Step-by-Step Heat Pump Installation Timeline for Older Homes

Quick Summary

Are you a UK homeowner considering a heat pump for your older home but worried about disruption, duration, or the process? You’re not alone. Many homeowners feel anxious about switching from a traditional boiler to a modern air source heat pump.

In this blog, you’ll learn:

• The complete heat pump installation timeline UK

• How an air source heat pump retrofit process works for older homes

• Tips to minimize disruption and maximize efficiency

By following this step-by-step guide from Air Source Company, you’ll know exactly what to expect, reduce stress, and ensure a smooth, professional installation.

Introduction: Heat Pump Fitting in Old Houses

Switching to an air source heat pump in older homes comes with unique challenges — including insulation upgrades, compatibility with radiators, and dealing with listed or solid-wall properties. Knowing the heat pump installation timeline UK helps homeowners plan better, apply for grants like ECO4 or BUS, and avoid surprises.

At Air Source Company, we’ve installed hundreds of heat pumps across the UK. In this guide, we break down every stage of the installation process so you can prepare your home and family for a seamless retrofit.

Stage 1: Pre-Installation Survey

What Happens:

A qualified MCS-certified installer visits your property to:

• Review insulation levels (loft, walls, floors)

• Check radiator and pipework compatibility

• Confirm space for the outdoor unit

• Assess EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) requirements for grant eligibility

Why It Matters:

Older homes often need additional insulation to work efficiently with low-temperature heat pumps. The survey ensures you don’t pay for unnecessary work and identifies the exact upgrades needed.

Tip: Booking a pre-installation survey early helps prevent delays and ensures your property meets grant requirements.

Stage 2: Insulation and Home Preparation

Before installation, your home must be optimized to retain heat. Typical upgrades include:

• Loft insulation (adding or topping up)

• Cavity wall insulation or internal wall insulation for solid walls

• Draught-proofing windows and doors

• Double glazing or secondary glazing in colder rooms

Air Source Company coordinates all insulation work, often making you eligible for ECO4 or BUS funding to reduce upfront costs.

Why It Matters: Proper insulation maximizes heat pump efficiency, ensures comfort, and prevents underperformance in winter.

Stage 3: Heat Pump Installation

Once your home is ready, the installation begins. This involves:

1. Outdoor Unit Placement: Typically on a wall bracket or ground pad, in a shaded, accessible spot.

2. Indoor Unit Installation: Connects to the central heating system, often in a utility room or near existing boiler.

3. Pipework & Radiators: Old radiators may need resizing or upgrading for optimal performance. Low-temperature radiators are common for older homes.

4. Electrical Connection: Ensuring the heat pump has a dedicated circuit and meets UK wiring regulations.

Timeline: Installation usually takes 2–4 days, depending on home size, number of radiators, and insulation work.

Stage 4: System Commissioning & Testing

After installation, the system is tested thoroughly:

• Check flow temperatures and system pressure

• Balance radiators for even heat distribution

• Test smart thermostats and controls

• Monitor performance in different rooms

Tip: Commissioning is crucial. Without proper balancing and testing, radiators may feel cold or uneven.

Stage 5: Grant Claiming & Paperwork

With Air Source Company, the grant process is straightforward:

1. Installer submits your application to Ofgem for BUS or ECO4 grants.

2. Confirm EPC and property eligibility.

3. Receive the grant voucher and complete installation cost adjustments.

Tip: Only use MCS-certified installers — applications from uncertified installers will be rejected.

Stage 6: Post-Installation Support

Even after installation, support continues:

• Adjust flow temperature based on season

• Monitor performance for the first few months

• Schedule annual maintenance checks

Air Source Company provides ongoing support to ensure your heat pump continues running efficiently for years.

Realistic Timeline Summary

Stage	Duration	Notes
Pre-installation survey	1 day	Includes EPC & insulation assessment
Insulation & prep	1–2 weeks	Can overlap with grant paperwork
Installation	2–4 days	Outdoor & indoor units, pipework
Commissioning & testing	1 day	Includes radiator balancing & thermostat setup
Grant claiming	1–2 weeks	Installer-led submission
Post-installation adjustments	Ongoing	Seasonal tweaks & maintenance

Overall: From initial survey to fully operational heat pump, expect 2–5 weeks for older homes, depending on property size and complexity.

FAQs

1. How long does it take to install a heat pump in an old house?

A full heat pump installation in an older UK home usually takes 2–4 days. With pre-installation insulation upgrades and grant paperwork, the entire process can extend to 2–5 weeks depending on property size and complexity.

2. Do I need insulation before installing a heat pump?

Yes. Proper loft, wall, and floor insulation is essential. It helps your heat pump operate efficiently, keeps rooms warm, and ensures your property qualifies for grants like ECO4 or BUS.

3. Can my old radiators work with a heat pump?

Older radiators can sometimes work, but many homes require resized or low-temperature radiators to maintain comfort at the lower flow temperatures typical of air source heat pumps.

4. Who manages the grant application for ECO4 or BUS?

The MCS-certified installer handles the entire grant submission. They ensure your property meets eligibility requirements, EPC standards, and that documentation is submitted correctly.

5. Will installation disrupt my daily routine?

Minimal disruption is expected. Most installations are completed in 2–4 days, while insulation and prep work can be scheduled flexibly to reduce inconvenience.

6. What support is provided after installation?

After installation, Air Source Company monitors your system, adjusts flow settings, and provides ongoing maintenance guidance to ensure your heat pump operates efficiently year-round.

About Air Source Company

Air Source Company – Trusted UK Heat Pump Partner

We provide full-service air source heat pump installation, radiator assessments, EPC upgrades, and grant assistance. Our MCS-certified engineers ensure your system works efficiently while helping you access maximum funding.

📞 Worried about your heat pump installation timeline? Contact Air Source Company today for a free survey and expert guidance.

We manage everything from property assessment to installation, commissioning, and grant submission — ensuring your older UK home is warm, efficient, and stress-free.