Nowadays, more and more homeowners are looking for a way to heat their home that’s both energy efficient and kinder to the environment. For many of us, the answer is a heat pump. But the simple fact is, there’s more to getting the best out of your heat pump than just installing the right hardware.
Understanding heat pump electricity tariffs.
A bespoke heat pump electricity tariff is a pricing plan designed to take advantage of the unique way a heat pump operates.
It can offer you lower rates during off-peak hours when the overall demand for electricity is down. Take advantage of these times to run energy-guzzling household appliances like washing machines and dishwashers, and you could make a welcome difference to the bill.
What’s more, when you do a bit of research you’ll probably discover that different tariffs are priced in different ways. The off-peak hours they offer can vary too – so working with your chosen tariff is the best way to get the maximum value out of it.
Benefits of heat pump tariffs.
Here’s a quick rundown of all the ways the right heat pump tariff can work in your favour:
It’s the cost-effective way to save on bills.
Tailor the way you run appliances around those lower-cost off-peak hours, and you should find you’re making significant savings compared with a standard energy tariff.
Not a bad idea if you’re on the lookout for ways to make that household budget go a bit further.
It’s more energy efficient and better for the environment.
Rather than generating heat directly, a heat pump works by transferring existing heat out of the environment – usually the air or the ground – and into your home.
This process consumes less energy than conventional methods, which means lower carbon emissions and a smaller carbon footprint. Even better, by taking advantage of those off-peak periods, you’re concentrating your energy use during times when electricity generation is often cleaner.
Heat pump tariffs vs traditional energy costs.
While the upfront cost of installing a heat pump may be more than a traditional boiler, the long-term benefits are impressive.
Heat pumps are around 3 to 4 times more efficient than traditional heaters.1 In addition to being more cost-effective and sustainable, the built-in pricing structure of a bespoke heat pump tariff can help you manage your energy budget better.
Looking for a great heat pump tariff?
That’s where we can help. Opting for Next Pumped, our new heat pump tariff, could save you up to £287.40 vs. our Standard Variable Tariff.2
That’s because NextPumped gives you not one, but two off-peak periods every day. From 4am to 7am (set those timers!) and from 1pm to 4pm, you’ll pay a fraction of the price per unit for your electricity, compared with our standard rates.
It also comes on a 12 month fixed term with no exit fees. That gives you the perfect balance of commitment and flexibility, and if your circumstances change, you can always opt out any time you like.
Best of all, Next Pumped is powered by 100% renewable energy. That makes it an eco-friendly choice which helps reduce your carbon footprint, and boosts your home's appeal. We’re also making a one-off donation to the Woodland Trust on behalf of everyone who signs up.3
Next Pumped – here’s what you need.
To be eligible for the Next Pumped tariff, you’ll need to:
Have a heat pump or electric boiler installed in your home, or be planning to have one.
Have a working smart meter, or be willing to get one installed.
Have a monthly Direct Debit and manage your account online.
Agree to us collecting data from your smart meter every half hour.
Please note, this tariff is not available to Smart Pay As You Go customers.
If you meet these criteria, then you could soon be enjoying all the benefits of our Next Pumped tariff.
Making the most of your heat pump savings.
The way to get maximum value from a heat pump tariff is by choosing one that’s a comfy fit with your energy consumption, your lifestyle, and how you run your household.
How to choose the best heat pump tariff.
Here are some things to think about while you consider the options:
Keep an eye on your smart meter.
When do you tend to use the most electricity? Chances are, there will also be times of day when you don’t use much at all.
Compare the tariff structures.
Some tariffs offer fixed rates for off-peak hours, while others have tiered pricing based on usage. Look out for one that potentially offers you significant savings in line with your consumption pattern.
Consider a time-of-use tariff.
Like Next Pumped tariff – which offers you different rates, depending on the time of day. That comes in very handy if you can shift some of your energy use to off-peak hours. For example, by programming your washing machine or dishwasher to come on at night when you’re asleep.
That said, if your energy consumption is fairly consistent throughout the day, a time-of-use tariff may not be the best option for you.
More tips to lower energy bills.
So, with a heat pump in your home and the right tariff to boot, you’re well on the way to making significant energy bill savings. But don’t stop there. Here’s a few more tips and tweaks for your household heating system that could save you even more:
Optimise your settings. Make sure your heat pump is set to the most efficient temperature that matches your comfort level. You may be surprised to find that just a small adjustment makes a difference to the amount of energy you use.
Give it a regular health check. The best way to keep your heat pump running at peak efficiency is by scheduling regular maintenance. A healthy system uses less energy – and is less likely to break down when winter sets in.
Upgrade your home insulation. Making sure your home is well insulated will cut down on heat loss – that means less work for your heat pump, and lower energy bills for you.
Get a smart thermostat. It lets you programme and control your heating remotely, so you can optimise the way you use energy around your daily routine.
Buy better. Household tech moves on – fast. So when it’s time to replace an appliance, opt for an energy-efficient model that consumes less electricity than the old one.
Combining heat pump tariffs with solar and battery storage.
Tweaked your system to the max? Then there’s still one more thing you could do to make a significant difference to your household’s sustainability.
Combine your heat pump plus tariff with solar panels and battery storage, and you’re taking an important step towards energy independence. Solar panels generate clean electricity, and that can be used to power your heat pump instead of taking it from the grid. Battery storage means you can squirrel away any excess solar energy you’ve generated to use later. That way, it’ll be there for you when you need it – like during a cloudy period, or overnight.
It’s a great way to make the most of your very own renewable energy, and make a worthwhile dent in your carbon footprint as you save on your energy bill.
Join the heat pump revolution.
At E.ON Next we’re all about making new energy work for you, in any way we can. By adding a specially designed tariff to your heat pump, and potentially solar and battery storage too, you’ll be taking a big stride towards making it work for yourself. That’s a win all round.
Here’s to better energy and a brighter future for us all.