This time last year, Ireland was shivering. Remember that? A bitterly cold Arctic airmass enveloped the country in early January 2025, bringing heavy snowfall to many parts along with temperatures that dipped as low as a glacial -7°C.
That cold snap only lasted five or six days but another major weather event was hot on its heels – Storm Éowyn. This record-breaking, extratropical cyclone brought red wind warnings from Met Eireann and inflicted significant damage including fallen trees and power lines, structural damage, travel chaos and power outages.
For thousands of Irish homeowners who have replaced their oil or gas boiler with a heat pump, last winter would have been the first true test of their new heating system. The first thing they would have learned is that there’s a good reason why heat pumps are so popular in Scandinavia and other colder countries – these hardy heat pumps continue to operate in temperatures as low as -25°C, far below anything an Irish winter is likely to throw at us.
The other major learning for new heat pump owners is that these electrical systems require minimal intervention. While many of us might have grown up fussing and fighting over on/off immersions, heat pumps are built different – these systems are set up to maintain your home at a certain level of comfort, so there’s no need to adjust anything. Just let the heat pump work away.
While 2026 has got off to a typically cold and wet start, we haven’t had anything like the same freezing or stormy conditions that we saw last year – at least, not yet. But given January and February are the coldest, wettest, worst months of the year, it’s safe to say we’re going to be wrapping up warm for the next while.
So, if you are one of the thousands who is planning to swap out your old-fashioned fossil fuel boiler in favour of a clean, efficient, renewable energy heat pump this year, how can you make sure you’re getting the most out your new heating system this winter? Here are our top 5 winter heat pump tips.
No need to adjust – just let the heat pump work away
Your heat pump installer will have set up your system to suit your space heating and hot water needs, so there’s no need to interfere with the settings. As we said above, just let the system do its thing.
Steam coming off the outside unit? It’s normal
Daikin heat pumps have a defrost cycle that kicks in when the outside temperature gets down to a certain level. This defrosts the outside unit – which might have ice or snow on it – causing steam to rise. This is all part of the defrost cycle and nothing to worry about.
Keep your outside unit clear of snow, leaves and debris
All heat pumps need a clear airflow to operate efficiently so if you have a ground-mounted outside unit, make sure it’s kept clear of debris such as leaves or, when temperatures really drop, a build-up of snow. Use a brush to ensure the fan has a clear airflow.
Power outage? Superior insulation can tide you over
While power outages are always inconvenient, in most cases they are resolved within a matter of hours (or less) and of course they affect boilers just the same as heat pumps. For homes that are heat pump-equipped, however, there’s the reassurance of knowing your property is insulated to a very high standard, so the building will retain a level of heat for longer. When the power does come back on, your heat pump will start up and operate normally.
Maintain your annual service (and your warranty)
During the handover process, your installer or One Stop Shop will explain the importance of registering your heat pump on Stand By Me and getting your system serviced annually. You will likely also get reminders from Stand By Me when your service is due.
Any issues? Check in with your local Daikin installer
There may be a tiny stretch in the evenings now, but Ireland’s heating season runs from October to May, so we’re going to be relying on our heat pumps to keep our homes warm and comfortable for another few months before temperatures start to rise.
These tips should help ensure your heat pump runs smoothly during the colder months, but if you have any questions about your system or think something is wrong, your first port of call is your local Daikin heat pump installer. In the meantime, keep warm and remember, spring is on the way!
Browse the Daikin range of heating and hot water solutions here.
