Heat Pump Week: Choosing the right installer

Choosing a trusted expert

As more and more homeowners look to reduce carbon emissions and replace their old gas boilers, heat pumps have become a popular solution. But when it comes to installing these systems, it’s essential that you work with a trusted expert professional.

Let’s remind ourselves what heat pumps are and how they work. Heat pumps are highly efficient home heating systems that extract heat from the outside air to provide heating and hot water inside your home. This process makes them over 300% more efficient than traditional gas or oil boilers.

Why do I need an expert?

One of the main reasons to hire a trusted heat pump installation expert is their knowledge and experience. These professionals have undergone industry standard training and have years of experience in installing heat pump systems. For example, our Heat Pump Installer Network (HPIN) installers have all trained via our academy and had hands on, practical experience. 

Aren’t all heat pumps the same?

Not all heat pumps are created equal, and designing the right one for your home is crucial. An expert installer will assess your home and your family’s specific needs. Some of the things they will look at include:

• The size of your home and its heat loss
• Where to place your external unit and the internal water cylinder
• The insulation in your home including loft, cavity and wall insulation
• What temperature you want the system to operate at for heating and hot water.

All this ensures you and your family get the best system in terms of performance and efficiency for your home.

Can’t I just swap a boiler for a heat pump?

Installing a heat pump is not as simple as plugging it in and turning it on. It involves complex electrical and plumbing work that requires precision and expertise. Your chosen heat pump installer should ensure that the installation is carried out safely and efficiently in line with the design document. Doing this will minimise the risk of any future problems and give you the best system for your home.

Your Heat pump installation must comply with any local building regulation such as homes that are in conservation areas. There may also be some scenarios where you will need planning permission for your heat pump from your local authority.  Your installation company should have considered all of this as part of your consultation and subsequent system design. 

A heat pump that is installed correctly by an expert will perform better and last longer. Your installer will ensure that all components are functioning as they should, to maintain the efficiency and performance of the system. They will also make sure that you have a proper and thorough handover at the end of the installation. You’ll be shown how the system and controls work and how to keep your heat pump working at its best. 

What if things go wrong?

An incorrect installation can lead to a host of problems down the line, including system malfunctions and increased energy bills. By having the right installer, you can reduce the risk of these issues, as the installation is done right the first time.

Most heat pump manufacturers offer warranties on their products and some of these can be extended for an extra charge. You can also take out a servicing package which will cover your annual service in much the same way as you would have had your boiler serviced. 

Finding the right installer 

When looking for a heat pump installer, do some research. Look for installers with positive reviews on platforms such as Trustpilot and read what their current and previous customers have to say.

You can also ask friends and family for referrals, as personal recommendations often go a long way. Here at EDF Heat Pumps if your friend or family refers you to us, and your install goes ahead, both of you will get £250 cash back as a thank you!

What to look for from an installer

Ensure your heat pump installer is correctly certified and qualified. This guarantees that they have the necessary training and qualifications to perform the job safely and effectively. Here are some questions you can ask of your prospective installer. 

• Are you MCS certified? (This is essential for quality assurance and to access government grants like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.)
• How many heat pumps have you installed, and can I see customer reviews or case studies?
• Are you part of a recognised network or partnered with an energy supplier (e.g. EDF)?
• How long is the warranty on the heat pump and installation work?
• Do you handle the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) grant application for me?
• Do you provide ongoing maintenance or servicing?
• How quickly can you respond if something goes wrong?

Finally, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from several installers before making a decision. This allows you to compare services and  ensure you get the best system for your home.

As you can see, there is a fair amount to think about when choosing your heat pump installer. If you’re thinking about installing a heat pump this Heat Pump Week, get in touch and we’ll get your started on your journey.

Ready to start your heat pump journey?

Our team are ready to help you get started on your heat pump journey. Drop your details in the form below and we’ll call you back at a time that suits you.