What you really need to ask before choosing your heat pump installer

Installing a heat pump is a brilliant step towards a greener, more energy-efficient home. It can reduce your carbon footprint, lower your energy bills, and future-proof your heating. But, and it’s a big but, the success of your system depends hugely on one thing: who installs it.

The right installer doesn’t just bolt a heat pump onto your wall and disappear. They’ll guide you through the entire process from choosing the right system to designing it for your home to explaining how to get the most out of it. And with heat pump demand rising fast across Scotland, it’s more important than ever to make sure you're working with someone who truly knows their stuff.

Sadly, not all installers are created equal. Some cut corners. Others lack the experience or accreditation to do the job properly. Rushing into a decision could leave you with a system that underperforms, costs more to run than it should.

So how do you know you’re in safe hands?

By asking the right questions upfront.

Eight questions every homeowner should ask their heat pump installer

Here’s what to ask and why it matters:

If they’re not, walk away. Only MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) certified installers meet the required standards, and without it, you won’t qualify for government funding like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.

Every home is different. A good installer will consider your insulation, layout, energy use, and long-term goals before recommending air source vs ground source.

This is key for budgeting. Heat pumps run at lower temperatures than gas boilers, so you may need to upgrade radiators or install a new hot water cylinder. However, you may not have to change all your radiators, for example, and you can design your system for the least disruption and additional cost if necessary. You can also design it in phases. 

This is crucial. It’s how the system is sized properly, at your heat pump isn’t too large, ensuring it heats your home efficiently and qualifies for grants. Don’t accept guesswork or rules of thumb.

Ask if the quote covers everything: the heat pump, hot water cylinder, electrical work, pipe upgrades, controls, commissioning, and any aftercare. No one likes nasty surprises.

It’s essential that your installer fully understands your heat loss calculation, as it determines the correct size of heat pump needed to efficiently heat your home without oversizing it or it underperforming. One of the most common mistakes installers make when designing a heating system is installing a heat pump that is larger than necessary. 

It’s your home, you deserve to know how long it will take, what access is needed, and whether you’ll be without hot water or heating at any point.

Heat pumps need maintenance to stay in top shape. Make sure your installer offers ongoing support and is on hand if anything goes wrong post-installation.

To discuss your home heating system and heat pump project get in touch with our team today.