Consultant Checklist: What to Ask When Scoping a Heat Pump Partner

Specifying a heat pump system for a public sector building isn’t just about picking the right product — it’s about choosing the right partner.

As a consultant, you’re under pressure to deliver systems that meet energy and carbon targets, comply with complex funding and building regulations, work within restricted timelines and budgets — and perform in the real world.

So how do you make sure the installer you recommend or work with will deliver?

At Finn Geotherm, we’ve worked alongside M&E consultants, architects and estates teams for nearly 20 years. We know what success looks like — and we know where it often goes wrong when the wrong questions don’t get asked early.

Here’s our 10-point checklist to help consultants and specifiers scope and select a heat pump partner with confidence.

✅ 1. Is renewable heating their core business — or a bolt-on?

Specialists do it better. Finn Geotherm only installs heat pumps — it’s all we do, and have done since 2006. If renewables aren’t their core focus, you risk gaps in knowledge, compliance, and design foresight.

✅ 2. Do they design systems in-house, or just install what’s provided?

Bespoke design is critical to performance, especially in public buildings with mixed-use zones, live environments, and unique DHW requirements. We handle design, delivery and commissioning — all in-house.

✅ 3. Can they support your funding bid or compliance process?

Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS)? SALIX? Low Carbon Skills Fund? We’ve delivered almost £6m of PSDS installations and can provide detailed energy modelling, feasibility studies, technical designs, and lifecycle reporting.

✅ 4. How do they handle electrical capacity planning and grid upgrades?

Heat pumps are part of a wider electrification shift. We manage DNO engagement and substation upgrades ourselves — like we did at Diss Leisure Centre — reducing project risk and cost.

✅ 5. Do they subcontract installation, or use their own engineers?

We use our own qualified team, with minimal subcontracting – and only then do we employ contractors whom we have longstanding working relationships with. This means tighter control, smoother delivery, and full accountability — from initial design to post-install support.

✅ 6. What experience do they have with complex or “difficult” buildings?

Heritage constraints? Tight plant rooms? High DHW loads? We specialise in solving challenges others avoid — from listed theatres to high-occupancy housing.

✅ 7. Can they provide proof of performance on previous projects?

Ask for specific examples with measurable outcomes. Our installs typically deliver 60–70% carbon savings — and we’re proud to back that up with case studies and testimonials.

✅ 8. Are their systems built with estates teams in mind?

We design for long-term operation, not just installation. That includes intuitive controls, cloud-based diagnostics, BMS integration, and remote monitoring to make estate management easier.

✅ 9. How do they handle commissioning and aftercare?

We complete full system commissioning, provide training for site teams, and offer ongoing service and maintenance — all delivered by the same engineers who installed the system.

✅ 10. Are they prepared to make the system visible — not just functional?

From plant rooms with interpretation boards to live dashboards and educational installations, we help our clients turn their system into a showcase of sustainability — as we did at Kriekels House.

The Bottom Line?

A heat pump isn’t just a product — it’s a promise. A promise of performance, of carbon savings, of public money well spent.

As a consultant, the partner you choose reflects on your reputation. So ask the right questions. Look beyond the price. And pick a team that’s proven, passionate, and prepared to deliver.

At Finn Geotherm, we don’t just tick the boxes — we raise the bar.