Heat pump controls are the settings and devices that decide how warm the water in your heating is, when the heat pump runs and when it heats hot water. The most important is weather compensation, which raises the flow temperature gradually as it gets colder outside and lowers it in milder weather, so the system only ever runs as warm as it needs to.
If an existing heat pump in Herefordshire feels costly to run, a controls check is often the first thing to look at. For Herefordshire homes with extensions, we plan zones so the new space heats properly without making the heat pump cycle. Across Herefordshire and Herefordshire, heating curves are fine-tuned after the first cold spell to suit how each house responds.
Who it suits
- Existing heat pumps that feel expensive to run or slow to respond
- Every new heat pump installation, set up at commissioning
- 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
Grants and rules for heat pumps in England
Homes in Herefordshire can use the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which takes £7,500 off the cost of an air source heat pump when it replaces fossil-fuel or electric heating. Replacing oil or LPG heating qualifies for £9,000 for installations from 21 July 2026 to 31 March 2027, and air-to-air systems for £2,500. The MCS-certified installer named in your quote applies for the grant and deducts it from the price.
Installing heat pumps is zero-rated for VAT across the UK until 31 March 2027. Since 29 May 2025, permitted development in England allows up to two air source heat pumps on a house, each up to 1.5 m³, with no blanket 1 m boundary rule — the installation must still meet the MCS planning standards, including the noise check. Listed buildings, flats and some conservation-area positions need extra consent, which we check 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 Herefordshire
We cover 5 towns in Herefordshire for heat pump controls and tariffs. Each links to local guide prices and the grant position for England.
| Town | Postcode district | Nearest town | Midwinter daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hereford | HR1 | Ross-on-Wye | 7 h 44 min |
| Kington | HR5 | Leominster | 7 h 42 min |
| Ledbury | HR8 | Malvern | 7 h 44 min |
| Leominster | HR6 | Tenbury Wells | 7 h 42 min |
| Ross-on-Wye | HR9 | Ledbury | 7 h 45 min |
Heat pump controls and tariffs questions
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.
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.
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.