Answer first
Ask the installer to demonstrate the weather-compensation curve, schedule, hot-water settings, boost and any backup heat. Record the commissioned values before experimenting.
Confirm the MCS certificate route, warranties, design information, maintenance requirements and contact details. Then monitor comfort and electricity with weather context during the first weeks.
Controls and safe operation should be explained to the customer
View sourceChange settings methodically so results remain interpretable
View sourceFunded renewable installations require the relevant certification evidence
View sourceNeed help after a heat-pump installation?
Share the property, current heating and the question holding up your decision. FLO will explain what to check next without pushing you into a survey.
Walk through normal operation
See how to adjust room targets, schedules and hot water without entering engineer menus. Ask what the outdoor unit, pumps and cylinder normally sound like.
Understand the hygiene cycle, immersion and emergency or backup heat so unexpected electricity use can be identified.
Check comfort room by room
Confirm emitters warm evenly and target temperatures are achieved. Report air, noise, cold rooms or leaks while commissioning information is fresh.
Ask for the design temperatures and heating curve so later adjustments have a known starting point.
Collect the document pack
Keep the room heat-loss summary, emitter schedule, equipment data, commissioning results, electrical certificates, warranties and MCS information together.
Photograph serial numbers and controller screens. Know who handles product warranty, workmanship issues and routine servicing.
Monitor the first heating period sensibly
Record daily electricity, room temperatures and outdoor weather. Avoid changing several controls at once because the result becomes impossible to diagnose.
A gradual rise in energy use as weather cools is expected. Abrupt unexplained changes, regular boosts or rooms missing their targets should be reviewed.
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Questions people also ask
Should I change the heating curve immediately?+
Start with the commissioned setting and change only if comfort evidence supports it.
What documents should I receive?+
Design and commissioning information, user instructions, electrical and MCS evidence where applicable, plus warranties and contacts.
When should the first service happen?+
Follow the manufacturer and installer schedule stated at handover.
Evidence used for this answer
Figures are explained in context and links go to the independent source. Prices, tariffs, scheme rules and standards can change, so check the source again before making a financial or technical decision.
- MCS domestic heat-pump guideConsumer guidance covering design, installation, controls, handover and maintenance.
- MCS heat-pump design standardTechnical requirements for heat loss, equipment selection, domestic hot water and system design.
- Energy Saving Trust: the most efficient way to run a heat pumpGuidance on weather compensation, longer run periods, setbacks, radiators, hot water and smart energy use.
- Home Energy Scotland Grant and LoanCurrent eligibility, grant, optional loan, rural uplift and MCS requirements for Scottish homeowners.