costs

Heat Pump Quotes: How to Compare & What to Look For in 2025

James Mitchell |

TL;DR

  • A good heat pump quote must include a heat loss calculation, system design, itemised costs, and warranty details - never just a price.
  • The cheapest quote often hides poor design, undersized equipment, or missing upgrades (radiators, pipework).
  • Compare CoP/SCOP efficiency ratings, flow temperatures, and cylinder models - not all heat pumps perform the same.
  • Use our A-E rating system to score quotes on completeness, hardware quality, and installer credibility.
  • The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) grant (£7,500) should be clearly shown on your quote - if not, ask why.

In April 2024, OFGEM reported that over 60% of UK homeowners who installed a heat pump in the past year didn’t compare quotes properly - and 1 in 4 later regretted their choice due to higher running costs or poor performance. With the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) offering £7,500 off your installation, now is the perfect time to switch from gas or oil. But how do you tell a good heat pump quote from a bad one?

This guide will show you exactly what to look for when comparing quotes, from heat loss calculations to warranty terms, and how to spot red flags that could cost you thousands. We’ll also explain how the BUS grant appears on your quote and what to do if it’s missing.

By the end, you’ll know how to score any quote using our 10-point checklist - and why the cheapest option is rarely the best.

Table of Contents

Why the Cheapest Heat Pump Quote is Rarely the Best

When you first start gathering heat pump quotes, the price difference can be shocking. One installer might offer £8,000, while another quotes £15,000 for the same property. But why is there such a gap - and is the cheapest option really a bargain?

The Hidden Costs of a "Budget" Heat Pump Quote

A low-cost quote often cuts corners in ways that hurt performance, efficiency, and comfort. Here’s what’s usually missing:

  1. No Heat Loss Calculation

    • A proper heat loss calculation (required for MCS certification) ensures your heat pump is correctly sized for your home.
    • Without it, installers may undersize the system, leading to higher running costs or inadequate heating in winter.
    • According to the Energy Saving Trust, oversized or undersized heat pumps can increase energy bills by 20-30%.

  2. Cheap or Generic Equipment

    • Some quotes use no-name heat pumps or entry-level models with lower efficiency ratings (CoP/SCOP).
    • A high-efficiency heat pump (e.g., Vaillant aroTHERM plus or Mitsubishi Ecodan) may cost more upfront but saves hundreds per year in electricity bills.

  3. Missing Radiator or Pipework Upgrades

    • If your home has old radiators or single-pipe systems, they may need upgrading to work with a heat pump.
    • A cheap quote might skip this step, leading to cold spots or higher flow temperatures (which reduce efficiency).

  4. No Buffer Tank or Smart Controls

    • A buffer tank helps stabilise temperatures, while smart controls (like Vaillant sensoCOMFORT) optimise performance.
    • Budget quotes often omit these, leading to shorter system lifespan and higher energy use.

Real-World Example: The £3,000 "Saving" That Cost £5,000

Illustrative composite based on typical UK installations

Homeowner: Sarah, 42, from Manchester Property: 3-bed semi-detached (1930s, cavity walls, gas boiler) Quotes Received:

  • Installer A: £9,500 (after BUS grant) - no heat loss calculation, basic heat pump, no radiator upgrades
  • Installer B: £12,500 (after BUS grant) - full heat loss calculation, high-efficiency heat pump, new radiators in living room, smart controls

What Happened?

  • Sarah chose Installer A to save £3,000.
  • After installation, her living room stayed cold in winter, and her electricity bills doubled (from £1,200 to £2,400/year).
  • She later paid £5,000 to upgrade radiators and replace the heat pump with a more efficient model.

Lesson: The cheapest quote often leads to higher long-term costs.

Decoding Your Heat Pump Quote: A 10-Point Checklist (Our A-E Rating System Explained)

Not all heat pump quotes are created equal. To help you compare them fairly, we’ve developed a 10-point checklist that scores quotes from A (excellent) to E (poor).

