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.
For Powys homes with extensions, we plan zones so the new space heats properly without making the heat pump cycle. If an existing heat pump in Powys feels costly to run, a controls check is often the first thing to look at. We set up weather compensation for each Powys home from its own heat loss design, not a factory default.
Who it suits
- Homes with an extension, loft room or areas heated at different times
- 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
Grants and rules for heat pumps in Wales
In Wales the Boiler Upgrade Scheme gives £7,500 towards an air source heat pump (£9,000 if it replaces oil or LPG, from 21 July 2026 to 31 March 2027; £2,500 for air-to-air). The MCS-certified installer named in your quote applies to Ofgem for you, and the grant comes off your quote.
There is no VAT on installing a heat pump anywhere in the UK, Wales included, until 31 March 2027. Planning rules for heat pumps in Wales are set by the Welsh Government and differ from England's, so the surveyor checks the unit position against them.
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 Powys
We cover 10 towns in Powys for heat pump controls and tariffs. Each links to local guide prices and the grant position for Wales.
| Town | Postcode district | Nearest town | Midwinter daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brecon | LD3 | Crickhowell | 7 h 45 min |
| Builth Wells | LD2 | Llandrindod Wells | 7 h 43 min |
| Crickhowell | NP8 | Abergavenny | 7 h 46 min |
| Hay-on-Wye | HR3 | Builth Wells | 7 h 44 min |
| Knighton | LD7 | Newtown | 7 h 41 min |
| Llandrindod Wells | LD1 | Builth Wells | 7 h 42 min |
| Machynlleth | SY20 | Dolgellau | 7 h 38 min |
| Newtown | SY16 | Welshpool | 7 h 39 min |
| Welshpool | SY21 | Newtown | 7 h 37 min |
| Ystradgynlais | SA9 | Pontardawe | 7 h 47 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.
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.
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.