Finding an installer

Once you’ve worked out what kind of heating system is right for your home, you’ll need to find someone to fit it. We recommend you use an installer who is certified under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). All installers or suppliers should be able to provide a detailed breakdown of the specification and costs of their proposed system.

We recommend you get at least three quotes from three different installers. Don’t compare installers on cost alone – the cheapest may not be the best option. There are lots of review sites online where you can see how other customers have rated a company.

Depending on the kind of property and installation, you may also need to get planning permission or a building warrant from your local planning authority. Make sure you have the right permissions in place before beginning installation.

Finally, check with your home insurance provider to make sure your policy covers the changes to your home and make any adjustments you need.

Advice on installing renewables

For gas and LPG boilers, the installer must be Gas Safe registered. For oil boilers, we recommend that you use an OFTEC registered installer.

It’s worth getting three quotes from different installers, and you may also want to check that installers have a local office and customer references that you can review (check for online reviews too).

Check TrustMark, a government-endorsed quality scheme, to find trusted installers.

Your registered installer will ensure that your system complies with current building regulations and will make sure you get all the documentation to prove this. Keep these documents safe as you will need them when you sell the property.

Gas

If you are installing or replacing a fixed (wall-mounted or otherwise) gas heater then you will need to use a Gas Safe Register installer.

Electric

You should always use a qualified electrician to fit or replace storage heaters. You can use the Competent Persons Register to find an electrician who is registered with a government-approved accreditation scheme. Please note, the Competent Persons Register doesn’t cover electricians in Northern Ireland.

Portable heaters can be bought from DIY or home furnishing shops and do not need to be installed by a professional. You can just take them home and use them when you need them – but watch out, these can be expensive to run.