We set up the controls at commissioning to suit your home and routine, show you how to use them, and explain how a heat pump tariff or time-of-use tariff could fit. Settings can be fine-tuned after the first cold spell, once you have seen how the house responds.
If an existing heat pump in County Down feels costly to run, a controls check is often the first thing to look at. For County Down homes with extensions, we plan zones so the new space heats properly without making the heat pump cycle. We set up weather compensation for each County Down home from its own heat loss design, not a factory default.
Who it suits
- Homes with solar PV or a battery that want hot water timed to match
- Every new heat pump installation, set up at commissioning
- Homes with an extension, loft room or areas heated at different times
- Existing heat pumps that feel expensive to run or slow to respond
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 Down.
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 Down
We cover 13 towns in County Down 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangor (County Down) | BT20 | Newtownards | 7 h 14 min |
| Newtownards | BT23 | Comber | 7 h 15 min |
| Newry | BT35 | Warrenpoint | 7 h 20 min |
| Banbridge | BT32 | Dromore | 7 h 18 min |
| Ballynahinch | BT24 | Downpatrick | 7 h 17 min |
| Comber | BT23 | Newtownards | 7 h 15 min |
| Donaghadee | BT21 | Bangor (County Down) | 7 h 14 min |
| Downpatrick | BT30 | Ballynahinch | 7 h 18 min |
| Dromore | BT25 | Banbridge | 7 h 17 min |
| Holywood | BT18 | Newtownabbey | 7 h 14 min |
| Kilkeel | BT34 | Warrenpoint | 7 h 21 min |
| Newcastle | BT33 | Downpatrick | 7 h 20 min |
| Warrenpoint | BT34 | Newry | 7 h 21 min |
Heat pump controls and tariffs questions
Why are my radiators only warm, not hot?
That is normal for a heat pump. It heats radiators to a lower temperature than a boiler, so they feel warm rather than hot to the touch, while running longer to keep the room at a steady temperature. If rooms reach the temperature you set, the system is working as designed. If a room stays cold, the settings or radiator size may need checking.
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.
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.