Do heat pumps work efficiently in summer?
We compare real-life heat pump performance in summer vs winter
The sun’s out, the heating is off, and most people won’t think of their ageing boiler again until the Autumn. But did you know that the summer is the perfect time to think about getting a heat pump?
In this article, we explain how well heat pumps work in the summer months, and why it’s a good time to start your journey to greener, more efficient heating.
Heat pump efficiency in summer vs winter
Heat pumps work by capturing heat energy from the outside air, moving it over a refrigerant to raise its temperature, and then transferring that energy to your radiators and hot water cylinder.
It won’t surprise you to learn that heat pumps run incredibly efficiently in the summer months – with our Installation Manager, Ben reporting a 482% efficiency in June 2025 from his 10kW Midea heat pump. That means that for every one unit of electricity Ben’s heat pump uses on warm summer days, it produces 4.8 units of heat.
During the winter months, when outdoor temperatures drop and heating demand rises, heat pumps have to work harder to keep homes warm. On average, Ben’s heat pump operated at an efficiency of 351% in winter – meaning that for every unit of electricity consumed, it delivered 3.5 units of heat to his home.
Like with a traditional boiler, homes that are heated by a heat pump will experience higher energy consumption and increased energy bills during the winter compared to the summer.
These figures balance out to achieve a year-round efficiency (SCOP) of 376%.
Will a heat pump make my home too warm in the summer?
During the colder months, heat pumps work most efficiently when they maintain a steady indoor temperature of 18–21°C. In summer, your home will naturally be warmer than this, so don’t worry – your heat pump won’t be sending additional heat to your radiators.
In fact, during the summer, your heat pump runs far less often. Its primary role will be heating your hot water tank. This reduced usage means it will operate quietly and infrequently, so when you’re enjoying time in the garden or have windows open, you’ll hardly notice it’s there.
How can I make my heat pump more efficient in summer?
There are several things that homeowners can do to improve heat pump efficiency all through the year. In summer, that includes:
Store your hot water at 40-50 degrees. Hot water doesn’t need to be stored at scalding temperatures, as long as it is heated above 60 degrees at least once a week to keep it free from bacteria Reducing the temperature to 40-50 degrees will save you energy and improve heat pump efficiency.
Run your hot water cycle in mid-afternoon. Save money and make the most of the warm weather by scheduling your water cylinder to heat during the warmest part of the day – typically mid-afternoon.
Maintain a good air flow around your heat pump. Keep your heat pump clean, and make sure the airways are kept clear of overgrown plants, leaves and other loose debris. Don’t place furniture or bikes in front of it either – it’s really important to maintain a good air flow to keep your heat pump working efficiently.
Schedule your annual heat pump service. Heat pumps need to be serviced once a year to keep them working at their most efficient and to maintain warranty. If your service is due, make sure to book it in.
Add solar panels and a battery. While adding solar panels or a battery doesn’t make your heat pump any more efficient, it will make it substantially cheaper to run, particularly if you store off-peak lower-cost power.
Is summer a good time to get a heat pump?
Summer is the perfect time to consider installing a heat pump. While many of our satisfied customers had their systems installed during the winter, summer offers a more comfortable time to get your new heating system installed.
