The answer
Why can two heat-pump quotes look impossible to compare?
Two prices may cover different jobs. Compare the room heat-loss figures, water temperature, radiators, hot-water cylinder, electrical work and anything left out. Ask each installer to fill in the gaps before choosing.
01 / 03
Compare the whole job, not just the heat pump
A complete quote should cover warm rooms, hot water, controls, unit position, electrical changes, repairs to finishes, testing and support afterwards. Two pumps of the same size do not mean two identical jobs.
02 / 03
Compare the design before applying the grant
A grant changes what you pay, not whether the heating will work. Compare the full system and price first, then look at what funding might reduce your cost.
03 / 03
Ask what could change after the survey
Some early prices depend on later checks. Find out what could change the final price and whether you can review the design before you commit.
What are you getting for the quoted price?
Two heat-pump quotes may use different water temperatures, radiators, hot-water cylinders or electrical work. The cheaper total does not show which system will keep your home warm or whether extra costs are coming. Compare the heat needed in each room, what will happen to each radiator and the estimated electricity use.
Then check who will choose the outdoor-unit position, handle permissions and grid paperwork, test the system and show you how to use it. A clear exclusion is manageable; a missing cost that nobody has mentioned is not. Give each installer the same details about your home.
What to check next
Your next steps
Where we checked the facts
Check the original information.
These official pages back up the rules and technical details above. They can change, so check them again before spending money or starting work.
Apply this to your own property
Could a heat pump work at your property?
Every property is different. A free survey checks heat loss, hot water and radiators to see whether a heat pump may fit before a system is priced.