SUSTAINABILITY
Unlocking heat pump performance: Why controls and commissioning matter more than ever
By Paul Smith, Managing Director, NIBE Energy Systems Limited
H
eat pumps are at the heart of the UK’s journey to Net Zero. With Government ambitions for widespread adoption by 2028, this technology will play a defining role in how homes
and buildings are heated in the future. Public awareness is rising, incentives such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme are encouraging adoption, and installers are seeing growing opportunities in low- carbon heating.
But technology alone will not deliver on those ambitions. The true performance of a heat pump is determined not just by what’s installed, but how it’s controlled and commissioned. A well-installed heat pump with poorly configured controls can fall short on efficiency, comfort and customer satisfaction. Conversely, intelligent controls and thorough commissioning can turn a good installation into a great one.
Smarter controls, smarter systems
Modern heating controls have advanced far beyond what was possible even a decade ago. Features such as weather compensation, load modulation and smart scheduling allow the system to respond dynamically to changing external conditions and occupant behaviour. For homeowners, this means a more stable, comfortable environment and, crucially, lower
running costs. For installers, it means fewer call- backs, better long-term performance, and a stronger reputation. Digital tools such as NIBE’s myUplink app now make it easy for users to monitor and manage their system remotely, while installers benefit from live performance data and remote diagnostics. Independent evidence backs this up. A trial conducted by Nesta and the Centre for Net Zero in 2022 showed that automating controls to shift demand away from peak periods not only reduced stress on the grid but also lowered household costs. As the UK moves further towards renewable electricity, this kind of demand flexibility will be critical.
Setting the foundation for performance
The role of controls and commissioning has sometimes been underestimated. Government field trials by the Energy Saving Trust (BEIS, 2013) showed that many underperforming heat pumps weren’t suffering from a technology problem at all, they simply weren’t configured or commissioned to their full potential. When default settings are left untouched, sensors are poorly calibrated, or handovers are rushed, performance and user confidence can suffer. By taking a little extra time to fine-tune settings and educate users, installers can dramatically improve efficiency, comfort and long- term satisfaction.
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Commissioning is not a tick box exercise
Commissioning isn’t just about turning the system on and walking away. Done properly, it’s a structured process that ensures the system operates as designed.
This includes:
• Functional checks of all modes of operation
• Sensor calibration and accuracy adjustments
• Load and performance testing under different conditions
• Reviewing performance logs and addressing anomalies
• Training the homeowner on using controls and apps effectively
According to Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE
NIBE qp BSEE
Nov25.indd 1 8 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER NOVEMBER 2025 14/10/25 10:45
Guide M), thorough commissioning can improve energy efficiency by 15–20% compared to systems that are left un-tuned. When combined with advanced controls, commissioning helps ensure the system performs at its full potential for years to come.
Future-proofing through flexibility
As energy tariffs become more dynamic and the grid increasingly relies on renewables, the ability of heat pumps to respond flexibly will be a key advantage. Advanced controls enable homeowners to shift operation to cheaper periods, while installers can use live data to support predictive maintenance and remote diagnostics. Perhaps most importantly, modern controls make it possible to update and optimise systems over time. Software updates can enhance functionality without the need for major hardware changes, meaning the systems installed today can stay relevant well into the future.
Practical steps for installers
Getting controls and commissioning right doesn’t require complex new processes, but rather just better habits. Validating settings, fine-tuning sensors and spending time on customer handover all pay dividends. When customers understand their system, they’re more likely to operate it efficiently and less likely to require costly follow-up visits. For installers, keeping skills up to date is equally important. With new technologies and regulatory expectations emerging rapidly, ongoing training is essential to stay ahead of the curve.
Join us at Elemental 2025
This November, NIBE will be showcasing its latest innovations in intelligent heat pump controls and commissioning support at Elemental 2025. Visitors will also have the opportunity to engage directly with our technical experts, explore new product developments,and learn how NIBE’s training and digital tools can help installers deliver exceptional results. The future of heat pump performance isn’t just in the hardware, it’s in how we control, commission and optimise every system. By getting these fundamentals right, we can build homeowner confidence, drive down costs and accelerate the UK’s transition to low-carbon heating.
For more information on NIBE’s range of intelligent heating solutions, visit
nibe.co.uk
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