Heat Pump Holiday Mode Explained

How to use it properly – and when you shouldn’t

Holiday mode is one of the most misunderstood heat pump settings. Used correctly, it can save energy while you’re away. Used incorrectly, it can lead to cold homes, damp issues, or panic when you return.

This guide explains what holiday mode actually does, how it differs from turning the system off, and how to use it safely.

What is holiday mode on a heat pump?

Holiday mode is a temporary operating mode designed for when the property is unoccupied for several days or more.

Instead of heating the home normally, the heat pump will:

• Maintain a reduced background temperature

• Protect the system and building from frost damage

• Automatically return to normal operation on a set date

Think of it as “low-energy protection mode”, not “off”.

What holiday mode actually controls

Depending on manufacturer and system design, holiday mode may affect:

• Space heating → reduced room or flow temperature

• Hot water → often disabled or limited

• Weather compensation → still active, but at lower targets

• Frost protection → always remains active

⚠️ Important: Holiday mode does not usually shut the heat pump down completely.

Holiday mode vs turning the heat pump off

Option	What happens	When to use
Holiday mode	Low background heating remains active, frost protection stays enabled, and the system automatically returns to normal operation.	Most holidays, especially during autumn, winter, or spring (recommended)
System off	Heating demand stops completely; only basic frost protection may remain active depending on system settings.	Very short summer trips where heating is not required
Lower thermostat	Normal heating control continues, but at a reduced room temperature.	Overnight absences or 1–2 days away

👉 For most homeowners, holiday mode is the safest option.

When should you use holiday mode?

Holiday mode is ideal if:

• You’re away for 3 days or more

• The trip is during autumn, winter, or spring

• The home will be completely unoccupied

• You want the system to automatically resume heating

When you should NOT use holiday mode

Avoid holiday mode if:

• You’re only away 1–2 days

• Someone will still be using hot water

• You have independent room thermostats and just want cooler rooms

• You’re troubleshooting a fault or loss of heating

In these cases, simply lower the room thermostats instead.

What temperature does holiday mode set?

This depends on the manufacturer, but typically:

• Room temperature equivalent: 10–15°C

• Flow temperature: Automatically reduced

• Hot water: Often switched off

This is warm enough to:

• Prevent frozen pipes

• Reduce condensation risk

• Protect the heat pump

But not warm enough for comfort.

Common holiday mode mistakes

1. Setting holiday mode for a weekend

Heat pumps work best steadily. Short absences rarely justify holiday mode.

2. Forgetting the return date

If the end date is wrong, the house may still be cold when you return.

3. Assuming hot water will be available

Many systems disable hot water during holiday mode.

4. Confusing holiday mode with frost protection

They are not the same. Frost protection is a safety feature; holiday mode is an energy-saving mode.

Will holiday mode save money?

Yes — but less than many people expect.

Heat pumps are most efficient when running steadily at low temperatures. Turning the system down too aggressively can mean:

• Longer warm-up times

• Higher flow temperatures on return

• Temporary efficiency losses

Holiday mode is about protection and sensible reduction, not maximising short-term savings.

How to turn holiday mode on (general guidance)

Every controller is different, but the usual process is:

1. Open the main heat pump controller

2. Find Holiday / Absence / Away mode

3. Set:

   • Start date

   • End date

   • (Sometimes) target temperature

4. Confirm and exit

📌 If you can’t find it, check your manufacturer-specific controller guide.

If your home is cold after returning

If the system doesn’t warm up as expected:

• Check holiday mode has ended

• Increase room thermostat temperature

• Allow several hours for warm-up

• Avoid boosting flow temperature unless advised

If radiators or underfloor heating remain cold, use the Heat Pump Not Working helper.

Key takeaways

• Holiday mode ≠ turning the system off

• It’s best for longer absences, not weekends

• Always double-check the return date

• Don’t expect instant heat when you get back

Used correctly, holiday mode protects your home and your heat pump — without unnecessary energy waste.

Related guides

• Heat pump thermostat settings

• Weather compensation explained

• Heat pump power reset

• Heat pump not working? Start here