# Compare the complete scope of heat pump quotes

Lesson 1 of [Compare quotes and commission a heat pump](https://heatpumppros.fyi/academy/compare-and-commission-heat-pumps.md), 12 minutes.

Two heat pump quotations can have different totals because they describe different jobs. A useful comparison makes those differences visible before you choose a provider. The CMA's consumer guide recommends clear prices, a description of the products and work, and written explanations of changes. The worksheet in this lesson is a suggested way to apply that advice; it is not a prescribed contract form or an engineering specification.

## Build one comparison sheet

Use the same rows for every proposal: equipment, installation, additional building work, controls, hot water arrangements, taxes, funding assumptions and ongoing costs. Ask the provider to distinguish the product price from the installation price. The CMA specifically recommends that separation, along with identifying applicable taxes and whether a grant has been included. Check current funding eligibility independently rather than assuming that a deduction in a quote proves approval.

For an air-source installation, ask what work is included at the outdoor position and indoors. For a ground-source project, ask what ground works and environmental checks are included and who carries them out. These are scope questions, not instructions on how those works must be done. If an item is not relevant, ask the provider to explain why instead of silently leaving the row blank.

## Compare the proposed outcome

Write down whether each quote includes space heating, hot water and any requested cooling. Record any radiators, pipework, controls or storage proposed as part of the project. The CMA identifies these as possible heat pump considerations. Ask which changes follow from the property's assessment and which are optional. Do not compare a whole-system proposal with an equipment-only price as though the outcomes were identical.

When two providers disagree, send each the specific unresolved question. For example, ask why a radiator change is included in one proposal and not in another, and request the assessment basis. Do not choose between technical answers solely because one has fewer line items. Seek clarification or independent advice when the reasoning remains unclear.

## Read projections alongside assumptions

The CMA recommends written projections of cost savings or performance based on the property's assessment. Keep these next to the relevant quote. Ask which energy prices and operating assumptions support the projection, what evidence is supplied and what might change. Avoid treating an advertised saving as a contractual guarantee unless the written terms actually establish one.

Running costs can be affected by energy prices and other external factors. You do not need to invent a future tariff to compare proposals. Instead, ask providers to explain differing assumptions so you can see whether the difference comes from the system, the proposed scope or the calculation. Record any unanswered issue rather than replacing it with a guess.

## Clarify changes and continuing costs

A quote given before assessment may change after the property is surveyed. The CMA says changes should be clearly explained and put in writing. Ask for the revised scope and reason, not just the revised total. Check what servicing, maintenance or other continuing costs are included or excluded, and how any later additional work would be agreed.

Finish by checking payment and deposit terms in writing, along with cancellation, complaint and warranty information. Local consumer law and business purchasing protections vary, so obtain advice for your jurisdiction and contract type. Your decision record should show the complete proposal you accepted, the assumptions you understood and the issues resolved before commitment. That record will also help if you later need to ask why delivered work differs from the agreement.

## Sources

- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/buying-green-heating-and-insulation-products-consumer-guide/buying-green-heating-and-insulation-products-a-consumer-guide
- https://www.gov.uk/guidance/find-a-heat-pump-installer

Also on the [web page](https://heatpumppros.fyi/academy/compare-and-commission-heat-pumps/compare-complete-quotes).