Heat pumps work differently from boilers. A boiler typically heats a home in bursts, switching on hard for a few hours in the morning and evening. A heat pump is usually most efficient running 'low and slow': keeping water at a modest temperature for longer and holding rooms at a steady temperature rather than reheating them from cold. Many people find this takes a week or two to get used to.
We set up weather compensation for each County Antrim home from its own heat loss design, not a factory default. For County Antrim homes with extensions, we plan zones so the new space heats properly without making the heat pump cycle. Homeowners in County Antrim get a walkthrough of their controls at handover, with a simple written guide to keep.
Who it suits
- Existing heat pumps that feel expensive to run or slow to respond
- Households considering a heat pump or time-of-use electricity tariff
- Homes with solar PV or a battery that want hot water timed to match
- Every new heat pump installation, set up at commissioning
Grants and rules for heat pumps in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland does not have a dedicated heat pump grant for homeowners at present, and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme does not apply here. Heat pumps have sometimes been funded through the Northern Ireland Sustainable Energy Programme, so it is worth checking what is open when you enquire about a home in County Antrim.
Installing heat pumps has been zero-rated for VAT in Northern Ireland since 1 May 2023, in line with the rest of the UK, until 31 March 2027. Northern Ireland has its own permitted development rules and building regulations, and we confirm what applies to your property at survey.
Prices
Weather-compensating controls and set-up are included in every full system price. See the guide prices for full systems.
Towns we cover in County Antrim
We cover 11 towns in County Antrim for heat pump controls and tariffs. Each links to local guide prices and the grant position for Northern Ireland.
| Town | Postcode district | Nearest town | Midwinter daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belfast | BT1 | Newtownabbey | 7 h 15 min |
| Lisburn | BT27 | Belfast | 7 h 16 min |
| Newtownabbey | BT37 | Belfast | 7 h 14 min |
| Carrickfergus | BT38 | Newtownabbey | 7 h 13 min |
| Ballymena | BT42 | Antrim | 7 h 12 min |
| Antrim | BT41 | Ballyclare | 7 h 13 min |
| Larne | BT40 | Carrickfergus | 7 h 12 min |
| Ballycastle | BT54 | Ballymoney | 7 h 07 min |
| Ballyclare | BT39 | Antrim | 7 h 13 min |
| Ballymoney | BT53 | Coleraine | 7 h 09 min |
| Portrush | BT56 | Portstewart | 7 h 07 min |
Heat pump controls and tariffs questions
How should I set the hot water on a heat pump?
Most households heat hot water once or twice a day at set times rather than on demand. Timing the main heat for a cheaper tariff period, or for the middle of the day when solar panels generate, helps keep costs down. A weekly legionella cycle raises the water temperature higher, and we schedule it at a sensible time.
What flow temperature should my heat pump run at?
It depends on the design: the flow temperature is set so your radiators or underfloor heating can heat each room on a cold day. Well-designed systems typically run at around 35–50°C at their coldest, and lower in milder weather through weather compensation. Your design paperwork states the design flow temperature, and we set the heating curve to match it.
Can I control my heat pump from my phone?
Many heat pumps offer an app or work with smart thermostats, letting you change temperatures, set schedules and see energy use from your phone. Features vary by make and model, and app control usually needs a reliable internet connection at home. The heating keeps running on its own settings if the connection drops.
Is a heat pump tariff a good idea?
A heat pump or time-of-use tariff can lower running costs if your household can shift hot water heating and some space heating into the cheaper periods. Whether it suits you depends on the rates, the standing charge, your routine and whether you have a battery. Compare the total expected cost on your own usage, not only the headline rate.