly check and remove any debris, such as leaves, snow, or ice, that may have accumulated around it.

Set a consistent temperature: Similar to underfloor heating, air source heat pumps are most efficient when maintaining a steady indoor temperature. Avoid turning the system on and off, as this makes the pump work harder to recover lost heat. Instead, set a comfortable temperature and use a ‘setback’ temperature (a few degrees lower) for periods when you’re away or sleeping.

Check and clean filters: Clogged air filters restrict airflow and reduce efficiency. Check your filters regularly (every 1 to 3 months) and clean or replace them as needed. This simple maintenance task can significantly enhance performance.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure your underfloor heating and air source heat pump systems are ready to provide efficient, reliable warmth throughout the winter. If you need more expert guidance, contact our friendly team who will be happy to help with any queries.