How To Use This Suffolk Heat‑Pump Readiness Checklist
Picture this: you live in an Ipswich mid‑terrace with thin loft insulation and compact radiators, and you’ve been quoted for an air‑source heat pump only to be told “we’ll see at survey”. This checklist helps you avoid that uncertainty.
If you’re a Suffolk homeowner, landlord or property manager preparing for a heat‑pump survey, this guide shows what to measure, what to photograph and what to flag for a smoother design and accurate quote. In our experience, owners who prepare these notes reduce survey time and hidden upgrade costs.
Start room‑by‑room with a tape measure, your EPC and photos of radiators, cylinder space, consumer unit and potential outdoor siting. New to heat pumps? Read our primer: what is an air source heat pump. Clima Tech is MCS, REFCOM, NICEIC and Gas Safe accredited and will turn your notes into a heat‑loss and system design.
Whole‑House Checks: Insulation & Airtightness
Your home’s fabric dictates the heat‑pump flow temperature and efficiency. Check loft depth (aim for 270 mm), even coverage and gaps around hatches or downlights. If joists are visible, mark upgrade.
Identify wall construction. Cavity walls usually benefit from infill; solid walls typically need internal or external insulation. A common issue we see is homeowners underestimating draughts at skirtings, suspended floors and old sash windows — these undermine low‑temperature systems.
Room‑By‑Room Emitters: Radiators & Underfloor
Low flow temperatures (typically 45–50°C) need generous emitters. Measure height, width and type of every radiator and note room dimensions. Small single panels and towel rails often fail to meet the load—mark them for upsizing or replacement.
Prioritise living rooms, halls and frequently used bathrooms. If ground‑floor underfloor heating is present, that’s ideal for low‑temperature delivery. For practical guidance on emitter sizing and pipework, see heat pump ready radiators and pipework.
Pipework & System Hydraulics
Flow matters for noise, efficiency and pump sizing. Identify microbore runs (8–10 mm) feeding multiple rooms — these typically need upsizing to 15–22 mm. Primary runs to cylinders and manifolds are best kept at 22–28 mm to reduce pressure drop.
Note existing pumps, zone valves and whether rooms warm evenly; uneven heating usually points to balancing or pipework restrictions. If the system water looks dirty, plan for cleaning and fresh inhibitor at installation — it protects components and preserves COP.
This image was generated with AI and may not always represent the product or service exactly.
Hot Water Readiness: Cylinder, Space & Safety
Check whether you have a heat‑pump‑rated unvented cylinder with a sufficiently large coil. Most family homes need roughly 180–300 L depending on occupancy and showering habits; note the stamped make and capacity if present.
Measure cylinder cupboard access and space for valves, an expansion vessel and pipe insulation. Ensure a blending valve is possible for safe tap temperatures and plan timed pasteurisation for legionella control. See our guidance on cylinders here: hot water cylinders for heat pumps.
Electrics & Controls
Photograph your consumer unit and note spare ways, RCD/RCBO protection and main fuse rating. A common surprise is inadequate spare ways for the heat pump, immersion and controls; some homes need modest consumer‑unit or supply upgrades.
List existing controls (room stats, TRVs) and check Wi‑Fi reliability for smart features and remote diagnostics. Weather compensation and subtle set‑backs keep rooms steady and efficient. For likely electrical requirements, see electrical upgrades for heat pumps.
Outdoor & Indoor Siting: Airflow, Drainage & Noise
Choose a firm, level base with clear intake and exhaust paths, away from bedroom walls and recirculation corners. Measure distances to doors, windows and boundaries and allow maintenance access and a safe defrost drain route.
Indoor plant should be accessible with space for cylinder, pumps and filters. If your property is rural with land available, consider whether ground‑source is worth exploring. Practical siting tips are in our location guide: choosing the right location for an air source heat pump.
Planning, Heritage & Suffolk Rules
Many installs proceed under permitted development if size and siting rules are met. In Conservation Areas or listed buildings, visibility and finish matter — early discussion with planning avoids delays.
Measure nearest boundary and note any planning constraints. A common issue we see is late submission of simple noise or visibility details that then push out installation dates.
This image was generated with AI and may not always represent the product or service exactly.
Running Costs, Grants & Long‑Term Value
Good insulation and low flow temperatures raise COP and reduce bills. If you have or plan solar PV, schedule hot‑water charging to daytime to cut electricity costs. In our experience, pairing PV with a heat pump delivers the best running‑cost outcomes for homeowners who can shift loads to daylight hours.
Check eligibility for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and your EPC recommendations before committing. Start here: boiler upgrade scheme. Clima Tech will confirm grant details at survey.
What Most People Get Wrong
Most homeowners focus only on the outdoor unit and forget pipework, cylinder space and emitter size—these interior details often dictate whether upgrades are needed and how much the system will cost to install.
When This Doesn’t Apply
This checklist is focused on typical Suffolk homes. If you manage high‑rise flats, highly serviced commercial buildings or industrial premises, a bespoke survey and commercial design approach will be required instead.
Your Pre‑Survey Quick Checklist
- Measure room sizes and radiator dimensions
- Photograph consumer unit, cylinder cupboard and proposed outdoor area
- Note main fuse rating, spare ways and EPC
- Record wall type, loft depth and any conservation constraints
- Share notes with Clima Tech for an MCS‑accredited survey
Case Snapshots: Ipswich Terrace Vs Framlingham Farmhouse
Ipswich terrace: Top‑up loft, upgrade main lounge radiator and add TRVs; expect a compact ASHP and a 180–200 L cylinder. Framlingham farmhouse: Whole‑house underfloor heating or a plant room may be required; check land for trenches or boreholes and power capacity for longer primary runs.
Aftercare, Maintenance & Warranties
Plan annual servicing to protect warranties. Keep magnetic filters and strainers clean, maintain correct system pressure and top up inhibitor. Use weather compensation and small set‑backs rather than frequent on/off cycling to protect components and improve comfort.
When you are ready, share your notes and photos with Clima Tech to book an accredited survey: start here or request a survey through our contact page during booking.
FAQs
Should I upgrade radiators before the survey?
No — measure and note them first. A survey gives exact sizing and will tell you whether simple upsizing, a new panel or underfloor heating is most cost‑effective.
How will I know if my property qualifies for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
Eligibility depends on current fuel type, EPC and installer confirmation. Bring your EPC to the survey and we’ll check grant suitability and next steps.
Is three‑phase power ever necessary for a domestic heat pump?
Rarely for standard domestic ASHPs. Three‑phase is usually only needed for very large loads or commercial/GSHP plant — your survey will confirm supply requirements.
What should I prioritise if I have a limited budget?
Improve loft insulation, draught‑proof primary leakage points and ensure living‑area emitters are adequate. These steps often give the biggest comfort and efficiency gains for the least cost.
How do I book an MCS survey with Clima Tech?
Gather your checklist items and photos, then contact Clima Tech to arrange an MCS‑accredited survey. We’ll review notes in advance to target the site visit efficiently.