Installing a heat pump may seem complicated and unpredictable at first. How long does the installation take? What preparations are needed? When should you decide on the type of unit, and when does the actual installation work begin?
In reality, a professionally organised heat pump installation is a straightforward process consisting of a series of interlinked steps. If each stage is carried out in the correct order, the installation will be quick, predictable and safe in terms of subsequent operation.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the entire process, from the first phone call right through to the handover of the system, so that you know exactly what to expect if you’re planning to install a heat pump system.
How is a heat pump installed?
Although every property is different, the process of installing a heat pump typically involves the same main steps:
- Initial contact and first consultation
- on-site survey
- preparation of technical proposals and quotations
- preparation for construction
- installation of equipment
- commissioning and fine-tuning
- handover, training and documentation
The aim of the process is to ensure that the system operates economically, reliably and energy-efficiently in the long term.
If you haven’t yet chosen the right system, it’s worth reading A comprehensive guide to heat pump types — air-to-water, air-to-air, geothermal, hybrid our article entitled […], which helps you navigate the various options.
Contact
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On-site survey
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Technical quotation
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Order
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Procurement of equipment
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Installation
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Commissioning
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Handover and training
Average duration:
The entire process typically takes a few weeks, depending, of course, on the availability of equipment and current production capacity.
Step 1 – Making contact and the initial consultation
Every project begins with a conversation. When first making contact, the contractor endeavours to to gather as much basic information as possible about the property and about ideas.
Frequently asked questions:
- What is the floor area of the building?
- whether it is a new build or a refurbishment
- What sort of heating system is currently in use?
- The property is fitted with a radiator or underfloor heating system
- whether there will be a need to produce domestic hot water
- Is it important to have the option of cooling in summer?
In many cases, it can be useful to send the floor plan at this stage, as this enables the specialist to assess the likely technical requirements in advance.
Step 2 – On-site survey
Our quotation is always based on an on-site survey. Although a great deal of information can be provided over the phone or by email, nothing can replace an in-person site visit. During the survey, we examine the following, amongst other things:
- the building’s thermal characteristics
- the existing mechanical systems
- the best location for the outdoor unit
- the condition of the electricity network
- the possibility of draining condensation
- the route of the pipelines
- noise protection and aesthetic considerations
This is the stage at which details often come to light that can significantly influence the final technical solution. A well-prepared survey can prevent many problems later on.
Step 3 – Technical proposal and detailed quotation
The detailed technical quotation is drawn up on the basis of the survey. A proper quotation does not merely include the price of the equipment, but all the key components of the entire system. Ideally, it should include:
- the type of heat pump recommended (from the Daikin range of heat pumps)
- the required power
- buffer tank or DHW storage tank
- control system
- installation works
- electrical connections
- commissioning
- warranty terms and conditions
- expected construction timetable
A detailed quotation includes
When making a decision, it is not worth considering price alone. It is also important to look at exactly what technical specifications are included in the quote, as there may be significant differences between two seemingly similar quotes.
Step 4 – Preparing for the work
Once the offer has been accepted, the organisational phase begins. The following takes place at this stage:
- ordering equipment
- the procurement of installation materials
- arranging a date for the work to be carried out
- any necessary electrical preparations
- construction of the base for the outdoor unit, if necessary
In the case of a newly built property, the coordination of mechanical and electrical works often takes place at this stage.
Step 5 – The days leading up to the heat pump installation
During the actual installation of the heat pump, the installation team works on the indoor and outdoor systems simultaneously.
Interior work
The following will be completed at the indoor unit:
- the hydraulic connection
- Connecting the buffer tank
- Connecting the domestic hot water tank
- connecting the heating circuits
- the design of the insulation
Outdoor work
It takes place on the outdoor side:
- Mounting the outdoor unit
- positioning of vibration-damping elements
- installation of pipework
- installation of electrical connections
The design of pipework is particularly important, as the correct route, insulation and fixing have a significant impact on the long-term operational reliability of the system. More on this Air conditioning ducting rules - how to make your system durable, safe and aesthetically pleasing You can read about this in our article entitled [...].
