Energy costs under control: maximising savings with a heat pump tariff from E.ON Next

Installing low carbon heating is just the start when it comes to ‘going green’ at home.

In fact, the tariff you use to pay for the electricity generated by a heat pump could make a big difference to your sustainable savings.

This could ultimately make the process of going green at home easier and cheaper.

Here is what you need to know about heat pump tariffs.

How can a heat pump get your energy costs under control?

There are two main ways that a heat pump can help take control of your energy usage.

First, it is less energy intensive, which is better for the environment. Heat pumps use less energy to generate heat than a traditional boiler.

For example, a heat pump typically uses one unit of electricity to deliver three or four units of heat, according to the Centre for Alternative Technology,

In contrast, even the most efficient a-rated gas boilers only achieve an efficiency of around 90-95%, according to the Energy Saving Trust, which can drop as they get older.

As less energy is being used, your energy bill could be lower. It is worth stating that electricity prices are currently higher than gas though so this may impact your savings plus it depends on your usage and how insulated your home is.

There may be financial benefits if you are replacing an old gas boiler with a heat pump. E.ON Next suggests there could be carbon savings of 2,900 kg per year - the equivalent of four to five return flights from London to New York at 605kg per passenger.

The government will even provide grants of £7,500 to replace your old boiler with a heat pump and energy suppliers such as E.ON Next can help arrange this for you.

There is also a way to help make extra savings with your heat pump though by ensuring you are on the best tariff.

What is a heat pump tariff?

Technically you can use any tariff with a heat pump and pay per kilowatt hour used.

But that means paying the same rate for your energy at any time of day.

This can be an issue due to electricity, which is more expensive than gas, being the main source of energy for a heat pump.

A better option is a heat pump tariff that provides cheaper rates for electricity during off-peak hours. This is known as a time-of-use tariff and if used correctly, should reduce your energy bill by allowing you to run your heat pump during lower-rate periods.

It is important to choose an appropriate heat pump tariff for you though.

Combining the right tariff such as Next Pumped from E.ON Next with a heat pump makes energy management easier, more cost-effective, and future-ready.

How the Next Pumped tariff from E.ON Next can save you money

E.ON Next offers a dedicated 12-month tariff with no exit fees for heat pump customers that rewards you for only using your heating at certain times of day.

Electricity is cheaper between the hours of 6am - 4pm and 7pm - 6am. During the peak hours of 4pm - 7pm, you will pay electricity at a price above the E.ON Next Flex standard rate as the country's energy usage is much higher during this period.

Under the night-time rate, electricity from the heat pump will be cheaper between the offpeak hours of 7pm and 10pm.

There is then a super off peak period between 10pm and 6am where you will pay for electricity at a fraction of the price per unit compared to the supplier’s standard rate.

Another benefit is that unlike other suppliers, Next Pumped doesn't limit the lower rates to just your heat pump.

If you want to do your laundry or cooking during the cheaper periods, you'll pay less for this electricity too when compared to the standard rate.

How to get the best out of the Next Pumped tariff

The Next Pumped tariff from E.ON Next is a useful way to help bring your energy bill down.

There are some requirements though. You will need a working smart meter and will ensure accurate billing during the various cost periods of the day.

Any savings and the actual costs will depend on your own usage.

You can make sure you are getting the maximum benefit by setting your hot water to heat and using your washing machine and dishwasher during off-peak times.

Your savings can be complemented by E.ON Next providing a seven year product warranty and two year workmanship warranty when supplying and fitting a heat pump.have to pay by direct debit and manage your account online.

You also need to let E.ON Next collect data from your smart meter every half hour to

Plus, there are support teams and online guides on hand from the supplier to ensure your energy management becomes easier, more cost-effective and gets you and your home ready for a greener future.