Home Heat Pump Guide

Getting 3 Quotes: How to Compare Heat Pump Installers

Getting three quotes is standard advice for any major home improvement, and a heat pump installation is no exception. But comparing heat pump quotes is not as simple as looking at three numbers and picking the cheapest. The details matter enormously — and the difference between a good installation and a poor one can cost you thousands of pounds over the system's lifetime.

This guide shows you exactly what to compare, how to spot hidden costs, which red flags should make you walk away, and how to verify an installer's credentials.

Why Three Quotes Minimum?

Three is the minimum — not the magic number. Getting three quotes gives you:

  • A price range: You will quickly see what a reasonable price looks like for your property. If one quote is dramatically cheaper or more expensive than the others, it warrants investigation.
  • Different design approaches: Good installers may propose different heat pump models, radiator strategies, or system configurations. Seeing multiple designs helps you understand the options.
  • Installer comparison: Beyond the numbers, you are comparing the installers themselves — their communication, professionalism, and willingness to explain their proposals.

If you are spending £8,000–£16,000 (before the BUS grant), investing a few weeks in getting proper quotes is time well spent.

What Should Be Included in a Heat Pump Quote?

A comprehensive quote should include all of the following. If any are missing, ask the installer to clarify before comparing.

Equipment

  • Heat pump make, model, and output rating (kW)
  • Hot water cylinder make, model, and capacity (litres)
  • Controls — room thermostat, programmer, outdoor temperature sensor, weather compensation controller
  • Buffer tank or volumiser (if specified)
  • Any new radiators or fan convectors included
  • Pipework and fittings

Installation Works

  • Outdoor unit base or mounting (concrete pad, wall brackets)
  • Pipework from outdoor unit to indoor system
  • Electrical connection and dedicated circuit
  • Removal and disposal of the old boiler
  • System flush (to clean existing pipework)
  • Commissioning and testing
  • DNO notification (if applicable)

Ancillary Costs

  • Scaffolding (if needed for pipework routing)
  • Building control notification or sign-off
  • Any required electrical upgrades (consumer unit, meter tails)
  • MCS certification and registration
  • Warranty details — both manufacturer and installer

How to Compare Quotes Fairly

Compare the Heat Pump Specification

Do not just compare prices — compare what you are getting. Key specifications to check:

  • Output rating (kW): Are all three installers proposing the same size? If one proposes 8 kW and another 12 kW, someone's heat loss calculation is different. Ask each installer to share their heat loss calculation so you can compare.
  • SCOP (Seasonal Coefficient of Performance): Higher is better. An SCOP of 3.5 means the unit delivers 3.5 kW of heat for every 1 kW of electricity. Even small SCOP differences add up over years of running costs.
  • Sound levels: Check the sound power and sound pressure ratings. A quieter unit is worth paying a premium for, especially if the outdoor unit will be near your or your neighbour's bedroom.

Compare the Hot Water Cylinder

The cylinder is a significant part of the system. Check:

  • Capacity: 170–210 litres for 2–3 people; 210–300 litres for 4+ people
  • Coil size: Larger coils transfer heat faster — essential for heat pump efficiency
  • Insulation: Better-insulated cylinders lose less heat

Compare Radiator Proposals

One installer might say your existing radiators are fine. Another might recommend upgrading several. This is one of the most important differences to understand. Ask each installer:

  • Have you assessed every radiator against the heat loss calculation at the proposed flow temperature?
  • Which specific radiators need upgrading, and why?
  • What flow temperature are you designing for?

An installer who proposes running at 55°C (to avoid radiator upgrades) is making a different design choice from one who proposes 45°C with larger radiators. The second approach is more efficient long-term, even though it costs more upfront.

Compare Warranties

Check both the manufacturer's warranty and the installer's workmanship warranty:

  • Manufacturer warranty: Typically 5–10 years on the heat pump unit. Some require annual servicing to maintain validity.
  • Installer warranty: Covers the quality of the installation work (pipework, electrical, commissioning). Should be at least 2 years; better installers offer more.

Hidden Costs to Watch For

Some quotes appear cheaper because they exclude items that other quotes include. Common hidden costs:

  • Radiator upgrades: Quoted separately or not mentioned at all
  • Electrical work: Consumer unit upgrade, new circuit, or DNO-related costs
  • System flush: Essential for protecting the heat pump but sometimes treated as an optional extra
  • Scaffolding: Needed if pipework routes around the building at height
  • Building control sign-off: A legal requirement that some quotes omit
  • Old boiler removal: Check whether removal and disposal is included or charged separately
  • Outdoor unit base: Concrete pad or mounting brackets may be quoted as extras
  • Commissioning: Should be included as standard, but check

When comparing, create a like-for-like spreadsheet. Add missing items to cheaper quotes at estimated cost to see the true comparison.

