Air Source Heat Pump | Homeowner Support
Discover how your air source heat pump works and what to expect when you move into your new Spitfire home.
As the owner of a Spitfire home, you’ll already be aware that your property is fitted with a variety of energy-efficient and sustainable features.
One of the key elements is your air source heat pump – a renewable system that provides comfortable heating and hot water while helping to reduce your carbon footprint. This page will serve as a guide to support you in feeling confident with using your system from day one.
Take a look at this video, filmed with Leah Felgate from Daikin UK, for further insight into how your air source heat pump works in your new Spitfire home, and how to get the most out of the system.
Frequently Asked Homeowner Questions
If this is your first home with an air source heat pump, these FAQs from other Spitfire homeowners may help answer some of your questions.
An air source heat pump extracts warmth from the outside air, even on colder days, and transfers it into your home. This energy is then used to heat your property and provide hot water, making it an efficient and sustainable alternative to traditional gas or oil boilers. Your air source heat pump works best when left to maintain a steady temperature throughout the day, rather than being switched on and off.
Air source heat pumps work really well with underfloor heating because they provide a steady, gentle heat at lower water temperatures than traditional radiators. The heat spreads evenly across the floors, keeping your home comfortably warm and energy-efficient. For best results, keep the temperature consistent rather than making frequent changes.
Your air source heat pump is designed to be low-maintenance for homeowners. Routine checks are simple, such as keeping the area around the outdoor unit clear of debris. For optimal performance and longevity, a professional service is recommended once a year. Daikin quote that this is around £200.
Occasionally, you may need to bleed your radiators or top up the system pressure if it drops below the normal range (1-2 bar).
For optimal comfort and efficiency, Daikin recommends setting your thermostat between 18°C and 21°C.
For the best performance and efficiency, it’s recommended to maintain a consistent temperature in your home. Air source heat pumps work gradually, so frequent adjustments or large temperature increases won’t heat your home any faster and can increase energy use.
Your air source heat pump can be monitored using the Daikin ONECTA App, available on both the App Store and Google Play Store. The app provides access to key information, including:
- Energy usage to see how much energy your system is consuming
- System performance, including efficiency indicators
- Running history to track how your heat pump has been operating over time
Your air source heat pump is designed with built-in frost protection, so the system is safe even in cold conditions. For periods when the home is unoccupied, leave the heating on at a low setting (around 10-15°C) rather than turning it off completely.
The immersion heater is mostly automatic and only comes on in specific situations:
Weekly disinfection cycle - the system runs the immersion heater once a week to keep your hot water hygienic.
Manual boost or 'Powerful Mode' - you can activate the heater if you need extra hot water.
It will also run if there’s a fault or if the hot water temperature is set above 52°C.
Daikin don’t recommend using a cover for your air source heat pump. Even if it’s properly ventilated or approved by a manufacturer, a cover can affect airflow and reduce efficiency, potentially impacting the system’s performance. It’s best to leave the unit uncovered and ensure the area around it is clear of debris.
Generally, no regular checks are needed. The main thing to monitor is system pressure if a fault occurs. A pressure reading of 1-2 bar is normal. If the pressure drops below this, it can be topped up using the filling loop, similar to a conventional boiler.
The best schedule for heating your hot water depends on your household’s needs and when you use it most. While you may notice spikes in energy use, you can set the cylinder to heat at times that suit your routine, ensuring hot water is available when you need it. For many homes, running a schedule once a day is the most efficient approach, but it’s flexible based on your own usage patterns.
If your air source heat pump shows an error code or is not working correctly, contact Spitfire Customer Care with details about what’s happening.