Heat Pump Quotes: How to Compare and Save
Heat pump quotes for the same property can vary by 30-50% -- meaning the difference between a £9,000 and £14,000 quote is often what each includes, not the quality of the work. This guide shows you exactly how to compare quotes fairly, spot red flags, and negotiate a better price without compromising on quality.
For full pricing data to benchmark against, see our heat pump cost guide.
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Request a heat pump quoteCheck if a heat pump suits your home and request a quote. No obligation. We recommend getting other quotes too.
How Many Quotes Should You Get?
At least three. Five is better. The spread between highest and lowest is often 30-50%, giving you negotiating leverage and helping spot outliers.
What Every Quote Must Include
| Item | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Heat loss calculation | Non-negotiable. Any quote without one is guessing |
| HP make, model, kW rating | Enables specification comparison |
| Cylinder brand and capacity | A 200L cylinder costs more than 150L |
| Radiator upgrades (which ones, why) | Should be based on heat loss calc, not blanket replacement |
| Electrical work | May or may not be included |
| Warranty (manufacturer + workmanship) | 5-10 years manufacturer, 1-3 years workmanship |
| BUS grant applied | Confirm the grant (£7,500, or £9,000 if replacing oil or LPG in a home without mains gas, until 31 March 2027) is deducted from the price |
For background on radiator requirements, see our guide on radiators for heat pumps.
How to Compare Quotes Like-for-Like
Create a comparison table listing: HP brand/model/kW, cylinder brand/capacity, number of radiators replaced, electrical work included, warranty years, heat loss calculation done, BUS grant applied, total before/after grant. This immediately reveals why one quote is cheaper.
Red Flags in Heat Pump Quotes
- No heat loss calculation: The single biggest red flag
- Pressure to sign quickly: Reputable installers give 30+ days
- Unusually low price: May exclude essential work or use uncertified installers
- Vague descriptions: Every component should be itemised
- No MCS certification: You lose the £7,500 BUS grant
- Oversized system: 110% of peak heat demand is appropriate; 200% is not
- No site visit: Final quotes must be based on a physical survey
Use our calculator as an independent benchmark for quotes
Get your independent estimateCompare quotes against a calculator estimate to spot outliers.
How to Negotiate a Better Price
Share competing quotes, be flexible on timing (spring/summer may be cheaper), ask about package deals, and consider total cost not just upfront price. A quote £1,000 more with 0.3 higher COP saves ~£100/year -- £2,000 over 20 years. Use our calculator to model different COP values.
What to Do After Choosing a Quote
Confirm payment schedule (10-25% deposit, balance on completion -- never full upfront), installation timeline, how unforeseen costs are handled, post-installation support, and commissioning details. For the full installation process, see our installation guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should a heat pump quote be in 2026?
For a typical air source installation: £11,128-£15,627 before grant (median £12,908, DESNZ 2026 Q2), or about £3,600-£8,100 after the £7,500 grant.
Should I always choose the cheapest quote?
No. Compare on total value: efficiency, warranty, included work, and reputation.
How long should a quote be valid?
At least 30 days. Most offer 60-90 days.
Can I negotiate?
Yes. Focus on the total package -- you might negotiate additional upgrades at the same price.
What if two quotes recommend different sized heat pumps?
Ask for the heat loss calculations. A well-justified calculation is more important than which number is lower.
Start comparing quotes for your property today
Request a heat pump quoteCheck if a heat pump suits your home and request a quote. No obligation.
About this guide: This article helps UK homeowners compare heat pump quotes effectively. The BUS grant makes installation affordable, but choosing the right installer matters for long-term performance. For homeowners also exploring solar panel quotes, the same comparison principles apply.