A heat pump replaces fuel use with electricity, but that does not mean every existing installation is automatically ready. Check whether the proposed system, backup heat and other large loads can operate safely together.
Ask what the design peak includes
Request electrical input at the winter design condition, the rating and purpose of any immersion heater or electric backup, and assumed simultaneous loads. An EV charger, induction hob, workshop or existing electric heating can change the answer. Your installer and a qualified electrician should assess the real supply rather than guess from a bill.
Separate normal operation from backup
Clarify when electric backup may operate: hot-water hygiene cycles, exceptional cold, defrost support, fault protection or a capacity shortfall. Ask whether it supplements the heat pump or switches over completely, and which settings determine that. The heat-pump thermostat guidance explains why controls and secondary heating must match the equipment.
Get the electrical scope itemised
The quote should name circuits, isolators, protective devices, cable route, consumer-unit changes, meter/service upgrade work and who obtains permissions. Do not accept “electrical work as required” without a pricing and approval process. Identify any network or landlord approval before ordering.
Plan resilient behaviour
Ask what happens during a power cut and restart, and whether frost protection needs power. If you consider solar, battery storage or time-of-use tariffs, confirm compatibility with the manufacturer’s controls rather than assuming every app coordinates correctly.
Make handover specific
At commissioning, ask to see normal heating, hot water, backup indication and fault notification. Keep setpoints and lockout temperatures in writing. Discuss your electrical checklist with Thermovo.
Before requesting a project quotation
| Check | Information to prepare |
|---|---|
| Project scope | State the country, project type, operating conditions and required delivery date. Identify which decisions still need an installer or designer. |
| Topic-specific evidence | an electrical assessment and the backup-heating operating plan |
| Responsibility and acceptance | Record who supplies, installs, commissions and services the equipment. Ask which documents and checks are included, and confirm exclusions in writing. |
This checklist helps define a request; it is not a model performance claim, installation design or promise of availability.
Relevant equipment · Request a project quotation — Installation and site planning · About Thermovo
Continue your project planning
Commercial Cascade Heat Pumps: Capacity, Redundancy and Controls · Buying a Heat Pump: From Supplier Selection to Handover
