A heat loss survey is a room-by-room assessment that calculates how much heat your home loses on a cold day, which tells you what size of heat pump you need and whether your radiators can deliver enough warmth. It follows the MCS method, the standard used for heat pump design across the UK, and it is the foundation for every other decision in your quote.
Homeowners in County Down thinking about insulation work can use the survey to see how it would change their heat pump size. The survey in County Down includes a check of where the outdoor unit could sit and how its sound would reach neighbours. A surveyor visits your home to measure each room, window and wall before any heat pump is sized.
Who it suits
- Anyone getting a heat pump quote, as the first step
- Landlords comparing properties before deciding where to switch first
- Homes with an existing heat pump that seems undersized or expensive to run
- Self-builders and architects who need emitter and system sizes early
Grants and rules for heat pumps in Northern Ireland
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme covers England and Wales only, and there is currently no dedicated heat pump grant for homeowners in Northern Ireland. Our quote for a home in County Down is therefore shown without a grant deduction; if support becomes available we will tell you how it applies.
There is no VAT on installing a heat pump in Northern Ireland until 31 March 2027, the same as in Great Britain. Planning and building control here follow Northern Ireland's own rules, so the survey checks the unit position against them.
Heat loss survey prices in County Down
The ranges below are typical installed prices for homes in County Down, including VAT. A survey sets the exact figure, because two similar-looking houses in County Down can need quite different radiators and pipework.
| Survey | Guide price |
|---|---|
| Home survey and heat loss calculation with an installation quote | Free |
| Stand-alone heat loss survey and report | £150–£390 |
Inc VAT. A stand-alone report is for homeowners who want the design without an installation quote.
Towns we cover in County Down
We cover 13 towns in County Down for heat loss surveys. Each links to local guide prices and the grant position for Northern Ireland.
| Town | Postcode district | Nearest town | Midwinter daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangor (County Down) | BT20 | Newtownards | 7 h 14 min |
| Newtownards | BT23 | Comber | 7 h 15 min |
| Newry | BT35 | Warrenpoint | 7 h 20 min |
| Banbridge | BT32 | Dromore | 7 h 18 min |
| Ballynahinch | BT24 | Downpatrick | 7 h 17 min |
| Comber | BT23 | Newtownards | 7 h 15 min |
| Donaghadee | BT21 | Bangor (County Down) | 7 h 14 min |
| Downpatrick | BT30 | Ballynahinch | 7 h 18 min |
| Dromore | BT25 | Banbridge | 7 h 17 min |
| Holywood | BT18 | Newtownabbey | 7 h 14 min |
| Kilkeel | BT34 | Warrenpoint | 7 h 21 min |
| Newcastle | BT33 | Downpatrick | 7 h 20 min |
| Warrenpoint | BT34 | Newry | 7 h 21 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.
What is a design flow temperature?
The design flow temperature is the temperature of the water sent to your radiators or underfloor heating on the coldest design day. Heat pumps are more efficient at lower flow temperatures, typically around 35–50°C. Choosing it is a balance: a lower figure improves efficiency but can mean larger radiators in some rooms, so the design shows both.
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.
How long does a heat loss survey take?
A typical survey takes 1–3 hours on site, depending on the size and complexity of the home. Larger or older houses with mixed construction, extensions or many rooms take longer. The calculations and design are completed afterwards, and the results are included in your quote or stand-alone report.