Heat Pump Quotes in Leicester — Questions That Uncover Hidden Costs
Last reviewed: 2 October 2026
The cheapest heat pump quote isn't always the cheapest job. These are the questions that uncover hidden costs in Leicester homes, with the answers you should expect and what each extra typically costs.
Ask before you sign
Most “hidden” costs aren’t hidden at all: they’re things the quote didn’t mention. Asking the right questions before you sign brings them into the open, so you can compare quotes fairly.
”Which radiators are you replacing?”
Expect: a list by room, based on the heat loss calculation.
Why it matters: heat pumps run the heating water cooler than a gas boiler, so some radiators need to be bigger. In a Leicester Victorian terrace with solid brick walls, that’s usually three to five, typically the front room with the bay and the back bedroom over the kitchen.
Typical cost if missed: £350–£600 per radiator.
”Have you checked for microbore pipework?”
Expect: a clear yes or no, and a plan if it’s present.
Why it matters: plenty of Leicester homes had heating installed in the 1970s and 80s using thin 8–10 mm microbore pipes. At heat pump temperatures they may not carry enough water. Replacing sections means lifting floorboards.
Typical cost if missed: £500–£2,000.
”Where will the cylinder go, and is the building work included?”
Expect: a named position (airing cupboard, landing, cellar), a size, and whether any cupboard needs building.
Why it matters: many Leicester terraces have a combi boiler and no cylinder. Finding space can mean building a cupboard or using the cellar.
Typical cost if missed: £1,600–£2,500 for the cylinder and fitting, plus any joinery.
”How will the outdoor unit get into the back yard?”
Expect: a plan for access — through the house, along the jitty, or over a wall.
Why it matters: many Leicester terraces have no side access. Carrying an outdoor unit through the house takes extra hands and floor protection.
Typical cost if missed: £200–£800.
”Does the noise calculation pass at my neighbour’s window?”
Expect: a predicted figure at or below 37 dB(A), with the unit position shown.
Why it matters: in narrow back yards, if it doesn’t pass, you’ll need a planning application, or an acoustic enclosure, or a different position.
Typical cost if missed: £300–£1,000 for acoustic measures, plus planning time.
”Is the electrical work included?”
Expect: a dedicated circuit, any consumer unit upgrade, and notification to National Grid Electricity Distribution, which runs the East Midlands network.
Typical cost if missed: £400–£800 for a consumer unit.
”Will you need an asbestos survey?”
Expect: a yes for most pre-2000 homes where pipes, flues or ceilings will be disturbed.
Why it matters: old pipe lagging, boiler flues and textured ceilings in Leicester’s older housing can contain asbestos. It must be identified before work disturbs it.
Typical cost if missed: £200–£500 for a survey; removal from £500.
”What about Leicester’s hard water?”
Expect: a system flush, a magnetic filter, a heat pump-rated cylinder coil and, if scale is already a problem, a scale reducer.
Why it matters: Severn Trent’s water in Leicester is hard, typically 220–280 mg/l of calcium carbonate. Scale reduces the cylinder’s efficiency over time.
”Is making good included?”
Expect: a clear statement of whether plaster, flooring and decoration around new pipes and radiators will be repaired.
Why it matters: “making good by others” means you’ll pay a decorator afterwards.
”Are you including the planning application?”
Expect: a clear view on whether your home needs consent (listed, or in one of Leicester’s 25 conservation areas with a front-facing unit), and who handles it.
Things that should never cost extra
- The survey and heat loss calculation
- MCS registration and certificate
- Commissioning and handover
- Removing the old boiler
- Applying for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant
Could you pay nothing at all?
Before comparing quotes, check Leicester City Council’s Warm Homes: Local Grant. Households with an income under £36,000 in privately owned homes rated EPC D to G may get a heat pump and insulation free.
See what a heat pump would look like in your Leicester home
The mechanism is the same in every UK home; the design is specific to yours. Our team carries out a free in-home survey including a full room-by-room heat-loss calculation, identifies the system size and configuration that fits your property, and provides a written quote with the £7,500 BUS grant already deducted.
You'll see the actual figure you'd pay — not an estimate — and the projected efficiency for your specific install.