How to Choose an Air to Air Heat Pump Installer (MCS and F-gas Checks)

How to choose an air to air heat pump installer

Check three things first: the business is F-gas certified (a legal must for handling refrigerant), it's MCS certified specifically for air to air heat pumps if you want the £2,500 grant, and it bases the quote on a room-by-room heat loss calculation. Then compare quotes on what's included, the warranty and aftercare.

The checklist

F-gas company certificate. Ask for the certificate number and check it with the certification body (for example REFCOM, Quidos or BESCA).
MCS certification for air to air (MCS 031 b). Search the MCS installer directory and confirm air to air is listed, not just air-to-water.
Heat loss calculation. The quote should be based on each room's heat loss, not just its floor area.
Clear quote. Every indoor and outdoor unit with model numbers, electrics, pipework, trunking, condensate pumps, making good, and the £2,500 grant deducted if eligible.
Siting plan. Where the outdoor unit goes and how it meets the 42 dB limit.
Permissions. Who handles planning checks, listed building consent or freeholder consent.
Warranty. Equipment warranty length, any extension for approved installers, workmanship warranty, and whether it's insurance-backed.
Servicing. How often, how much, and whether it's needed for the warranty.
Consumer protection. MCS installers must belong to a consumer code (such as RECC or HIES). Deposits should be protected.

Red flags

A quote without a survey or heat loss figures
Claims of a "£7,500 grant" for air to air
Pressure to sign the same day
A large deposit before an Ofgem grant voucher is issued
Vague answers on F-gas or MCS numbers

Get matched with installers

Tell us about your home and we'll pass your enquiry to up to three F-gas certified installers who cover your area. Get quotes.

Questions

What certifications does an air to air heat pump installer need?

F-gas certification is legally required to handle refrigerant. For the £2,500 grant, the installer must also be MCS certified for air to air heat pumps (MCS 031 b).

How do I check an installer is MCS certified?

Search the MCS installer directory and check that air to air heat pumps are listed for that business.

Sources

Checked 8 November 2026.