Is Your Air Source Heat Pump Costing More Than Expected? Here's Why (And How We Can Help)
At Libtek, we've helped hundreds of families across Hertfordshire, Oxfordshire, and North London reduce their heating bills with properly installed heat pumps. After 20+ years in the business, we know exactly why some heat pumps run expensively – and more importantly, how to fix it.
The Two Main Culprits Behind High Heat Pump Running Costs
1. Your Home's Heat Demand
Simply put, if your home needs more heat, your heat pump works harder and costs more to run. This depends on:
The size of your property and number of rooms
Your desired temperature settings
How well your home retains heat
The Libtek difference: We conduct thorough heat loss calculations for every installation, ensuring your heat pump is perfectly sized for your home's actual needs – not oversized, not undersized.
2. System Efficiency (What We Call CoP - Coefficient of Performance)
A poorly designed or installed system can use up to 25% more electricity than necessary. Efficiency depends on:
The quality of installation (this is where we excel)
Your existing heating distribution system
Your home's insulation levels
Where the outdoor unit is positioned
Why this matters for your bills: A properly installed heat pump in Hertfordshire should achieve a CoP of 3-4, meaning for every £1 of electricity, you get £3-4 worth of heat.
What Should Your Heat Pump Actually Cost to Run?
Based on current Energy Price Cap rates (April 2025), here's what you should expect:
Small system (2.2kW): Around 59p per hour
Perfect for well-insulated homes or single rooms
About £4.75 for an 8-hour heating period
Average family home system (11kW): Around £2.97 per hour
Suitable for most 3-bedroom homes in Hertfordshire
Still typically 30-50% cheaper than running an old gas boiler
If your costs are significantly higher than this, there's likely a problem with your installation or system setup.
How Libtek Helps You Minimise Running Costs
During Installation
Professional system design: We use advanced hydronics training to design systems that work efficiently with your existing setup
Optimal positioning: We position your outdoor unit for maximum efficiency – away from obstructions and ideally with good sun exposure
Proper sizing: No guesswork – we calculate exactly what your home needs
Our Top Tips for Lower Running Costs
Set and forget your thermostat Constantly adjusting temperatures makes your heat pump work harder. Set it to a comfortable temperature (usually 19-21°C) and leave it there.
Check your hot water temperature We typically set hot water to 40°C or lower – still plenty hot for your needs but much more efficient.
Annual servicing matters Dirty filters can increase running costs by 25%. Our annual service keeps everything running smoothly.
When to Call Libtek About High Running Costs
Contact us if:
Your electricity bills have increased dramatically since installation
Your heat pump runs constantly but the house never feels warm
You're spending more than £3 per hour to heat an average family home
Your system was installed by another company and isn't performing as promised
Making Heat Pumps More Affordable
Government grants: Up to £7,500 available through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme
0% VAT: No VAT on heat pump installations until 2027
Libtek's honest pricing: No hidden costs, clear quotes, and systems designed to save you money long-term
Why Poor Installation Costs You Money
We regularly see heat pumps installed by other companies that:
Are incorrectly sized for the property
Have poor pipe insulation, wasting heat
Use inappropriate radiators or heating distribution
Haven't been properly commissioned
These installation mistakes can increase your running costs by 20-40%.
The Libtek Guarantee
When we install your heat pump, we guarantee:
✅ Proper system sizing based on actual heat loss calculations
✅ Professional installation by manufacturer-trained engineers
✅ Full system commissioning for optimal efficiency
✅ Clear explanation of how to operate your system efficiently
✅ Ongoing support to keep costs low
Next Steps
Worried about heat pump running costs? Get a free, no-obligation assessment here from our experienced team.
Call us now on 07455 899 017 or fill out our contact form.
We serve Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, North London, and Oxfordshire with honest advice and quality installations that actually save you money.
"These guys definitely know their stuff and saved me a lot of money and hassle. Appreciate their honesty and quick response." - Liam Drummond, Hertfordshire
Ready to reduce your heating bills? Contact Libtek today.