Here’s what to look for:

Checklist ItemWhat to Look ForWhy It MattersScore (A-E)
1. Heat Loss CalculationFull MCS-compliant calculation (kW output for each room)Ensures the heat pump is correctly sized for your home.A (detailed) - E (missing)
2. System DesignModel, size (kW), flow temperature (e.g., 35°C vs 55°C)Lower flow temps = higher efficiency.A (35-45°C) - E (>55°C)
3. Itemised Cost BreakdownSeparate costs for heat pump, cylinder, radiators, labour, BUS grantHelps you compare like-for-like and spot hidden costs.A (fully itemised) - E (lump sum)
4. Radiator/Pipework UpgradesDetails of new radiators, pipework, or underfloor heatingEnsures comfort and efficiency in all rooms.A (full upgrade plan) - E (none)
5. Warranty InformationProduct warranty (5-10 years), installation warranty (2-5 years)Protects you from faulty equipment or poor workmanship.A (10+5 years) - E (1 year)
6. MCS CertificationInstaller’s MCS number and certificateRequired for BUS grant and warranty validity.A (verified) - E (missing)
7. Efficiency Ratings (CoP/SCOP)CoP (heating) > 3.5, SCOP (seasonal) > 3.0Higher = lower running costs.A (SCOP 4.0+) - E (<3.0)
8. Cylinder & ControlsUnvented cylinder (e.g., Gledhill, Vaillant), smart controls (e.g., Nest)Affects hot water performance and energy savings.A (premium) - E (basic)
9. Aftercare & MaintenanceAnnual service plan, emergency call-outs, parts availabilityEnsures long-term reliability.A (included) - E (none)
10. BUS Grant Handling£7,500 deducted upfront, installer applies on your behalfSaves you time and hassle.A (fully handled) - E (not mentioned)

How to Use This Checklist

  1. Score each quote using the table above.
  2. Add up the scores (A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1).
  3. Compare totals:
    • 40-50 points = Excellent (A)
    • 30-39 points = Good (B)
    • 20-29 points = Average (C)
    • 10-19 points = Poor (D)
    • <10 points = Avoid (E)

Pro Tip: If a quote scores below 30, ask the installer to revise it - or look elsewhere.

Beyond the Price: Comparing Heat Loss Calculations, System Design, and Flow Temperatures

The biggest mistake homeowners make is focusing only on price. Two quotes might look similar, but small differences in design can lead to huge variations in performance.

1. Heat Loss Calculations: The Foundation of a Good Quote

A proper heat loss calculation (also called a room-by-room heat loss assessment) determines:

  • How much heat your home loses in winter.
  • The correct size of heat pump needed.
  • Whether radiators or underfloor heating need upgrading.

What to Look For in Your Quote: ✅ MCS-compliant calculation (required for BUS grant). ✅ kW output for each room (not just a total for the house). ✅ Assumptions about insulation (e.g., "assumes loft insulation at 270mm").

Red Flags: ❌ "Rule of thumb" sizing (e.g., "1kW per 10m²"). ❌ No mention of heat loss at all. ❌ Same size heat pump for every home (e.g., "8.5kW for all 3-bed houses").

Why It Matters:

  • An undersized heat pump will struggle in cold weather, leading to higher electricity bills.
  • An oversized heat pump will short-cycle (turn on/off frequently), reducing efficiency and wearing out faster.

2. System Design: Flow Temperatures and Efficiency

Heat pumps work best at low flow temperatures (35-45°C). If your quote specifies a high flow temperature (55°C+), it could mean:

  • The installer is using a cheap, inefficient heat pump.
  • Your radiators aren’t sized correctly.
  • The system will cost more to run.

What to Look For: ✅ Flow temperature ≤ 45°C (ideal for efficiency). ✅ Heat pump model with a high SCOP (e.g., Mitsubishi Ecodan SCOP 4.2). ✅ Buffer tank included (helps stabilise temperatures).

Red Flags: ❌ Flow temperature > 50°C (may indicate poor design). ❌ No mention of flow temperature (installer may not understand heat pumps). ❌ Basic controls (e.g., no smart thermostat).

3. Radiator and Pipework Upgrades

If your home has old radiators or single-pipe systems, they may need upgrading to work with a heat pump.

What to Look For: ✅ List of radiators to be replaced (e.g., "new double-panel radiators in living room and bedrooms"). ✅ Pipework assessment (e.g., "existing pipework is suitable" or "new pipework required"). ✅ Underfloor heating option (if applicable).

