Ian Little, UK business development manager, Resideo, discusses how lessons from Germany and the Netherlands can help UK installers optimise heat pump controls, balancing system efficiency with homeowner comfort, flexibility and expectations as adoption accelerates and the market continues to evolve.

Heat pump adoption is gathering pace across Europe as governments, manufacturers and homeowners accelerate the transition to low-carbon heating. While the UK market is growing, it also has the advantage of learning from countries that are further ahead in their heat pump journey.

The experiences of Germany and the Netherlands show that deciding to install a heat pump is only part of the equation. The individual property requirements, long-term system performance, energy efficiency and homeowner satisfaction also need to be factored in when choosing and installing the right control strategy.

To explore how established European markets are approaching this challenge, Resideo has published a white paper, Practical Approaches to Controlling Heat Pumps. It examines how different countries are balancing efficient heat pump system operation with the level of comfort and flexibility homeowners increasingly expect.

The findings are particularly relevant as the UK market expands. Germany reached a significant milestone in 2025 when heat pump sales exceeded gas boiler installations for the first time. Meanwhile, the Netherlands continues its ambitious plans to disconnect 1.5 million homes from the gas grid by the end of the decade. 

Although the UK is at an earlier stage of adoption, installer decisions made today will play a part in shaping customer perceptions of heat pump technology for years to come.

One of the clearest findings from the research is that there is no universal control solution. The most appropriate approach depends on factors such as property type, hydraulic design, heat pump specification, and homeowner expectations. For example, some manufacturers advocate a single controller managing the entire home as one heating zone, while many homeowners expect room-by-room temperature control to balance comfort and energy use.

Germany: evolving beyond manufacturer controls

In Germany, heat pump installations have traditionally relied on manufacturer-supplied controls as the primary interface. However, the market is evolving.

There is an increase in the introduction of multi-zone control and enhanced weather compensation as homeowners seek greater flexibility. Nearly half (49%) of German homeowners who responded to a Resideo survey said that they prefer to heat only occupied rooms, driving demand for more sophisticated zoning solutions.

This trend is particularly evident in new-build properties, where multi-zone control is becoming standard practice. In older homes, installers are increasingly adding dedicated comfort control layers to improve occupant comfort while allowing the heat pump to continue operating efficiently at lower flow temperatures.

The Netherlands: zoning as the established standard

The Dutch market demonstrates what a more mature approach to zoning can look like.

Heat zoning has long been standard practice, reflecting strong consumer expectations for room-by-room temperature control. Around 65%* of Dutch homeowners say they primarily heat occupied rooms, significantly higher than in Germany.

Many Dutch heat pumps are installed as hybrid systems alongside existing heating infrastructure. Rather than replacing established zoning arrangements, installers typically integrate them into the new heat pump system using specialist controls.

In practice, this creates a clear division of responsibilities. The heat pump manufacturer’s controller manages core system functions such as weather compensation, flow temperature and modulation, while separate room controls continue to provide occupants with familiar, zone-by-zone comfort control.

The result is a system that protects heat pump performance without compromising the flexibility homeowners expect.

What this means for UK installers

The UK heat pump market has a valuable opportunity to benefit from the experience of more established European markets.

The evidence from Germany and the Netherlands suggests that many successful installations rely on separating system optimisation from user comfort. Heat pump system controls should focus on efficient system operation such as managing flow temperature, weather compensation and modulation, while dedicated comfort controls allow homeowners to manage the day-to-day adjustment of temperatures as needed.

This approach supports stable system performance, simplifies commissioning and maintenance, and helps preserve the efficiency benefits that heat pumps are designed to deliver.

It also aligns with changing homeowner expectations. Consumers increasingly expect the same level of control they have become accustomed to with conventional heating systems. Installers who can deliver both efficient operation and intuitive room-by-room comfort will be better positioned to build customer confidence in heat pump technology.

As adoption increases across the UK, heating controls should no longer be viewed as a secondary consideration. Instead, they should form an integral part of system design discussions from the outset.

Ultimately, homeowners are unlikely to judge a heat pump solely on its technical specification. They will judge it on how comfortable their home feels, how easy the system is to use, and whether it helps manage energy costs. The lessons emerging from Germany and the Netherlands suggest that getting the control strategy right is an important part of the equation. 

For more information on Resideo’s white paper and its range of heat pump-compatible thermostats and controllers, visit www.resideo.com/gb/en/solutions/home-comfort/heat-pump-white-paper/