What is heat pump surveys and quotes?
A heat-loss survey measures how much heat each room needs in winter and checks how a heat pump could supply it. It should lead to usable design information, rather than just a headline unit size or a sales estimate based on bedroom count.
Signs you may need heat pump surveys and quotes
- You want to find out whether a heat pump suits the house before replacing the boiler.
- Installer estimates propose very different outputs or radiator changes.
- An extension or refurbishment will alter room sizes and heating demand.
- You want independent design information before comparing installation offers.
What the specialist checks and does
- Measure rooms, windows and exposed surfaces and record construction and insulation.
- Calculate room heat losses using stated indoor and outdoor design temperatures.
- Assess radiator output, underfloor circuits and accessible pipework.
- Check cylinder space, outdoor siting, access, noise constraints and electrical provision.
- Explain the report, proposed flow temperature and running-cost assumptions.
An EPC, a quick sales visit and a detailed heat-loss design are different services. Ask whether the fee includes an emitter schedule, a cylinder specification, a noise assessment and a written report you may share with other installers. A desktop review may help at an early stage, but hidden construction and site constraints still need checking.
Before you ask for a quotation
Have floor plans, insulation records and recent energy bills available if possible. Mention rooms that are difficult to heat, planned alterations and how much hot water the household uses. Allow access to all heated rooms, the cylinder cupboard and the outdoor position; agree whether furniture needs moving beforehand.
Indicative cost and time
The site’s UK guide is £150–£500. This covers a paid survey or assessment. Some installers offer an initial visit free or credit a survey fee against installation. Detailed independent design or additional reporting may cost more; agree the deliverables first.
The indicative timeframe is 2–4 hours. Confirm what this covers, availability and any separate equipment lead time with the firm.
Qualifications, funding and permissions
Planning rules vary between UK nations and depend on the property and proposed unit. Do not assume an existing heat pump position or a neighbour's installation gives permission for yours. Check siting, noise, listed-building restrictions and any freeholder consent before ordering. Building Regulations and any required electrical or unvented-cylinder certification must be dealt with separately; MCS certification alone is not a blanket building-control approval. Read the Planning Portal guidance for air source heat pumps in England and confirm the position for your UK nation and property.
Finishing the job and keeping records
Ask when the written report will arrive and whether revisions are included if the building plans change. Running-cost estimates should state electricity tariffs, assumed seasonal performance and hot water use. They are projections, not a promise about future bills.
Frequently asked questions
Is an EPC the same as a heat-loss survey?
No. An EPC is an energy-performance assessment. A heat pump design needs more detailed room heat losses and checks of emitters, pipework and installation constraints.
Can I share an independent report with installers?
Ask the surveyor about ownership and permitted use before booking. Installers may still need to verify measurements and take responsibility for their own final design.
Is the survey always free?
No. An initial sales assessment may be free, while a detailed survey or independent design can be charged. Confirm the price, report contents and any installation credit in advance.
Air Source Heat Pump Cost is a consumer matching service. One online enquiry can bring up to four quotations from independent local specialists, depending on the work, coverage and availability. We do not carry out the work or employ the specialists. Companies joining the network are asked to provide relevant insurance details and references.
Describe your heat pump enquiry to request quotations without an obligation to accept.