Getting the size right matters. An undersized heat pump struggles in cold weather, while an oversized one costs more to buy and can switch on and off frequently, which wastes energy and wears components. Sizing from a rule of thumb, or simply matching the old boiler's output, is a common cause of poorly performing systems. A measured, room-by-room design avoids both problems and shows the reasoning behind every figure.
A surveyor visits your home to measure each room, window and wall before any heat pump is sized. For Aberdeenshire and Moray homes with extensions or loft conversions, each part of the house is assessed on its own construction. The survey in Aberdeenshire and Moray includes a check of where the outdoor unit could sit and how its sound would reach neighbours.
Who it suits
- Homeowners planning insulation or building work who want to know the effect on heat demand
- Homes with an existing heat pump that seems undersized or expensive to run
- Landlords comparing properties before deciding where to switch first
- Anyone getting a heat pump quote, as the first step
Grants and rules for heat pumps in Scotland
In Scotland, heat pump funding comes through Home Energy Scotland rather than the Boiler Upgrade Scheme: a grant of up to £7,500 (up to £1,500 extra for eligible rural and island homes) and an optional interest-free loan of up to £7,500. For a home in Aberdeenshire and Moray, apply and receive the written offer before the installation date is fixed.
There is no VAT on installing a heat pump anywhere in the UK, Scotland included, until 31 March 2027. Scottish permitted development rules and building standards apply, and the surveyor checks the unit position and any listed or conservation-area constraints.
Heat loss survey prices in Aberdeenshire and Moray
These are guide prices for Aberdeenshire and Moray, installed and including VAT. Your final price is fixed in a written quote after the survey and depends on the heat loss of the house, the radiators that need changing and where the unit goes.
| Survey | Guide price |
|---|---|
| Home survey and heat loss calculation with an installation quote | Free |
| Stand-alone heat loss survey and report | £150–£410 |
Inc VAT. A stand-alone report is for homeowners who want the design without an installation quote.
Towns we cover in Aberdeenshire and Moray
We cover 14 towns in Aberdeenshire and Moray for heat loss surveys. Each links to local guide prices and the grant position for Scotland.
| Town | Postcode district | Nearest town | Midwinter daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aberdeen | AB11 | Portlethen | 6 h 40 min |
| Elgin | IV30 | Forres | 6 h 33 min |
| Peterhead | AB42 | Ellon | 6 h 35 min |
| Banchory | AB31 | Westhill | 6 h 42 min |
| Buckie | AB56 | Elgin | 6 h 32 min |
| Ellon | AB41 | Inverurie | 6 h 37 min |
| Forres | IV36 | Elgin | 6 h 33 min |
| Fraserburgh | AB43 | Peterhead | 6 h 32 min |
| Huntly | AB54 | Turriff | 6 h 36 min |
| Inverurie | AB51 | Westhill | 6 h 38 min |
| Portlethen | AB12 | Aberdeen | 6 h 42 min |
| Stonehaven | AB39 | Portlethen | 6 h 43 min |
| Turriff | AB53 | Huntly | 6 h 34 min |
| Westhill | AB32 | Aberdeen | 6 h 40 min |
Heat loss surveys questions
Will the survey check noise from the outdoor unit?
Yes. The surveyor identifies possible positions for the outdoor unit and carries out the MCS noise assessment, which estimates the sound level at the nearest neighbouring window from the unit's sound power level, distance and any barriers. In England, meeting the MCS planning standards is one of the conditions for permitted development. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own rules, which we check.
Why can't you size the heat pump from my boiler?
Boilers are often much larger than a home's real heat loss, because they are sized for fast hot water and quick warm-ups. Matching a heat pump to the boiler's output usually means an oversized unit that costs more and switches on and off too often. A room-by-room calculation finds the actual heat demand, which is what the heat pump needs to meet.
Can I use the heat loss report to get other quotes?
Yes. A stand-alone heat loss report is yours to use, including sharing it with other installers so their quotes are based on the same figures. Comparing quotes like for like makes it easier to see differences in equipment, radiator upgrades and workmanship terms. The report states the assumptions used wherever construction could not be confirmed.
Is the heat loss survey free?
Yes, for installation enquiries the home survey and heat loss calculation are free, and the results form the basis of your written quote. If you only want the calculation and report, for example for building plans or comparing quotes, a stand-alone heat loss survey has a guide price of £150–£400, including VAT. We confirm which applies when you book.