Heat Pump Quotes: How to Compare and Save
Getting heat pump quotes feels like comparing apples with oranges. One installer quotes £9,000, another quotes £14,000 for what seems like the same job. Without understanding what each quote includes (and what it leaves out), you cannot make an informed decision. Worse, choosing the cheapest quote without understanding why it is cheapest can cost you far more in the long run.
This guide explains exactly what should be in a heat pump quote, how to compare them fairly, what red flags to watch for, and how to negotiate a better price without compromising on quality.
How Many Quotes Should You Get?
Get at least three quotes from different MCS-certified installers. Five is better if you have the patience. The spread between the highest and lowest quote is often 30% to 50%, and getting multiple quotes gives you:
- A sense of the market rate for your specific property
- Different perspectives on system design (some installers may suggest solutions others miss)
- Negotiating leverage — you can share that you have lower quotes
- A way to spot outliers — both suspiciously cheap and unjustifiably expensive
Our free quote service connects you with MCS-certified installers in your area, making it simple to gather comparable quotes.
What Every Quote Must Include
A proper heat pump quote is not a single price on a page. It should be a detailed document covering every aspect of the installation. Here is what to look for.
1. Heat Loss Calculation
This is non-negotiable. Any installer who quotes a price without conducting a heat loss survey of your property is guessing. The heat loss calculation determines what size heat pump you need, which radiators may need upgrading, and what flow temperatures the system will run at.
A proper heat loss survey involves measuring room dimensions, assessing insulation levels, checking window types, noting orientation, and calculating the heat demand room by room. It should be done according to BS EN 12831 or an equivalent standard. If your quote does not reference a heat loss calculation, ask for one before proceeding.
2. Heat Pump Make, Model, and Size
The quote should specify the exact heat pump model and its rated output in kilowatts. A quote that says "8kW air source heat pump" without naming the manufacturer and model number prevents you from comparing specifications and prices between quotes. You should be able to look up the unit online to verify its efficiency rating, noise levels, and features.
3. Hot Water Cylinder Details
If a hot water cylinder is included, the quote should specify the brand, capacity (in litres), and whether it includes an immersion heater backup. A 200-litre cylinder costs significantly more than a 150-litre cylinder. If the quote says "cylinder included" without specifics, ask for details.
4. Radiator Upgrades
The quote should list exactly which radiators will be replaced, their sizes, and why they need changing. A good installer bases this on the heat loss calculation — if a room's existing radiator can deliver sufficient heat at the planned flow temperature, it does not need replacing. Beware quotes that blanket-replace all radiators without justification. For background, see our guide on radiators for heat pumps.
5. Pipework and Modifications
Details of any pipework changes, including the route from the outdoor unit to the indoor connection point, pipe sizes, insulation, and any modifications to existing central heating pipework.
6. Controls and Commissioning
What controls are included? Will weather compensation be set up? Is a smart thermostat included? Who handles the commissioning and handover, and how long will they spend explaining the system to you?
7. Electrical Work
Heat pumps require a dedicated electrical supply, and some properties may need an upgrade to their consumer unit or even a main fuse upgrade. The quote should state whether electrical work is included or is an additional cost.
8. Warranty Details
The manufacturer warranty on the heat pump unit (typically 5 to 10 years) and the installer's workmanship warranty (typically 1 to 3 years) should both be clearly stated.
9. BUS Grant Administration
Most MCS installers handle the BUS grant application on your behalf. Confirm this is included and that the grant value is deducted from your final payment. If the quote shows the pre-grant price only, make sure you understand the net cost.
How to Compare Quotes Like-for-Like
The most common mistake is comparing bottom-line prices without checking what each price includes. Here is a systematic approach.
Create a Comparison Table
List these items down the left side and fill in each quote's details across the top:
- Heat pump brand, model, and kW rating
- Cylinder brand and capacity (litres)
- Number of radiators being replaced
- Pipework included (estimated metres)
- Electrical work included (yes/no/details)
- Controls and thermostat included
- MCS registration number
- Manufacturer warranty (years)
- Workmanship warranty (years)
- Heat loss calculation completed (yes/no)
- BUS grant applied (yes/no)
- Estimated annual running cost
- Total price before grant
- Total price after grant
With this table completed, you can immediately see why one quote is cheaper — perhaps it excludes radiator upgrades, or uses a smaller cylinder, or specifies a less efficient heat pump model.
Compare the Heat Pump Specifications
If one installer quotes a Samsung 6kW and another quotes a Vaillant 8kW, you are not comparing like-for-like. Check that the sizing aligns with the heat loss calculation. If two installers have done their own heat loss surveys and arrived at different sizes, ask them to explain the discrepancy.
Check the COP Ratings
A heat pump with a lower purchase price but a COP of 2.8 will cost more to run than a slightly more expensive unit with a COP of 3.3. Over 20 years, the efficiency difference can easily outweigh the upfront saving. Our running costs guide explains this in detail.
