Describe the dwelling and the future envelope
Prepare plans, room uses, available consumption records and the insulation or window work envisaged. Record which conditions are known and which need examination. Heating equipment should be considered against the intended building, not simply a previous appliance rating. Ask the designer to explain how the assumptions affect the proposed solution.
Check compatibility with the existing distribution
List emitters, controls and the parts of the installation to be retained. Discuss the operating conditions and changes needed with the installer. A proposal for a generator may exclude adaptations to distribution, electrical supply or hot water. Have those interfaces identified and priced before interpreting the quoted equipment cost as the finished project cost.
Compare equipment at the relevant conditions
Request the reference and the basis of the proposed sizing. Ask how the selection relates to the dwelling’s needs and the system’s operating conditions. Distinguish a manufacturer's published figure from a calculation for the actual project. This page does not provide a universal sizing formula or an efficiency forecast for an individual home.
Study the installation location and interfaces
Discuss available space, maintenance access, noise, vibration, water discharge and electrical connections. Consider neighbouring sensitive areas when comparing locations. Assign preparation and reinstatement of the building to the appropriate trades. If a connection is outside the installer’s offer, identify who carries it out rather than leaving it as an unassigned exclusion.
Agree commissioning and operating guidance
Record the checks, settings and documents expected at handover. Ask for a demonstration of controls and an explanation of servicing the installed model. Keep changes from the original design visible in the final file. Check financial assistance separately with official services; an equipment quotation does not confirm grant eligibility or the amount available.
Your preparation checklist
- Future building condition described.
- Existing distribution assessed.
- Sizing assumptions explained.
- Installation constraints studied.
- Associated works assigned.
- Commissioning and instructions agreed.
Questions before you commit
Can I size a heat pump from the old boiler output?
Have the relevant need and operating conditions assessed for the intended dwelling instead of assuming the old rating is suitable.
Does a catalogue efficiency guarantee my consumption?
Actual operation depends on the installation, building and use. Ask how the proposed assessment relates to those conditions.
Sources and the scope of this guide
This English guide covers the same project need as its French counterpart, with an editorial explanation in English. It is not a professional survey or a translation of foreign rules to France. Check current official requirements and the documents applying to your building and contract.
French reference: ADEME : se chauffer avec une pompe à chaleur
French reference: France Rénov’ : choisir une pompe à chaleur