Choosing the right installer for your air source heat pump
Once you’ve made the decision to opt for an air source heat pump, you’ll want to do your research. It’s a big decision and you want the project to go as smoothly as possible. One of the ways you can make sure you get it right is by choosing the right installer to partner with.
That’s why we’ve pulled together this quick guide to choosing the right installation company. At Saltire, we believe we have unmatched levels of skills, experience, and expertise which make us the clear choice. However, you should always do your homework, and we want to help you through it.
How do I choose the right installation company?
The quality of your installer is critical to the installation of your air source heat pump, as well as the overall performance and running costs you’ll experience in the years ahead. Here are some of the questions you should ask any potential installer before making your final decision.
Business information and experience
- Is the company MCS registered? – if not (or if the company name differs from that on the register) you will not be able to claim RHI payments
- Is the company properly insured?
- Find out how many years the company has been in business – 43% of installation companies fail within three years and you need long term maintenance for peace of mind
- Will you use subcontractors? If so, who are they?
Installer experience and accreditations
- How many ASHP have you installed ever, and in the last year?
- Are you a member of trading standards approved code?
- Are you a member of SNIPEF?
- Are you a member of Gas Safe?
- Are you a member of Construction Line?
Workmanship
- Which air source heat pumps do you install?
- Are you manufacturer approved?
- What is the duration of your workmanship warranty?
- Is the warranty insurance backed?
- What is the manufacturers warranty?
(A workmanship warranty would cover issues such as plumbing leaks, structural problems, the mounting plinth, etc. The minimum workmanship warranty by law is one year.)
Design and project planning
- Will you do a risk assessment prior to beginning?
- How will you make sure we communicate regularly?
- Will you share a full design with floor plans?
- Where would you site the pump?
- Where will internal components be sited?
- How about underfloor design or radiator locations?e
- Will you run an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) assessment?
- Can you share room by room heat loss calculations?
- What RHI payments will I be entitled to?
- Will you finalise the RHI paperwork through to completion?
Pricing and contracts
- Will you send a salesman to my home?
- Am I under pressure to make a decision quickly?
- Will the price be double checked via a site survey before I am asked for a deposit?
- Does you offer insurance-backed third party insurance on claims made by the installing company on RHI and running costs?
(Avoid any installer whose quote states that any additional components or labour costs will be totalled up at the end of the installation. This is a tactic some installers use to make the initial price of the project seem lower than it will be at completion.)
Things to consider
Great ASHP installation companies come in all sizes, however you should be very sure they are MCS registered.
If your installer will use a subcontractor, be sure that you’ll have access to them if anything goes wrong.
An ASHP investment is a large purchase, so you need to feel confident in your chosen installer. Over the years you need to be able to rely on them for maintenance and repairs.
Decision time
At Saltire, we know we’re the full package. We’re experienced installers, are fully accredited, and can offer you the peace of mind that only a large company can offer. If you’re ready for an initial conversation, talk to us today.
