Why is my heat pump electricity usage higher in the winter months?

As with all domestic heating systems, running costs will always be greater during the winter months when the outside temperatures are colder and, as your heat pump operates by electricity, you will naturally see an increase in power consumption, especially if you have replaced a gas or an oil boiler.

The reason for this is because during the winter months, the outdoor temperatures are lower and in turn the heat loss from your home will be greater, meaning that your heat pump will need to work harder than it does during the other seasons of the year in order to maintain a comfortable living temperature within your home. With your heat pump operating for longer, compared to in the warmer months, you will notice you use more electricity during the winter.

The annual energy consumption of heat pumps

In fact, it is estimated that a heat pump will use 63% of its annual energy usage between November and February, with minimal energy consumption for the remainder of the year [Grant Aerona Handover Guide, October 2024]. Because of this, any comparison of a heat pump’s running costs with conventional heating appliances should be made over the whole year.

Please refer to the infographic below for an estimated breakdown of a household’s annual energy consumption with an air source heat pump.

Research Heat Pump Tariffs

Some energy suppliers are now providing specific energy tariffs for air source heat pumps. These specific heat pump tariffs can offer reduced rates for power usage, as well as reductions in rates during specific times of the day. It is important to remember that traditional electricity tariffs do not accommodate technologies like heat pumps, so it is recommended that you speak with your energy supplier to discuss the best tariff for your heat pump and home.

What to do if you think your electricity usage is unusually high

If the amount of electricity being used by your heat pump is unusually high, it may be due to the settings not being set-up correctly. For example, if your heating schedule is allowing the room temperatures in your home to fall significantly during unoccupied hours or night time, when a demand kicks in for warmer room temperatures, your heat pump will have to work harder to fulfil this demand which will result in a higher consumption of electricity. 

If you have questions about your heat pump system settings or controller settings, please contact your heat pump installer. You can also learn more about setback controls for air source heat pumps here.

Video support for homeowners

Interested in finding out more about heat pump energy consumption and heat pump tariffs? Then please watch our video guide below.

The information provided here is advice only - if you are not happy to check your product, please contact a heating engineer to assist.

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