Energy and green upgrades
Heat pump installation: what to expect and how to find an installer
Heat pump installation starts with a heat-loss survey, then fitting an outdoor unit, connecting it to your heating and hot water, and commissioning the system. A straightforward home often takes one to three days. Using an MCS-certified installer is required for the 7,500 pound Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant.
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Get matchedWhat it is
Installing a heat pump is more involved than swapping a boiler, because the whole heating system is designed to run efficiently at a lower temperature. The quality of the design and survey matters as much as the hardware.
This guide explains what a good installation looks like, so you know what to expect and what questions to ask before you commit.
How it works
Step one is a heat-loss survey: the installer measures how much heat your home loses so the heat pump and radiators are sized correctly. Skipping or rushing this is the most common cause of a poorly performing system.
Step two is the install: the outdoor unit is mounted on a base or wall bracket, refrigerant and water pipework is run to a hot-water cylinder and the heating circuit, and controls are fitted. Some homes need larger radiators or pipework upgrades to run at a lower flow temperature.
Step three is commissioning and handover: the installer balances the system, sets the controls and issues the MCS certificate you need for the grant and for any aftercare.
Who it is for
- Homeowners moving off a gas, oil or LPG boiler who want the work done properly and grant-eligible.
- Anyone who wants to understand the process before getting quotes, so they can tell a thorough installer from a quick one.
Grants and savings
- An MCS-certified installation is required to claim the 7,500 pound Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant in England and Wales (gov.uk).
- Qualifying heat pumps carry 0 percent VAT until 31 March 2027 (gov.uk).
How to choose a vetted installer
- Find an MCS-certified installer through the MCS "find an installer" tool, and confirm TrustMark registration for grant work.
- Ask for the heat-loss survey and proposed flow temperature in writing; a reputable installer will share these.
- Get three quotes and compare what each includes: radiator upgrades, the cylinder, controls and aftercare can vary a lot between them.
Frequently asked questions
How long does heat pump installation take?
For a straightforward home it often takes one to three days. It can take longer where radiators, pipework or the hot-water cylinder need upgrading so the system can run efficiently at a lower flow temperature. The survey beforehand tells you which applies.
What does a good heat pump survey include?
A proper survey is a room-by-room heat-loss calculation, not a quick look around. It sizes the heat pump and each radiator, sets the flow temperature and identifies any pipework or cylinder upgrades. Insist on seeing it before you accept a quote.
How do I find a certified heat pump installer?
Use the MCS "find an installer" tool to locate certified businesses near you, and check they are also TrustMark-registered if you want the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant. Sorted Property can also match you to vetted installers who hold the right accreditation.
Sources
Editor, Sorted Property
Oliver leads Sorted Property's editorial coverage of UK home services. He researches and writes the plain-English guides that help homeowners choose between installers and trades, drawing on the standards set by bodies such as MCS, TrustMark, the Energy Saving Trust and the Property Care Association, and is clear about what to check before any work starts.
Last reviewed: 11 June 2026