Guidance

Find a heat pump installer

Find a qualified installer to replace your boiler with a heat pump.

It’s important to choose a suitable and qualified tradesperson to install a low carbon heating system in your property.

You should choose a Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) installer if you plan to apply for government funding, such as through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.

This means:

  • they are technically competent
  • the products they use meet the correct standards

MCS certified installers must also be registered with a consumer protection scheme such as RECC or HIES, so you’re protected should anything go wrong.

Search for an installer

Use this service to find a MCS certified installer in your area.

Search

We recommend you get quotes from more than one installer to make sure you’re getting the best value for money.

Before you start

Check if a heat pump could be suitable for your property.

Check if you’re eligible for a grant under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme or a Home Energy Scotland loan.

Find out if your project will need planning permission. Check with your installer or contact your local planning authority (LPA) through your council.

Check with your home insurance provider to ensure they cover any work you plan to do on your property.

What to ask your installer

  • How long will the installation take and how long might I be without heating or hot water? – Most heat pumps will take a team of 2 people a couple of days to install but it can take longer

  • Do I need to upgrade my electricity supply? If so, how much will this cost? – Most heat pumps can be installed without having to make changes to your electricity supply

  • Are there any changes I can make to my property to reduce my bills, or allow me to get a smaller heat pump? – For example, wall installation, new radiators, or a new hot water tank

  • Do I need to contact other tradespeople to carry out part of the work or will you complete the whole installation?

  • Are you able to self-certify that your work complies with building regulations? – Installers can self-certify if they are part of a Competent Person Scheme; this means you won’t need to get separate building regulations approval for the work

  • How often should the heat pump be serviced? – Regular servicing is often a requirement of guarantees and warranties

Installers should never put pressure on you to sign a contract or offer cheaper deals if you sign up today. Take your time to make the correct decision for your property.

After your heat pump is installed

If you used an MCS certified installer, you should get an MCS commissioning certificate within 10 days of completion. This certificate contains important information which will be useful if you later have questions about your installation.

Published 5 July 2022