Red Flags: ❌ No mention of radiators (installer may be cutting corners). ❌ "All existing radiators are fine" (unlikely unless your home is very well-insulated).

Hardware Showdown: Which Heat Pump, Cylinder, and Controls Are Quoted?

Not all heat pumps are created equal. Some are more efficient, quieter, or better suited to UK climates than others. Here’s how to compare the hardware in your quotes.

1. Heat Pump Models: Efficiency and Reliability

Brand & ModelTypeSCOP (Heating)Noise Level (dB)Best ForPrice Range (After BUS)
Mitsubishi EcodanAir Source4.245-50Cold climates, high efficiency£8,000 - £12,000
Vaillant aroTHERM plusAir Source4.047-52Smart controls, quiet operation£9,000 - £13,000
Daikin AlthermaAir Source3.848-53Reliability, good for larger homes£8,500 - £12,500
Nibe F2040Air Source4.146-51Scandinavian design, cold-weather performance£9,500 - £13,500
Kensa EvoGround Source4.540-45Low running costs, long lifespan£15,000 - £25,000

Key Takeaways:

  • Higher SCOP = lower running costs (e.g., a SCOP 4.2 heat pump is ~10% more efficient than a SCOP 3.8 model).
  • Noise levels matter (if your unit is near a bedroom, look for <50dB).
  • Ground source heat pumps are more efficient but much more expensive (see our ground source heat pump cost guide).

2. Hot Water Cylinders: Unvented vs. Vented

Heat pumps need a hot water cylinder to store heated water. The type of cylinder affects performance and cost.

Cylinder TypeProsConsCost (Installed)
Unvented (e.g., Gledhill, Vaillant)High pressure, no tank needed, better flowMore expensive, requires annual servicing£1,500 - £2,500
Vented (e.g., Heatline, Kingspan)Cheaper, simpler installationLower pressure, needs loft tank£1,000 - £1,800
Heat Pump Optimised (e.g., Mixergy)Smart controls, energy-efficientExpensive, limited availability£2,000 - £3,000

What to Look For in Your Quote: ✅ Unvented cylinder (best for most homes). ✅ At least 200L capacity (for a 3-4 bed home). ✅ Smart controls (e.g., Vaillant sensoCOMFORT or Nest Learning Thermostat).

3. Smart Controls: The Key to Lower Bills

A good control system can reduce your running costs by 10-20%. Look for:

  • Weather compensation (adjusts flow temperature based on outdoor temps).
  • Smart thermostats (e.g., Nest, Hive, or Vaillant sensoCOMFORT).
  • Zonal heating (control different rooms separately).

Red Flags: ❌ Basic on/off thermostat (no smart features). ❌ No mention of controls (installer may be cutting corners).

Understanding Warranties and Aftercare: What Your Quote Must Include

A good warranty protects you from faulty equipment and poor installation. But not all warranties are equal - some cover parts but not labour, while others exclude certain components.

1. Product Warranty (Heat Pump & Cylinder)

  • Standard: 5-7 years (most brands).
  • Extended: 10 years (e.g., Vaillant, Mitsubishi).
  • What’s Covered? Manufacturing defects, parts replacement.
  • What’s Not Covered? Damage from poor installation, lack of servicing.

What to Look For in Your Quote: ✅ At least 7 years on the heat pump. ✅ 5+ years on the cylinder. ✅ Clear terms (e.g., "parts and labour covered for 5 years").

Red Flags: ❌ 1-year warranty (avoid - likely a cheap, unreliable model). ❌ No warranty details (installer may not stand behind their work).

2. Installation Warranty

  • Standard: 2-5 years (covers workmanship errors).
  • What’s Covered? Leaks, poor pipework, electrical faults.
  • What’s Not Covered? Damage from DIY modifications, lack of maintenance.

What to Look For: ✅ At least 5 years (shows installer confidence). ✅ MCS-certified installation (required for BUS grant).

3. Aftercare and Maintenance

  • Annual servicing is essential for warranty validity and long-term efficiency.
  • Some installers include a free service in the first year.

What to Look For: ✅ Annual service plan (£100-£200/year). ✅ Emergency call-outs (24/7 support). ✅ Parts availability (e.g., "spare parts held in UK stock").

