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.
We set up weather compensation for each County Londonderry home from its own heat loss design, not a factory default. If an existing heat pump in County Londonderry feels costly to run, a controls check is often the first thing to look at. For County Londonderry homes with extensions, we plan zones so the new space heats properly without making the heat pump cycle.
Who it suits
- Households considering a heat pump or time-of-use electricity tariff
- Homes with an extension, loft room or areas heated at different times
- Homes with solar PV or a battery that want hot water timed to match
- Existing heat pumps that feel expensive to run or slow to respond
Grants and rules for heat pumps in Northern Ireland
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme covers England and Wales only, and there is currently no dedicated heat pump grant for homeowners in Northern Ireland. Our quote for a home in County Londonderry is therefore shown without a grant deduction; if support becomes available we will tell you how it applies.
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 Londonderry
We cover 7 towns in County Londonderry 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Derry/Londonderry | BT48 | Limavady | 7 h 10 min |
| Coleraine | BT52 | Portstewart | 7 h 08 min |
| Dungiven | BT47 | Limavady | 7 h 11 min |
| Limavady | BT49 | Dungiven | 7 h 09 min |
| Maghera | BT46 | Magherafelt | 7 h 12 min |
| Magherafelt | BT45 | Maghera | 7 h 13 min |
| Portstewart | BT55 | Coleraine | 7 h 08 min |
Heat pump controls and tariffs questions
Should I turn my heat pump off at night?
Usually not. Switching off lets the house cool, and the heat pump then has to run at a higher flow temperature to recover, which lowers efficiency. A small set-back of 1–2°C overnight is generally more economical. Homes with very good insulation or a time-of-use tariff may suit different patterns, which we can set up.
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.
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.
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.