Getting a heat pump installed in your home shouldn’t feel overwhelming, but with confusing jargon, variable installer standards and competence, and so many conflicting opinions online, it often does. That’s why we’ve put together this simple, no-nonsense guide for UK homeowners who want a successful, well-performing heat pump installation.
We’ve distilled the key steps you need to follow, with links to helpful articles and real-world forum discussions. Whether you’re just starting your research or already comparing quotes, this guide will give you the tools and confidence to make informed decisions… and avoid costly mistakes.
In the article…
Know Your Property
Before you even find and speak to an installer, it’s important to understand how your home performs thermally. This gives you a better idea of what size and type of system is needed.
- Insulation, glazing and airtightness: A well-insulated home will need a smaller heat pump and be cheaper to run. Poor insulation, single glazing and draughts will massively increase heat loss and costs.
- Existing heating system: Knowing how your radiators and pipework are laid out can help an installer assess what upgrades are needed or how to navigate around potential bottlenecks.
- Assess whether your existing radiators are adequately sized for a low-temperature heating system. In many cases, undersized radiators are a common reason for poor heat pump performance. Even a straightforward upgrade (for example, switching from a K2 to a K3 radiator) can significantly improve system efficiency and room comfort. It’s worth exploring whether upsizing is practical in your home, as it can make a big difference to how well your heat pump delivers consistent heat.
- Heat loss survey: A professional heat loss survey is vital. It calculates how much heat your home loses in each room and at what temperature. Without it, system sizing is just guesswork… and that can be expensive. If you have questions about heat loss calculations, you can post on this forum here.
Choose the Right Installer
Your installer will make or break your experience. A good one will future-proof your home; a bad one can leave you cold and out of pocket.
- Always use an MCS-certified installer: MCS certification is required for you to claim the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant. It is not a guarantee of high quality work though.
- Do they do proper heat loss calculations? Ask if they conduct detailed, room-by-room calculations. If they use “rules of thumb” or size based on floor area alone, walk away.
- Do they offer radiator upgrades and flow design? The system must be designed to deliver low flow temperatures. That often means new or upsized radiators. A good installer will factor this in.
We have a small, growing, exclusive network of installers that we can recommend to you. To find out more, please read this article on how our recommendations work.
Understand the Basics
You don’t need to be a heating engineer, but a basic understanding will help you ask the right questions and spot a bodge.
- What does “low temperature heating” mean? Heat pumps work best when heating water to 30-45C (instead of 70C+ for fossil fuel boilers). Your system needs to be designed around this.
- Why do radiator size and flow rate matter? Bigger radiators help spread heat more gently and effectively. And the right flow rate ensures the system transfers enough heat into your rooms efficiently.
- Don’t be fooled by COP figures: A high COP (efficiency) on paper doesn’t guarantee low running costs. It only works in real homes if the system is properly designed and commissioned.
Ask the Right Questions
Don’t be shy… the right questions can save you thousands and prevent future headaches.
- Can I see the full heat loss report? This should include room-by-room calculations. If they can’t provide this, they’re cutting corners.
- What flow temperatures are you designing for? The lower the better, ideally around 40-45C. Higher temps usually mean higher running costs.
- Is a buffer tank essential in this setup? Most systems don’t need one, yet they’re often added out of habit. Ask why it’s included and whether it will impact efficiency. You may need a volumiser, but question buffer tanks. There’s a dedicated forum topic here dedicated to buffer tanks if you need to ask questions.
- Will the system be commissioned with proper checks? Good commissioning is essential and it’s a vital step of any installation. Ask what their handover includes, and whether they’ll balance flow rates and check system performance. Ask a lot questions, and ensure that your installer set ups weather compensation. Do you have questions about commissioning? Ask them here. What about weather compensation? Do you understand it or have questions, then this topic is for you.
Don’t Rush
Heat pumps are a long-term investment. Take your time to get it right.
- Collect at least three quotes: Each installer might take a different approach. Comparing them helps you spot gaps or shortcuts.
- Compare scope, not just price: A cheaper quote may exclude radiator upgrades or use higher flow temps. Always compare like-for-like.
Still confused with your quote? Consider using our free heat pump quotation evaluation service.
Watch Out for Red Flags
There are common patterns that signal a system won’t perform well.
- No mention of heat loss calculations: If they don’t bring it up, they’re probably not doing it. That’s a huge red flag.
- Generic “rules of thumb” sizing: Statements like “most homes like this need a 12kW heat pump” are a massive warning sign. Every property is different.
- No discussion of radiator output: f there’s no mention of checking or upgrading your radiators, you’re likely to end up with a high-temperature, inefficient system.
Heat loss and heat pump sizing can be confusing. There’s further reading available here if you’d like to learn more.
Check What You’re Signing Up For
Make sure you’re clear on the warranty, support and responsibilities.
- Clarify warranty terms: Who is responsible if something goes wrong. The installer or the manufacturer? How long is the cover and what are the conditions? Warranties can also vary in length depending on the level of training they’ve had with a manufacturer.
- Check servicing requirements: Many manufacturers require annual servicing to keep the warranty valid. Ask who provides this and what’s included. This can be a minefield. Read these articles to educate yourself further: Are Heat Pump Service Contracts Fulfilling Their Promises? & How Should a Heat Pump Be Serviced? Manufacturers Offer Varying Answers
Where to Get Help
You’re not alone in this process. There’s support out there from people who’ve been through it already.
- Join the conversation on the Renewable Heating Hub forums: Our forums are full of real homeowners sharing their installations, tips and learnings. Ask questions, search, and learn from their experiences.
- Use our free quote review service: We’ll review one quote for free to help you make an informed decision. Upload it here: https://renewableheatinghub.co.uk/think-your-heat-pump-quote-or-proposal-looks-off-well-review-it-for-free/
Books on Heat Pumps
If you’d prefer a hard copy resource to help you make sense of heat pumps at your own pace, we’ve got you covered.
Bodge Buster is a straight-talking homeowner’s guide designed to help you spot poor practices and avoid common installation pitfalls.
From Zero to Heat Pump Hero takes things further. It’s our handbook for anyone who wants to understand the key principles of heat pump success without drowning in technical jargon.
Both are available on Amazon and packed with insights from real-world installations, homeowner stories, and expert advice.
