A heat pump installer is an MCS certified engineer who designs, supplies and installs air source heat pump (ASHP) and ground source heat pump (GSHP) systems for homes and commercial buildings. Heat pumps extract renewable energy from the air or ground and are the UK government's primary decarbonisation technology for home heating. MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) certification is mandatory for the installer if the customer wishes to claim the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) grant worth up to £7,500. Installers must also hold an F-Gas Category I licence to handle refrigerants.
What they do
- Site surveys and heat loss calculations to size the system correctly
- Air source and ground source heat pump system design
- Pipework and refrigerant installation (F-Gas licensed)
- Commissioning and handover including controls setup
- Boiler Upgrade Scheme applications on behalf of the customer
- System design for underfloor heating integration
- Hybrid heat pump systems alongside existing boilers
- Annual servicing and maintenance
When you need one
A heat pump installer is needed whenever you want to replace fossil fuel heating with a low-carbon alternative or install renewable heating in a new build.
Typical costs (UK, 2025)
| Job type | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Air source heat pump 8kW (supply and install) | £8,000 - £13,000 |
| Air source heat pump 12kW (supply and install) | £10,000 - £16,000 |
| Ground source heat pump (supply and install) | £15,000 - £30,000+ |
| Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant deduction | -£7,500 |
| Annual service | £100 - £200 |
| F-Gas handling charge | Included in install |
Costs vary by property size, system type and location. Ground source costs include groundworks. Always obtain at least two MCS certified quotes and confirm the BUS grant will be processed by the installer.
Qualifications to look for
MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) certification is the government-backed quality standard for heat pump installers. It is mandatory if the customer wants to claim the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant. Verify at mcscertified.com before appointing.
Heat pump refrigerant circuits contain F-gases regulated under UK F-Gas legislation. Installers must hold F-Gas Category I certification from an accredited body and be registered with Refcom to legally handle, recover and charge refrigerants.
The BPEC (Building & Plumbing Engineering & Controls) heat pump qualification covers system design, pipework, commissioning and controls and is widely held by qualified installers alongside MCS certification.
How to find a reputable heat pump installer
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant?
The BUS grant is worth £7,500 for both air source and ground source heat pumps - deducted from the installer's invoice so you never handle the money. Your property must have a valid EPC with loft and cavity wall insulation recommendations addressed to be eligible.
Do heat pumps work with radiators?
Yes but for best efficiency the radiators need to be sized to work at lower flow temperatures of 35-45C rather than the 60-70C of a gas boiler. A qualified installer will calculate whether your existing radiators are adequate or need upgrading.
How long does heat pump installation take?
An air source heat pump installation typically takes 2-3 days. Ground source with horizontal trenches takes 3-5 days including groundworks. Ground source with boreholes takes 5-10 days.