For an average detached house, the installation of a heat pump usually takes two to five working days, but for more complex refurbishments, it is worth allowing for a longer installation period.
Step 6 – Commissioning and system configuration
Once the installation is complete, it is time for one of the most important parts of the system: commissioning.
In such cases, the specialists carry out the following:
- the pressure test
- loading the system
- the venting
- configuration of the control system
- the setting of the heating curve
- specifying the parameters for domestic hot water
- testing the cooling function (if available)
- checking error codes and safety functions
The correct settings have a significant impact on the system’s energy consumption and comfort levels. A well-tuned heat pump operates more efficiently than a system running on its factory default settings.
Step 7 – Handover and induction
The installation is not complete once the system is switched on. During the handover, the technician will explain in detail:
- how to use the user interface
- how the thermostat works
- how to use the mobile app
- setting the timers
- basic maintenance tasks
Modern Daikin heat pump systems can also be controlled via a smartphone, so the heating and cooling settings can be adjusted remotely.
Part of the handover the necessary documentation, the warranty documents and provision of the user guide is.
How long does the whole process take in total?
For most detached houses, you should allow 3–6 weeks from the initial enquiry to handover. This timeframe is primarily influenced by the following factors:
- availability of the selected equipment
- current construction capacity
- the condition of the property
- any modifications to the electricity network
The installation work itself is completed in a relatively short time; most of the time is usually taken up by preparation and scheduling.
What speeds up the installation of a heat pump?
To ensure the project runs smoothly, it is very helpful if the client can provide some basic information right from the outset. These include, for example, the floor plan, known technical specifications and documentation of the electrical system. The more thorough the preparation, the fewer unexpected issues will arise during the project.
What sort of errors slow down the construction process?
The most common problems include:
- incomplete technical information
- inadequate mains supply
- claims amended retrospectively
- unfinished mechanical engineering space
- changing the location of the outdoor unit at a later date
These factors may also have an impact on costs.
If you are interested in finding out about the advantages and possible disadvantages of working with a general contractor during a construction project, we recommend Heat pump installation: with a general contractor or a separate expert? our article entitled ….
Why do so many people choose Daikin heat pumps?
There are many excellent manufacturers on the market, but Daikin heat pumps have been key players in the premium category for many years. Their popularity is due, amongst other things, to the following features:
- outstanding energy efficiency
- quiet operation
- reliable supply of spare parts
- intelligent control
- advanced remote control options
- long service life
When selecting the right appliance, the specific characteristics of the property in question are always the deciding factor; therefore, a bespoke design is required in every case.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to install a heat pump?
The actual installation work usually takes 2–5 working days, whilst the entire process, from the site survey to handover, typically takes 3–6 weeks.
Can the installation be carried out in an occupied house?
Yes. In most cases, the work can be organised in such a way that the property remains habitable throughout, with only a brief interruption to the heating or hot water supply.
Do I need to replace the existing heating system entirely?
Not necessarily. In many cases, the existing system can be retained, either in part or in full, provided it is in a technically sound condition and is compatible with the heat pump.
Can a heat pump be installed in winter?
Yes. The work can be carried out for most of the year, although spring and autumn are often more ideal due to weather conditions and the need for temporary heating.
When can the system be used for the first time?
Following successful commissioning and the necessary checks, the system is usually ready for use straight away.
How cost-effective is a heat pump in the long term?
This depends on the building’s characteristics, the insulation, energy prices and the system’s design. If you’d like to see detailed calculations, read our article entitled ‘Payback period for a heat pump investment’, where we use specific examples to illustrate the expected return on investment.
Request a personalised quote for a heat pump installation!
Every property is different, which is why selecting and installing the right heat pump system always requires a bespoke design. During an on-site survey, our experts assess the building’s characteristics, determine the optimum capacity and draw up a detailed, transparent quotation for the entire project.
Why should you choose us?
- Personalised on-site assessment
- Premium quality Daikin heat pumps
- Comprehensive implementation, from design to commissioning
- Transparent pricing and precise scheduling
Get in touch with us today and find out how you can install a state-of-the-art, energy-efficient heat pump system in your property!