Checklist: heat pumps
Compare heat-pump designs before you compare prices
The quote should tell you how the house will be heated, not just which outdoor unit will be fitted.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Ask every installer for these
- 01Room-by-room heat-loss calculation.
- 02Design outside temperature.
- 03Target flow temperature.
- 04Heat-pump make, model and design output.
- 05Radiator or emitter schedule showing what changes.
- 06Hot-water cylinder size and proposed controls.
- 07Pipework changes and whether existing pipe sizes are adequate.
- 08Outdoor-unit position and noise assessment.
- 09Predicted seasonal efficiency and the assumptions behind it.
- 10Full electrical works included in the quote.
- 11Grant treatment shown clearly.
- 12Workmanship and manufacturer warranties.
Put three quotes on the same footing
Use the same rows for every installer. If a quote leaves a box unclear, ask for the answer in writing before comparing totals. The cheapest bottom line is not cheaper if it quietly excludes radiators, electrical work or a suitable cylinder.
| Design and cost check | Quote 1 | Quote 2 | Quote 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total price before the grant | |||
| Grant shown separately | |||
| Amount you would pay | |||
| Design heat loss (kW) | |||
| Design flow temperature (°C) | |||
| Predicted seasonal efficiency | |||
| Radiators or emitters to replace | |||
| Hot-water cylinder included | |||
| Electrical and pipework changes | |||
| Workmanship and product warranties |
Choose “Save as PDF” in the print window to keep a copy with your quote notes.
Red flags
- Sizing from the old boiler rating instead of a heat-loss calculation.
- No stated flow temperature.
- No written radiator schedule.
- Running-cost savings quoted without the electricity and fuel prices used.
- A grant presented as proof that the installation itself is good value.
- A deposit requested before key design questions are answered.