(Heat pump installation company site surveyor)

I visited the customer’s property to understand exactly what he wanted and to check that a heat pump installation was feasible.

My main concerns were that the customer clearly understood what they wanted, why they wanted it and what was involved. Once I knew the customer wanted a highly efficient heating and hot water system that that offered environmental benefits I was able to survey the site.

The customer had an underfloor heating system and lots of land space. He told me the ground loop should be at the rear of the property but unfortunately, we could not get access for the drilling rig. We found a suitable position in the front garden, where drilling could be done safely and with minimum disturbance to the garden.

It was necessary to agree the position of the heat pump in the garage, along with the buffer store and also the route of the pipes from the bore hole to heat pump. This was done with the consideration of the visual appearance but also for ease of installation and maintenance.

A full specification of required materials, and modifications to optimise the performance of the current heating and hot water systems, was put together allowing a formal quote to be given to the customer. All information was then passed to the project manager and the other partners (driller, electrician and installer) to advise of the job, with special consideration to include access for equipment down narrow country lanes, proximity of gas and water services, and overhead power lines.


What we learnt: Installing a ground source heat pump is a very extensive process. All options and outcomes must be considered before any work commences to make sure the process runs smoothly. Sometimes things do not go to plan but if the surveying process is completed carefully and in full, the chance of the unexpected arising is greatly reduced.