Red Flags: ❌ No mention of servicing (installer may not care about long-term performance). ❌ "Servicing not required" (false - heat pumps need annual checks).

How to Vet Your Installer: Checking MCS, Reviews, and Subcontracting Policies

Even the best heat pump quote is worthless if the installer is unreliable. Here’s how to check their credibility.

1. MCS Certification: The Non-Negotiable

  • MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) is required for the BUS grant.
  • Check an installer’s MCS number here: MCS Installer Search.

What to Look For: ✅ MCS-certified (ask for their certificate number). ✅ TrustMark registered (government-endorsed quality mark).

Red Flags: ❌ No MCS number (cannot claim BUS grant). ❌ Vague about certification (e.g., "we’re working on it").

2. Customer Reviews: What Are Others Saying?

  • Check Google, Trustpilot, and Which? Trusted Traders.
  • Look for reviews from the past 12 months (older reviews may not reflect current service).

What to Look For: ✅ 4.5+ star rating (with 50+ reviews). ✅ Detailed feedback (e.g., "installation took 2 days, no issues"). ✅ Responses to negative reviews (shows they care about complaints).

Red Flags: ❌ No online presence (avoid - could be a fly-by-night operator). ❌ Multiple complaints about delays or poor workmanship.

3. Subcontracting: Who’s Actually Doing the Work?

  • Some large installers (e.g., British Gas, Octopus Energy) subcontract to local firms.
  • Ask: "Will you be doing the installation, or will it be subcontracted?"

What to Look For: ✅ In-house installation team (better quality control). ✅ Named subcontractor (if applicable, check their reviews too).

Red Flags: ❌ No clear answer (could mean they’re using unvetted subcontractors). ❌ "We use multiple subcontractors" (quality may vary).

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) Grant: How It Appears on Your Quote

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) offers £7,500 off your heat pump installation. But not all quotes handle it the same way.

1. How the BUS Grant Should Appear on Your Quote

✅ £7,500 deducted upfront (you only pay the remaining balance). ✅ Installer applies on your behalf (you don’t need to claim it yourself). ✅ MCS-certified installation (required for the grant).

Example:

ItemCost (Before BUS)Cost (After BUS)
Heat pump (Mitsubishi Ecodan)£12,000£4,500
Cylinder (Gledhill)£2,000£2,000
Radiator upgrades£1,500£1,500
Labour£3,000£3,000
Total£18,500£11,000

2. What If the BUS Grant Isn’t on My Quote?

  • Ask the installer: "Will you apply for the BUS grant on my behalf?"
  • If they say no, they may not be MCS-certified - avoid them.
  • If they say yes but don’t deduct it, they might be overcharging you.

3. BUS Grant Eligibility Checklist

To qualify for the £7,500 grant, your installation must: ✅ Replace an existing fossil fuel system (gas, oil, LPG, or electric). ✅ Be MCS-certified. ✅ Use a heat pump with a SCOP ≥ 2.8. ✅ Be installed by an MCS-certified installer.

Not Eligible?

  • New builds (unless replacing a temporary heating system).
  • Hybrid systems (heat pump + gas boiler).
  • Properties in Scotland (Scotland has its own scheme: Home Energy Scotland).

FAQ

1. How many heat pump quotes should I get?

Aim for 3-5 quotes from different installers. This gives you a range of prices and designs to compare. Use our find an MCS installer tool to get started.

2. What’s the difference between CoP and SCOP?

  • CoP (Coefficient of Performance): Measures efficiency at a single temperature (e.g., 7°C outdoor).
  • SCOP (Seasonal Coefficient of Performance): Measures average efficiency over a year (more realistic).
  • Look for SCOP > 3.5 for low running costs.

3. Can I install a heat pump myself to save money?

No. Heat pump installations must be done by an MCS-certified installer to qualify for the BUS grant and warranty coverage. DIY installations are not eligible for any grants.

4. How long does a heat pump installation take?

  • Air source heat pump: 2-3 days.
  • Ground source heat pump: 5-10 days (due to groundworks).
  • Hybrid system: 3-5 days.

5. What happens if my heat pump breaks down?

  • Check your warranty (most cover parts and labour for 5-10 years).
  • Annual servicing is required to keep the warranty valid.
  • Some installers offer 24/7 call-outs (check your quote).

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