A step-by-step guide to heat pump installation

Transitioning to a heat pump is an exciting step towards a more comfortable, energy-efficient, and sustainable home. While the prospect of upgrading your heating system might seem daunting, at Fornax, we believe the process should be as smooth and transparent as possible. Our expert team is dedicated to guiding you through every stage, ensuring a seamless journey from initial enquiry to enjoying your new, efficient heating system.

Let's demystify the heat pump installation process, step by step:

Step 1: Initial Consultation & Comprehensive Site Survey

Your journey begins with a conversation. We want to understand your current heating situation, your specific needs, and your aspirations for your home's comfort and energy use. This initial discussion helps us get a preliminary understanding of your project.

Following this, a Fornax heat pump specialist will conduct a thorough site survey at your property. This isn't just a quick look; it's a meticulous assessment that includes:

• Existing Heating System Analysis: Reviewing your current boiler, radiators, pipework, and hot water cylinder.
• Property Assessment: Examining your home's construction, insulation levels (walls, loft, windows), and overall air tightness.
• Heat Loss Calculations: Crucially, we perform detailed room-by-room heat loss calculations to determine precisely how much heat your home needs to stay warm in even the coldest weather. This ensures your new heat pump is perfectly sized.
• Location Planning: Identifying optimal locations for the outdoor heat pump unit, indoor hydro box, hot water cylinder, and all necessary pipework, considering aesthetics, noise, and accessibility.
• Electrical Infrastructure Check: Assessing your home's electrical supply to ensure it can support the new system.

This detailed survey is the cornerstone of a successful heat pump installation, ensuring the system we design for you is perfectly tailored to your unique home.

Step 2: Bespoke System Design & Transparent Quotation

Armed with the data from your site survey, our engineers get to work designing a bespoke heat pump system specifically for your property. This isn't about fitting a standard solution; it's about crafting an optimal heating solution that considers:

• Optimal Heat Pump Model & Size: Selecting the most efficient heat pump with the right capacity for your home's exact heat loss requirements.
• Hot Water Solution: Integrating the ideal hot water cylinder solution to meet your family's demand.
• System Components: Specifying radiators (if upgrades are needed), pipework, controls, and any necessary buffer tanks.

Once the design is complete, you'll receive a comprehensive and transparent quotation. This will clearly detail:

• The proposed heat pump system and all its components.
• The full cost breakdown of equipment and installation.
• Expected performance and potential energy savings.

We’ll talk you through every aspect of the proposal, answering any questions you may have and making sure you're completely comfortable before proceeding. This is also where we can discuss applicable government grants, like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), and how Fornax handles the application and claim process.

Step 3: Scheduling & Pre-Installation Preparation

Once you've approved the proposal, we'll work with you to schedule the installation dates at your convenience. We aim to minimise disruption and complete the work efficiently.

Before our team arrives, we'll provide you with simple guidance on preparing your home:

• Clearing Access: Ensuring clear pathways to the installation areas (e.g., where the outdoor unit will go, inside utility rooms).
• Protecting Valuables: Moving any delicate items from the immediate work zones.
• Temporary Arrangements: If your old heating system is being removed, we'll discuss any temporary heating solutions if needed for very cold periods.

Rest assured, Fornax handles all necessary notifications and applications for building regulations, MCS certification, and DNO (Distribution Network Operator) approval for connecting your new heat pump to the electrical grid.

Step 4: The Installation Days

This is where your new heating system truly takes shape. Our highly trained, certified engineers will carry out the installation with professionalism and minimal disruption. A typical heat pump installation can take anywhere from 3 to 7 days, depending on the complexity of your home and the scope of work.

During this phase, our team will:

• Remove Old System (if applicable): Safely decommission and remove your old boiler and associated tanks.
• Install Outdoor Unit: Position the external heat pump unit securely, ensuring proper airflow and minimal visual impact where possible.
• Install Indoor Components: Fit the hot water cylinder, add a buffer or volumiser, and adapt any necessary pipework connections.
• Electrical Connections: Make all electrical connections safely and to current regulations.
• Radiator/Underfloor Heating Integration: Connect the heat pump to your existing (or newly upgraded) heating distribution system.

Our team prides itself on working cleanly and efficiently, treating your home with the utmost respect. We ensure debris is minimised and work areas are tidied at the end of each day.

Step 5: Commissioning & Handover

Once the physical installation is complete, our engineers will meticulously commission the entire system. This critical step involves:

• System Filling & Pressure Testing: Filling the heating system with water and testing it for leaks.
• Electrical Checks: Verifying all electrical connections and components are safe and functioning correctly.
• Performance Optimisation: Setting up the heat pump's operating parameters, balancing the system, and ensuring it runs at peak efficiency. This includes calibrating flow temperatures and weather compensation settings.
• System Testing: Running the heat pump through various cycles to confirm it is heating your home and producing hot water effectively.

Finally, we'll conduct a comprehensive handover session with you. This is your opportunity to learn how to operate your new heat pump system, including:

• Understanding the controls and thermostat.
• Setting schedules and adjusting temperatures.
• Basic troubleshooting tips.
• Information on your warranty and annual servicing.

You'll receive all relevant manuals and documentation, along with essential contact information for any queries or support you may need.

Step 6: Aftercare & Ongoing Support

Our commitment to your comfort doesn't end when the installation is complete. Fornax offers comprehensive aftercare and support, including:

• Post-Installation Check-ins: We'll follow up to ensure you're completely happy with your new system.
• Aftercare Support: We’ll continue to monitor and optimise the performance of your heat pump to make sure you’re comfortable and that your heat pump is tuned properly. 
• Maintenance Services: Advice on routine homeowner maintenance, and options for professional annual servicing to keep your heat pump running efficiently for years to come.

Your journey to a warmer, more sustainable home is a partnership, and Fornax is with you every step of the way. Contact us today to begin your heat pump installation process!