Energy
How do I heat efficiently with a heat pump?
Short answer
Let the temperature drop little or not at all at night: no setback with good insulation, 1 °C with moderate insulation, 2 °C with poor insulation. During the day at most 19 °C.
Explanation
A heat pump works most efficiently at a steady, low temperature. After a large night setback it has to work hard in the morning, sometimes with an electric backup heater. That costs more than it saves.
Rules of thumb
- Daytime: no higher than 19 °C. [SW-S45]
- Night setback: 0 °C (well insulated), 1 °C (moderate), 2 °C (poor). [SW-S45]
- Away for long: 15 °C and radiator valves open. [SW-S45]
Pitfalls
- Closing radiator valves in many rooms disturbs operation; leave them open and control centrally. [SW-S45]
Search terms
These search terms are in Dutch; only terms that also find a topic in English are links.
warmtepomp nachtverlaging stooklijn thermostaat
Read also
- Is my home ready for a heat pump?
- What temperature should I set the thermostat to?
- How does the capacity tariff in Flanders work?
General information, not personal advice. Check the source and reference date.
Sources
- SW-S45 Slim verwarmen met een warmtepomp — Milieu Centraal (Reference date 2026-09-27)
Reference date: 2026-09-27 · Translated with AI from the Dutch original.