Installers of Heat Recovery and Ventilation Systems in the UK

Written-by

Janet Richardson

Reviewed-by

Richard Burdett-Gardiner

Updated on

Sep 05, 2024

Installers of Heat Recovery and Ventilation Systems in the UK

Whether you are getting the insulation upgraded in your roof or want to install a heat recovery system, you need to find the right person with the right qualifications to do it. There are some excellent companies out there that will provide you with all the advice and the high standard of service you require but there are, as with any industry, organisations and practices to avoid. Opting for a heat recovery and ventilation system or something like a heat pump, you need to ask yourself some questions first and make sure you are choosing the right technology.

Things to consider before contacting a heat recovery installer

What do you want to achieve? If you simply want to reduce your energy bills and make sure you are as green as possible, then a heat recovery system could well be ideal for your property. Is your house airtight enough? Heat recovery systems work better in more modern houses that are airtight. In older houses, there are many nooks and crannies where heat can escape into the outside world, essentially defeating the object of the technology. You can opt for a retrofit but the cost of it may not outweigh the benefits.
Find out if a heat recovery and ventilation system is for you.

Have you done everything to reduce those energy bills? That includes adequate loft and cavity wall insulation, double glazing and installing an energy efficient boiler. Is there enough room for a heat recovery and ventilation system? If you are retrofitting then you will not only need to install the main unit but the ducting into each room as well. Is a heat pump the answer? 
A ground source or air source heat pump can transfer heat energy for use in your home or business.

Will a boiler flue economiser save me money? Heat recovery from a flue economiser fitted to your boiler can help reduce its energy usage by between 5 and 15%. Many modern boilers come with one fitted as a matter of course but they can be retrofitted if you have the right kind of boiler.

Where to find the best installers

If you are intent on having a renewable or energy efficient technology installed then it’s best to get more than one quote when you have decided which way you want to go. You can search the Renewable Hub database for a list of installers in your area, including those who deal with heat recovery and ventilation systems, heat pumps and flue economisers.

• Search for installers in your area.
• Compare different installers.
• See ratings and read reviews online and leave your own.

What to look for in a heat recovery installer

A good installer will be able to give you the advice you need to make a more informed decision. They should visit your home or business and give it a full survey before deciding what can and can’t be done and how much it costs. If they are involved in installing renewable energy technology such as heat pumps and solar panels, they should be registered with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme and be a member of the Renewable Energy Consumer Code.

If you have searched our database you and invited an installer round to your home then you might want to write down a few questions to ask them such as:

• How long have they been installing heat recovery and ventilation units (or any other technology)?
• How many people have they serviced and can you have at least one to contact to see how the job went?
• Are they members of any professional bodies or trade organisation?
• Do they have liability insurance?

Make sure you do your homework on the technology beforehand so that when the installer/sales person visits you can check their expertise. As you get deeper into the visit, you will need to ask if the company subcontracts any of their work out to third parties and how long their warranty is for the unit they are planning to install. Our top tip: It’s always a good idea to have a cooling off period so you can consider the offer more fully. Never sign a contract on the first visit.

There are certain things that should ring alarm bells if you have invited an installer to your home for a quote on some work.

Firstly, if they start offering special deals if you sign a contract there and then. Secondly, if they stay too long and keep trying to convince you they are the right choice for your property. A reputable installer will always allow you time to think and will usually leave you with the quote and estimates of energy savings for you to have a read over and make will themselves available if you should have any more queries. Unfortunately, we can all fall foul of heavy handed sales techniques and it often takes a strong will to resist.

If you are worried that you are going to have a problem with this side of things then invite a friend or family member to be with you during the visit. Fortunately, if you choose to search for installers for your heat recovery system through our database, you can be sure you are getting someone who is reputable and is likely to deliver a good deal and competent service