How to confidently choose the right heat pump installer in the UK

Key takaways

• Always choose an MCS-certified heat pump installer for peace of mind and to qualify for grants like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme or Home Energy Scotland support.
• A professional installation includes a full heat loss survey, proper system design, and checks on home insulation for maximum energy efficiency.
• Strong warranties, aftercare, and excellent customer service are essential.
• With Aira, you get expert design, installers trained at the Aira Academy, and our industry-leading 15-Year Aira Guarantee.

Investing in a heat pump is one of the smartest steps you can take towards a more sustainable, energy-efficient home. 

As the UK moves away from fossil fuels and embraces renewable energy, demand for skilled heat pump installers has never been higher. But here’s the truth: the success of your new heating system doesn’t just come down to the tech. It comes down to the installation.

Choosing the right heat pump installer is the most important decision you’ll make. It affects how well your air source heat pump performs, what your future energy bills look like, and how much peace of mind you’ll have in the years ahead.

Don't just take our word for it. In Sweden (where we’re from), heat pumps have been the heating standard for decades. And they keep our homes cosy through the darkest and coldest of winters.

Why choosing the right heat pump installer matters

A heat pump isn’t a plug-and-play appliance. Its efficiency depends on your home’s unique characteristics. A trustworthy heat pump installer does more than just fit the system – they act as an energy expert, designing the right solution for your property.

A poor installation risks higher running costs, wasted energy, and a home that never feels properly warm. But a professionally installed air source heat pump (like the Aira Heat Pump) delivers consistent comfort. Even in freezing conditions.

One survey conducted by one the UK’s biggest energy providers found 86% of households said their heat pump systems kept them warm during a UK cold snap. That’s the power of a well-installed system.

Learn more about what an air souce heat pump is and how it works.

Only choose approved and certified installers

Here’s the golden rule: only work with an MCS-certified heat pump installer. The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) sets the standard for safe, high-quality installations. Without it, your system may not qualify for grants like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme in England and Wales, or the Home Energy Scotland Grant & Loan.

Certification also ensures your heat pump manufacturer’s warranty is valid, and that your installer meets strict standards for renewable energy technology. For extra peace of mind, check for membership of the Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC). It’s another layer of protection for homeowners.

At Aira, all of our experienced heat pump installers are trained at the Aira Academy, accredited under MCS, and backed by our 15-Year Aira Guarantee. Oh, and we’re a Which? Trusted Trader. Learn more about what being a Which? Trusted Trader means for you.

Look for service and warranties that go the distance

A good installer doesn’t walk away once your central heating system is up and running. They stand behind their work. That means clear workmanship guarantees, extended warranties, and responsive support when you need it.

Excellent customer service isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s essential. Ask about aftercare, servicing plans, and response times. Strong aftercare means your heating engineer and/or installer is there long after the installation process is finished.

At Aira, as part of our all-inclusive plan, we include a maintenance visit every two years, around-the-clock support and our 15-Year Aira Guarantee. That’s how we keep customer satisfaction high and make clean energy effortless.

What a professional installation looks like

The installation process starts with a detailed home survey. Your installer should carry out a room-by-room heat loss survey, complete with heat loss calculations and a full heat loss assessment. This ensures your heat pump is the perfect size for your home.

They’ll also check your home insulation, window quality, and existing heating system – whether radiators or underfloor heating. Strong insulation levels are critical to maximise energy efficiency.

At Aira, our team designs every system to suit your home and future needs. Every step is handled by experts trained at our Aira Academy, from site survey to switch-on. Learn more about how we install our heat pumps.

Do your homework: customer reviews matter

Once you’ve shortlisted installers, dig into independent customer reviews. Look for recurring themes: professionalism, clear communication, tidy work, and systems that perform as promised. Customer reviews are often the clearest sign of whether you’re dealing with a trustworthy heat pump installer.

You can find our reviews on Trustpilot. Or, on our Which? Trusted Trader page.

Don’t be tempted by too-good-to-be-true quotes

Yes, heat pump prices vary. But a rock-bottom quote often means corners are being cut – whether that’s using poor-quality equipment or skipping the all-important heat loss assessment. 

A properly installed heat pump is an investment in efficiency and comfort. A rushed job or poor tech can leave you paying more in the long run.

Grants, planning permission, and paperwork

Government grants can make switching far more affordable. But only an MCS-certified heat pump installer are eligible for schemes like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, ECO4 and the Home Energy Scotland Grant & Loan. 

A good installer will also guide you through planning permission if it’s needed and help secure an up-to-date Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Be cautious of anyone who overpromises on funding without properly assessing your home.

At Aira, we’ll handle all the paperwork for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, so you don’t have to lift a finger. And, if you’re eligible, you’ll get £7,500 off your system. Because the individual must apply for the Home Energy Scotland Grant & Loan, we’ll help guide you through the process and answer any questions you have.

Final tips before you commit

Before signing anything:

• Compare at least three detailed quotes from MCS-certified heat pump installers.
• Ask for references from similar jobs.
• Make sure the contract includes the full scope of work, payment schedule, warranties, and aftercare.

At Aira, we keep it simple, with everything you need to switch under one roof. It starts with a free home energy assessment and a price-locked quote. If you’re eligible, we’ll take care of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme application and deduct £7,500 from your quote. 

Next comes a detailed technical survey, including a full heat loss calculation, to ensure your system is designed perfectly for your home. From there, our experts design and install your intelligent Aira Heat Pump and only leave once you’re completely comfortable with how your new heating system works. 

And for total peace of mind, you’ll get our all-inclusive plan plus the 15-Year Aira Guarantee – free for the first year.

The bottom line

A heat pump is one of the smartest upgrades you can make for your home. But its performance depends on the installer you choose. With the right partner, you’ll enjoy lower bills and a consistently cosy indoor temperature for years to come.

With Aira, you don’t just get a heat pump. You get expert design, experienced heat pump installers trained at the Aira Academy, and excellent customer service every step of the way. That’s why switching with Aira isn’t just a smart choice. It’s a no-brainer.