Red Flags in Heat Pump Quotes
Watch out for these warning signs that suggest a quote may not be trustworthy.
No Heat Loss Calculation
An installer who sizes a heat pump based on "experience" or a quick look at your house is guessing. This is the single biggest red flag. Incorrect sizing leads to poor performance, higher running costs, and potential comfort issues.
Pressure to Sign Quickly
"This price is only valid for 48 hours" or "We have a cancellation next week" are sales tactics. A reputable installer will give you reasonable time to compare quotes and make a decision. Quotes should be valid for at least 30 days.
Unusually Low Price
If one quote is 40% cheaper than the others, investigate why. Common reasons include: excluding essential work (radiator upgrades, electrical work), using a lesser-known brand with limited UK support, not being MCS certified (which disqualifies you from the grant), or planning to subcontract the work to less experienced engineers.
Vague Descriptions
"Supply and fit air source heat pump system" with no further detail is not a quote — it is a guess. Every component, every piece of work, and every assumption should be itemised.
No MCS Certification
The installer must be MCS certified for you to claim the BUS grant. Check their MCS number on the official MCS database. Without MCS certification, you lose £7,500 of grant funding.
Oversized System
If the recommended heat pump size seems much larger than what other installers suggest, ask why. Oversizing wastes money on a more expensive unit and reduces efficiency due to increased cycling. A heat pump sized at 110% of your peak heat demand is appropriate — 150% or 200% is not.
No Site Visit
Any installer providing a final quote without visiting your property is working from assumptions. A phone quote or online estimate is fine as a starting point, but the final price must be based on a physical survey.
How to Negotiate a Better Price
Once you have multiple quotes, you are in a strong position to negotiate.
Share Competing Quotes
Tell your preferred installer that you have received lower quotes from competitors. Many will match or beat the price to win the business, especially if they know you are comparing reputable alternatives.
Be Flexible on Timing
Installers may offer a discount if you can accommodate their schedule. A booking during a quiet period (typically spring or early summer) may come at a lower rate than a peak-season installation.
Ask About Package Deals
Some installers offer discounts if you bundle additional work — for example, loft insulation, underfloor heating in an extension, or a full radiator upgrade. The marginal cost of adding work while the engineer is already on-site is lower than booking a separate job.
Consider the Total Cost, Not Just the Upfront Price
A quote that is £1,000 more expensive but includes a heat pump with a 0.3 higher COP will save approximately £100 per year in running costs. Over 20 years, that is £2,000 in savings — so the "more expensive" quote is actually £1,000 cheaper overall. Use our calculator to estimate running costs for different COP values.
What to Do After Choosing a Quote
Before signing, confirm these final details:
- Payment schedule: A reasonable deposit (10-25%) with the balance on completion is standard. Never pay the full amount upfront
- Installation timeline: Get a confirmed start date and expected duration in writing
- What happens if extra work is needed: Agree in advance how unforeseen costs will be handled. A good installer will flag potential issues in the quote and price them as contingencies
- Post-installation support: Who do you call if something goes wrong? Is there a warranty call-out service? How quickly will they respond?
- Commissioning: Confirm that the installer will commission the system, set up weather compensation, optimise flow temperatures, and show you how to use the controls
For a complete overview of what installation involves, see our installation guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should a heat pump quote be in 2026?
For a typical three-bedroom semi-detached house, expect quotes between £9,000 and £14,000 before the BUS grant (£1,500 to £6,500 after). Quotes below £7,000 for this property type should be examined carefully to ensure nothing is excluded. Quotes above £16,000 may include unnecessary work or a premium brand markup.
Should I always choose the cheapest quote?
No. The cheapest quote may exclude essential work, use a less efficient unit, or come from a less experienced installer. Compare on total value: efficiency, warranty, included work, and installer reputation — not just the bottom-line price.
How long should a heat pump quote be valid?
At least 30 days. Most installers offer 60 to 90 days. If a quote expires and you want to proceed, the installer may need to re-quote if material costs have changed, but the price should not increase dramatically over a few weeks.
Can I negotiate a heat pump quote?
Yes, and you should. Installers expect some negotiation, especially when you have competing quotes. Focus on the total package rather than just the price — you might negotiate additional radiator upgrades, a longer workmanship warranty, or a higher-specification cylinder for the same price.
What if two quotes recommend different sized heat pumps?
Ask both installers for their heat loss calculations. The difference usually comes from different assumptions about insulation quality, desired room temperatures, or whether to size for the coldest night of the year versus a typical cold spell. A well-justified calculation from either installer is more important than which number is lower.
Do I need to pay for a heat loss survey?
Some installers include the survey in their quote at no charge. Others charge £150 to £300, which may be refunded if you proceed with the installation. A free survey is nice, but a thorough paid survey is worth far more than a rushed free one. The heat loss calculation is the foundation of the entire system design.