How to Choose a Heat Pump: Six Questions Before You Buy

Choosing a heat pump starts with a clear brief, not a model number. Before requesting prices, describe the comfort you want and the constraints of your property. This guide focuses on air-to-water systems; other heat pump types need a different system assessment.

1. What must the system do?

List space heating, cooling and domestic hot water separately. Not every configuration provides all three. Record occupancy, preferred room temperatures and hot-water peaks. For a hotel or workplace, add opening hours, simultaneous demand and continuity requirements; a domestic checklist is not a commercial design.

2. What climate must it work in?

Ask the designer to state the local winter design temperature and the proposed water temperature. Request the selected model’s heating output at those conditions, rather than relying on a headline rating. Ask how defrost and any backup heating are included in the proposal.

3. Why is floor area not enough?

Insulation, windows, ventilation and ceiling height also matter. Ask for a room-by-room heat-loss assessment before accepting the final size. Energy Saving Trust explains why this calculation underpins system sizing.

4. Can you keep the existing heating system?

Ask which radiators, underfloor circuits, pipes and hot-water cylinder can remain, and which require changes. Have the installer explain the proposed operating temperatures. An electrical professional should check the available supply; do not assume the existing connection is sufficient.

5. Where will equipment go?

Review the outdoor location, access for servicing, drainage and sound near bedrooms or neighbouring properties. Follow the model’s installation instructions and applicable local requirements, including refrigerant-specific precautions. Do not choose clearances from a generic blog.

6. What should you send with an enquiry?

Property location, plans, floor area and insulation information.
Existing heating equipment and recent energy bills, if available.
Heating, cooling and hot-water needs, with occupancy schedules.
Photographs of potential equipment locations and electrical supply details.
Budget, target installation date and planned renovations.

Ask each supplier to return a written design brief with assumptions and exclusions. Before choosing, resolve any differences in the proposed sizing or system scope. Contact Thermovo to discuss your requirements; final selection should follow a project-specific assessment.

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	a building brief and a documented equipment shortlist
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.

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