Finding an installer for a heat pump

The Energy Saving Trust recommends that you choose an installer registered under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). Only systems installed by certificated installers will be eligible for payments under the Renewable Heat Incentive.

For advice on certified products and installers available in your area:

• call your nearest Energy Saving Trust advice centre on 0800 512 012
• visit the MCS website
• look for an installer or supplier signed up to an industry code of practice
• speak to people in your area who have had a heat pump installation and ask if they would recommend their installer.

All suppliers should be able to provide a detailed breakdown of the specification and costs of their proposed system. They should also explain how they have calculated the size of the system, supply good quality instructions and operating manuals, as well as provide an estimate of how much heat will be provided as a proportion of your current needs. Get at least three quotes.

What to look for

Pick a supplier with experience. Ask:

• how many years they have been installing systems
• how long they have been in business.

Choose local where possible:

• ask for a list of references and local installations and check them out
• check any professional credentials being quoted.

Many competent and experienced installers may not have any relevant professional qualifications, so:

• ask if they are a member of appropriate trade organisations
• check that they are suitably accredited.

Get lots of information on system options and potential problems so you talk confidently to installers. Ask for:

• recent manuals and brochures
• any background information and test data.

Check the time limits of any guarantees and warranties and find out what they cover. Ask about:

• after-installation services offered
• warranties: all installers should provide a minimum one-year warranty on the installation
• details of what the warranty covers and over what time periods.

Do not compare installers on cost alone; the cheapest may not be the most appropriate.

What to ask

Ask for details of:

• available options, for example size, pipe requirements and maintenance cycles.
• the system efficiency of the installation (not the CoP of the heat pump) and how it has been calculated. Generally, the higher the figure, the better but only if correctly calculated. The installer should provide an efficiency figure based on a standard methodology.
• whether the company will project-manage the whole job and coordinate any drilling or trenching. This is very important indeed. It will make the process much easier for you but it will also help to deliver a properly matched and balanced system that will operate at a higher efficiency.
• whether the company will liaise directly with the installers of any new heating system such as under-floor heating - it is critically important that these two systems are designed with each other in mind.
• applicable regulations, including health and safety guidelines and how they will address them.
• independent testing of their system to verify any stated efficiencies. There is a recognised testing and certification system for heat pump technology. If these tests have been carried out ask for a copy of the full report.

Check quotations for detail. Ask about:

• government incentives – make sure the installer undertakes to ensure that your system will be eligible for RHI payments
• payment options.
• what is included – prices should cover safe removal and disposal of any existing equipment.
• whether the price of the drilling or trenching is included
• whether the cost of integration with your home's heating system - or a proposed heating system - is included.