Install

Knowing what to look for when choosing the right person will help ensure an efficient installation and optimal system performance.

A man holding a wrench and looking at a heat pump.
A white heat pump sitting on top of a wooden block.

Finding a heat pump installer

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A range of different companies install heat pumps – from national energy firms to local businesses. Your existing plumber or boiler engineer might also install heat pumps.

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You will need to use an installer certified by MCS (the Microgeneration Certification Scheme) if you want to access the UK government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant or the grants and loans offered by Home Energy Scotland.

The MCS defines and maintains industry standards for low-carbon energy products, contractors and installations, which includes heat pumps. Accordingly, MCS-certified installation companies will be qualified to uphold industry standards.

A good place to find MCS-certified heat pump installers is the MCS’s Find a Contractor tool; if you’re in Scotland you can also use Home Energy Scotland’s Renewables Installer Finder.

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Choosing a heat pump installer

Selecting the right heat pump installer is crucial to ensuring your system runs efficiently. Use the following guide to learn how best to make an informed choice and find the right heating engineer. You can find more information on choosing an installer on the Heat Pump Federation website.

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Search for review

Once you’ve found an installer – for example through the MCS Find a Contractor tool – it is a good idea to search for online reviews of their work. You might also be able to arrange to visit one of their previous installations through the Visit a Heat Pump website.

Get three quotes

Ideally, you should get comprehensive quotes from at least three different heat pump installers. Most installers will provide you with a basic quote after your initial enquiry, and a comprehensive quote after an in-person, in-depth property assessment. Having three different quotes will not only help you ensure you’re getting a good deal, but will enable you to get a feel for each installer’s way of working and communicating.

In-person assessment

Any reputable installer will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your property's heating needs by visiting your home. They will carry out a heat-loss assessment to estimate how much energy your home needs for heating, then recommend the appropriate heat pump system given the specific context and your requirements. Note that some installers will charge you for an assessment visit. 

If you’ve already had an in-person assessment of your property from one installer, others may be willing to use it to provide their own comprehensive quote, without having to visit your property themselves.

Get it in writing

Once you've chosen an installer, make sure all aspects of the installation are documented in a clear and detailed written contract. This agreement should cover the specifics of the installation, what’s included in the overall cost, warranties and payment terms.

Before, during and after installation

Below is a step by step breakdown on what to expect before and during installation of your new heat hump.

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Before installation

A man in a black shirt and red gloves working on a heat pump installation.

During installation

Installing a heat pump typically takes between two and five days, or up to ten days for ground source heat pumps. The duration depends on the job's complexity and any necessary home upgrades, such as changing radiators, installing a hot water cylinder or occasionally upgrading pipework. Find more information on our ‘Home upgrades’ page.

While each installation is unique, your installer is likely to follow these steps:

A smiling man and a woman standing in front of a house.

After installation