Top up your heat pump pressure (the easy way)

If your home isn’t feeling as cosy as it should, your heat pump might just need a little pressure boost. Don’t worry - it’s simpler than it sounds, and we’ll guide you through it step by step.

What you’ll need:

A cloth or towel (just in case of drips)
Maybe a small spanner, though often you won’t need one

Step-by-step guide:

Switch off your heat pump
Safety first! Turn it off and let your system cool down for a few minutes.
Check the pressure
Have a look at the gauge on your cylinder or your heat pump screen. If it’s below 1 bar, it’s time to top it up.

Find the water valves
Open the cupboard or panel where your cylinder lives. You’ll see the filling loop - a flexible hose with two black plastic stopcock valves. One valve brings water in, the other connects to your radiators.

Tip: if the hose isn’t already attached, you may need to place it on the cylinder or secure it with a rubber band first.

Slowly let water in
Turn both stopcock valves gently to let water flow in. Keep an eye on the gauge - the pressure should start to rise.

Stop at the right level
When the gauge reads about 1 bar, turn the valve off. Easy!
Keep an eye on it
Check the pressure over the next few hours or days to make sure it stays steady.

Pro tips:

System pressure can drop naturally over time. Checking it a few times a year is a good habit.
Keeping your heat pump at the correct pressure helps it run efficiently, saving energy and keeping your home cosy.
Only adjust valves you are confident handling.

Still need help? Get in touch.

Submit a support request: here

Call us: 0808 196 6842

Our aftercare phone lines are open 8am – 8pm Monday to Saturday, 10am - 6pm Sunday.

There are other ways to get in touch too.

Hey I'm Constantine, welcome to Octopus Energy!