A heat pump isn’t something you just add to your online shopping cart. It’s a substantial investment for your home. Not only do you need to be sure that you’re selecting the right product for your circumstances, you also need to know you’re choosing the right installer for the job. It takes an experienced and certified heat pump installer to specify a heat pump correctly.
To help you with your research, we’ve put together seven questions to ask an installer before making any final decision.
These questions will help you broaden your understanding of heat pumps, and they’ll also help you identify the right installer. By answering these questions, certified installers should demonstrate their product knowledge and show consideration of your unique circumstances. The end result is a bespoke solution, and an installer with the right experience and qualifications for the job.
- Is a heat pump the right solution for me?
- Which type of heat pump is most suitable for my home and why?
- Do I have a high temperature or a low temperature system?
- Why and how does the cost of installation vary?
- Will I need any additional building/works?
- Can I cool my house with a heat pump?
- What capacity do I need, and what impact does it have?
1. Is a heat pump the right solution for me?
There are many advantages to investing in a heat pump. However, it’s not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution and there’s always the chance that a heat pump is not for you. When consulting an installer, it’s essential to be transparent about your situation: needs, existing setup (if there is one already), finances, and expectations to receive the best advice.
2. Which type of heat pump is most suitable for my home and why?
Do you need a low-temperature air-to-water heat pump or a ground-source heat pump? Depending on the type of heat pump, you can expect different costs as well as different installation procedures. You should also ask whether to opt for a heat pump with an integrated water tank or if it’s better to have a separate domestic hot water unit.
3. Do I have a high-temperature or a low-temperature system?
Knowing the temperature of your current system is vital. It will impact the type of heat pump suitable for your home, and the overall efficiency and performance of your heating and hot water. Traditional radiators usually indicate higher temperatures are required, while underfloor heating falls in the low-temperature category.
4. Why and how does the cost of installation vary?
Installation costs can vary greatly, depending on the size, quality of materials used, and any renovation works and system upgrades necessary before installation. Installer costs can vary too. It’s good practice to get a few quotations. You’ll get a better idea of average costs, and benefit from the extra advice too.
5. Will I need any additional building/works?
While a rough estimation can be given remotely, a good installer will always conduct a home visit. During the visit, they’ll be looking at your existing equipment and available space. In the case of older homes, they will almost certainly require an energy efficiency survey.
6. Can I cool my house with a heat pump?
Yes, but it’s not that straightforward. First, ensure that your installer does not start talking about air-conditioners (technically considered air-to-air heat pumps). Cooling can be part of the unit’s capabilities, but it depends on the type of heat pump and might require additional emitters.
7. What capacity do I need, and what impact does it have?
Bigger isn’t always better and this is especially true for a heat pump. Selecting the right capacity can mean the difference between a heat pump that provides precisely what you need and a heat pump that is too big, running with much lower efficiency and using only a fraction of its potential.