A heat pump quote is not just a price. It is a technical document, and the detail in it tells you whether the installer has actually engineered the system for your house.
The non-negotiables
- Room-by-room heat loss calculation — the basis for sizing. No calculation, no confidence.
- Heat pump make, model and output in kW — plus the expected seasonal efficiency (SCOP).
- Cylinder size and location — most homes need a new hot water cylinder.
- Radiator or underfloor changes — itemised, with which rooms are affected.
- Pipework, electrical work and controls — including any consumer unit upgrade.
- Grant treatment — the Boiler Upgrade Scheme deduction shown clearly.
- MCS certification number and warranty terms.
Costs to expect
A typical UK air source heat pump install lands somewhere around £9,000 to £14,000 before grant, and roughly £2,000 to £7,000 after the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant where eligible. Bigger or poorly insulated properties sit at the top of that range.
Red flags
A fixed price quoted over the phone without a survey, no heat loss figures, vague wording like "radiator upgrades if required", or pressure to sign the same day. Any of those and it is worth getting another quote to compare against.
Before you sign
Ask what flow temperature the system is designed around. A design flow temperature of 50°C or below usually means the installer has sized things properly and your running costs will be reasonable.