Installing an air source heat pump is one of the most effective ways to futureproof your home — but what actually happens during the installation process?
At Latent Heat Edinburgh, we believe in being clear and upfront about what to expect. Whether you live in a modern property or a traditional stone-built house in the Lothians, this guide will walk you through each stage of your heat pump installation.
🛠 Step-by-Step: What Happens During Installation?
1. Home Assessment & Heat Loss Survey (Pre-Installation)
Before we touch a spanner, we start with a detailed heat loss survey of your property. This tells us:
- How much heat your home needs
- What size of heat pump is right for you
- Whether your radiators or insulation need an upgrade
We’ll also talk you through your options and provide a clear, itemised quote — no jargon, no pressure.
2. Securing Funding (If Applicable)
Most of our customers apply for funding via Home Energy Scotland. We’ll help guide you through the application, using the information from your quote and survey.
Typical grant support:
- £7,500 grant (or £9,000 in rural areas)
- Plus interest-free loan
We don’t start work until your funding is approved and everything is in place.
3. Preparing Your Home (1–2 Days Before Installation)
We’ll agree on a start date and discuss any prep needed, such as:
- Clearing access to where the outdoor unit will go
- Identifying where the indoor cylinder and controls will be installed
- Making sure you have space for a hot water cylinder (if you don’t already)
Don’t worry — we’ll help you plan all of this well in advance
4. Installation Begins (Typically up to 2 weeks)
5. Outdoor Unit Installation
The external unit is typically placed:
- On a base pad next to your house
- In a well-ventilated area.
- With minimal noise — modern units are extremely quiet
It will connect to the inside of your home via insulated pipework, neatly run to suit your property layout.
6. Indoor Cylinder & Controls
Heat pumps don’t just heat your home — they also provide hot water, so we install a hot water cylinder (usually in an airing cupboard or utility room or other free area).
We’ll also fit:
- A smart control system and thermostat
- Any required upgrades to radiators or pipework
All work is carried out by our qualified engineers (employees – not subcontracted labour) to MCS standards.
7. System Testing & Commissioning
Once everything is installed, we:
- Thoroughly test the system
- Balance radiators (if applicable)
- Set up the controls for your daily schedule
- Walk you through how to use your new heating system
You’ll also receive an MCS certificate, which confirms your installation is eligible for grants and meets energy standards.
8. Aftercare & Support
At Latent Heat Edinburgh, we don’t disappear once the job’s done.
- We offer full aftercare and servicing
- If anything doesn’t feel right, we’re just a phone call away
- We can return for any system optimisations in the first few months
🏠 Will There Be Disruption?
We keep disruption to an absolute minimum. You’ll still have:
- Running water and power during installation
- Regular updates from our friendly team
- A tidy workspace — we treat your home like our own
For most installations, heating and hot water downtime is less than a day.
📍 Why Choose Latent Heat Edinburgh?
We’re proud to be one of Scotland’s leading independent installers of air source heat pumps. Based in Edinburgh, we work across Edinburgh the Lothians, Fife, and the Borders — offering a personal service and local expertise.
✅ MCS-accredited
✅ Specialists in retrofit and rural homes
✅ Grant support and honest guidance
✅ Friendly, tidy, and professional engineers
🚀 Ready to Get Started?
Want to know what installation might look like in your own home?
Book a free heat pump consultation with our expert team and we’ll guide you every step of the way.