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Heat pump quotes: what should be included?

Two heat pump quotes can differ by thousands of pounds because they cover different work. Check each one covers the design, the equipment and the jobs around it before comparing prices.

Updated 3 October 2026 · energy.org.uk editorial team

The design

  • A room-by-room heat loss calculation. MCS installers must work out the heat each room needs on a cold day, and size the heat pump from it.
  • The flow temperature the system is designed to run at. Lower is more efficient; see flow temperature explained.
  • A design SPF or running-cost estimate, with the assumptions behind it.
  • A radiator schedule showing which radiators stay, and which are replaced or added. Check yours with the radiator checker.

The equipment

  • The heat pump's make, model and output in kW.
  • A hot water cylinder, if one is needed, and its size.
  • Controls, such as a weather-compensating controller and room thermostats.
  • Any buffer tank, expansion vessel or other parts.

The work around it

  • Pipework changes, and whether any pipes are upsized.
  • Electrical work, including any new circuit or consumer unit.
  • Where the outdoor unit will go, its base and any planning checks.
  • Removing the old boiler, tank or cylinder.
  • Commissioning, a handover and explanation of the controls.

Money and paperwork

  • The grant. Check whether the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant is taken off the price. The installer applies for it; see current heat pump grants.
  • Payment terms, including any deposit and when it is due.
  • Warranties for the heat pump, cylinder and workmanship, and any servicing needed to keep them valid.
  • MCS certification for the installer and installation.

Check

What to check first

  • That every quote is for the same work, including radiators and the cylinder.
  • The price after the grant.
  • Whether the design flow temperature suits your radiators.

Do

Practical next steps

  1. Get at least two quotes from MCS-certified installers.
  2. Enter them in the heat pump quote checker to see what you would pay and what is missing.
  3. Ask each installer the questions it lists.
  4. Compare running costs with your current heating in the heating comparison.

Take care

Important limitations

  • The quote checker can't check whether a heat pump is sized correctly; only a proper heat loss calculation can.
  • Average prices don't tell you whether a quote is fair for your home.

Related tools and guides

Sources

Official sources checked 3 October 2026.