What Credentials Should Homeowners Look for in a Heat Pump Installer?

At IMS Heat Pumps, we know that choosing the right heat pump installer is one of the most important steps in your journey towards a more energy-efficient home. A well-installed heat pump can save you money on energy bills, reduce your carbon footprint and keep your home comfortable year-round. But with so many companies out there how do you separate the professionals from the pretenders?

Not all installers are created equal. To help you find the right expert for the job, we’ve put together this 10-point checklist of what to look for in a heat pump installer.

1. Verify They Are MCS Certified

First and foremost, any reputable heat pump installer should be accredited by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). MCS certification means the installer has been assessed and meets high industry standards. It also ensures that you’ll qualify for government incentives like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and Home Energy Scotland Loan. Both can provide grants towards the cost of your heat pump, £7,500 in England and Wales and up to £9,000 in Scotland with an additional £7,500 interest free loan. To check if an installer is MCS-certified, simply search for them on the official MCS website.

2. Consumer Protection

At present, installers need to offer consumer protection and currently two major schemes exist:

• HIES (Home Insulation & Energy Systems Quality Assured Contractors Scheme)
• RECC (Renewable Energy Consumer Code)

Through these schemes installers need to provide deposit protection insurance, an insurance backed workmanship warranty and access to mediation services in the event of a complaint.

3. Look for Heat Geek Training

If you want the best heat pump performance, look for an installer who has completed Heat Geek training.
Heat Geek-trained engineers go beyond the basics of heat pump installation. They understand advanced heating system design, ensuring your heat pump is sized correctly and runs at maximum efficiency. Since heat pumps work best when tailored to each home’s specific needs, this training can make a real difference.

4. Check for Additional Industry Certifications

While MCS is the minimum standard, the best installers will have additional qualifications and certifications that demonstrate their commitment to quality. There are many additional competencies to look for, but these could include:

• City & Guilds Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Domestic Plumbing and Heating – Shows strong foundational knowledge.
• Membership in the Ground Source Heat Pump Association (GSHPA) – Indicates expertise in ground source heat pumps.
• CIPHE (Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering) Accreditation – A mark of professional excellence.

5. Read or Ask for Reviews

A good installer should have a proven track record of happy customers. Before making a decision, check their reviews on:

• Trustpilot & Google Reviews – Independent, verified feedback on quality and reliability.
• Which? Trusted Trader Reviews – Verified by Which?, ensuring genuine feedback from real customers.
• Energy Saving Trust Reviews (Scotland) – In Scotland, BUS grant recipients must review their installer, so the EST website is a great place to find real customer experiences.
• Checkatrade / Rated People – Ratings from homeowners on workmanship and service.

Look for patterns in reviews rather than just the overall rating. If multiple people mention issues with delays, poor workmanship, or lack of communication, it’s a red flag.

6. Check Their Social Media for Recent Work

A heat pump installation is a big investment, so you want to see real examples of an installer’s work.
Most reputable companies share photos and videos of their latest projects on:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

Why is this important? Seeing their work gives you an idea of the quality of their installations, how tidy they are and what their customers are saying in the comments.

7. Ask to See Photos of Previous Installations

Social media is great, but you should also ask for direct evidence. A professional installer should be happy to show you before-and-after photos or even arrange for you to speak to a previous customer. If they seem reluctant or don’t have many examples, it could be a warning sign.

8. Are They a Which? Trusted Trader?

Choosing a Which? Trusted Trader gives you extra peace of mind that your installer has been independently assessed and follows a strict code of conduct. This includes:

• Clear and fair pricing with no hidden fees
• High-quality workmanship and professional service
• A formal dispute resolution process if anything goes wrong

Which? Trusted Traders are regularly monitored to ensure they maintain high standards. Look for the Which? Trusted Trader logo on their website or check their status directly on the Which? website.

9. Have They Won Any Awards or Industry Recognition?

Awards aren’t everything, but they’re a good indicator of a company’s expertise and standing in the industry.
Some key awards to look out for:

• Heat Pump Installer of the Year (Energy Efficiency Awards)
• Installer of the Year (H&V News Awards)
• Which? Awards for Renewable Energy Companies

An installer who has won or been shortlisted for an award is more likely to be at the top of their game.

10. Do They Communicate Clearly & Transparently?

Lastly, how does the company make you feel?

• Are they clear in their communication?
• Do they explain things in simple terms without overloading you with jargon?
• Are they responsive when you ask questions?

A great installer will take the time to explain the process, discuss different heat pump options, and provide a detailed quote with no hidden costs. If they’re dismissive, pushy or unwilling to answer your questions, walk away.

Choosing the Right Heat Pump Installer

Finding the right heat pump installer isn’t just about price – it’s about choosing someone who will do the job properly, efficiently, and to the highest standards. By following these 10 key checks, you’ll be in a strong position to choose an installer you can trust. Remember: the right installer won’t just install your heat pump; they’ll help you get the best performance and savings from it for years to come.

Want to Learn More?

For more expert tips on heat pump installations, check out this helpful guide on what red flags to avoid when choosing an installer.

This guest article was written by Emma Bohan, Managing Director, IMS Heat Pumps