Red Flags: When to Walk Away

Certain warning signs suggest an installer is not up to the job:

No Site Survey

Any installer who quotes without visiting your home is guessing. A proper survey takes 1–2 hours and includes measuring rooms, checking insulation, inspecting the electrical supply, and assessing outdoor unit locations. A quote based on "send us some photos" is not worth the paper it is not printed on.

No Heat Loss Calculation

If the installer cannot show you a room-by-room heat loss calculation, they have not designed the system properly. This is the foundation of everything — the heat pump size, the radiator specification, and the expected running costs all flow from this calculation.

Not MCS Certified

MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) certification is essential. Without it, you cannot claim the BUS grant, the installation may not meet required standards, and you lose important consumer protections. Verify certification on the MCS website — do not just take the installer's word for it.

Pressure to Sign Quickly

Legitimate installers understand that you will get multiple quotes and need time to compare. Anyone pushing you to sign immediately — "this price is only available today" — is using sales tactics, not engineering expertise.

Vague or Missing Warranty Information

If the installer cannot clearly state the warranty terms for both the equipment and their workmanship, that is a problem. You need to know exactly what is covered and for how long.

No Mention of Controls or Commissioning

Weather compensation, proper controls setup, and thorough commissioning are essential for efficient operation. An installer who does not discuss these is either inexperienced or cutting corners. Either way, your system will underperform.

How to Verify MCS Certification

MCS certification can be verified online at the MCS website (mcscertified.com). Here is what to check:

  1. Search by company name or postcode on the MCS installer search tool
  2. Confirm the technology type: Make sure they are certified for heat pumps specifically (not just solar PV or another technology)
  3. Check the certificate is current: MCS certification must be renewed annually. An expired certificate means they are not currently certified.
  4. Note the certification body: MCS installers are audited by certification bodies like NAPIT, NICEIC, or Elmhurst. This adds a layer of accountability.

Questions to Ask Every Installer

Use these questions during the quote process to assess competence and professionalism:

  1. How many heat pump installations have you completed in the last 12 months?
  2. Can you provide references or customer testimonials?
  3. Will you carry out a room-by-room heat loss calculation?
  4. What flow temperature are you designing for?
  5. Which radiators (if any) need upgrading, and why?
  6. What is included in the commissioning process?
  7. How do you handle the DNO notification?
  8. What are the warranty terms for equipment and workmanship?
  9. Will you help with the BUS grant application?
  10. What ongoing servicing do you recommend or offer?

Listen to how they answer as much as what they say. A confident, experienced installer will answer these readily. Someone who is evasive or dismissive may not have the expertise you need.

Price Ranges: What to Expect

To help calibrate your expectations, here are typical price ranges for domestic heat pump installations in the UK (before the BUS grant):

  • Small property (1–2 bed flat or cottage): £8,000–£11,000
  • Medium property (3-bed semi or terrace): £10,000–£14,000
  • Large property (4–5 bed detached): £13,000–£18,000
  • Properties needing significant radiator upgrades: Add £1,500–£4,000

After the BUS grant of £7,500, net costs are typically £2,500–£10,500 depending on the property. If a quote falls well outside these ranges — either above or below — it warrants careful scrutiny.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many heat pump quotes should I get?

A minimum of three. If the first three are wildly different in price or specification, consider getting a fourth or fifth to build a clearer picture. The goal is to understand the range and identify the best combination of value, competence, and trust.

Should I always choose the middle-priced quote?

Not necessarily. The middle quote might be the best, but evaluate each quote on its total merit — equipment quality, design approach, installer experience, warranty terms, and communication. Sometimes the most expensive quote represents the best long-term value if it includes superior equipment and design.

Can I negotiate on heat pump quotes?

You can ask if there is any flexibility, but be careful about pushing too hard. A good installer's price reflects the actual cost of equipment, labour, and running a certified business. If they significantly drop the price, ask what has been removed from the specification.

How long should I expect to wait between survey and installation?

Typically 4–12 weeks, depending on equipment availability, BUS grant processing, and the installer's schedule. Very busy installers may have longer lead times, but this is often a positive sign of their reputation.

What if all three quotes recommend different heat pump sizes?

This is not unusual and highlights the importance of the heat loss calculation. Ask each installer to explain their calculation methodology and assumptions. The installer whose sizing is based on the most thorough room-by-room assessment is likely to be the most accurate.

Should I get quotes from national companies or local installers?

Both can be excellent. National companies may offer standardised processes and potentially larger warranties. Local installers often provide more personalised service and may be more responsive for aftercare. Check MCS certification and references regardless of company size.

Making Your Decision

After comparing three or more quotes, your decision should be based on the complete picture — not just cost. The installer who takes the time to survey properly, designs a system tailored to your home, explains their proposal clearly, and backs it with solid warranties is almost always the right choice.

A heat pump should serve your home for 20+ years. The installer you choose now shapes your experience for the entire lifetime of the system. Take your time, ask the right questions, and invest in quality.