- Area
- Devon
- Postcode district
- TQ9
- Nation
- England
- Guide price
- Priced after survey
- Survey
- Free for installation enquiries
What to know about heat loss surveys in Totnes
Homes around Totnes range from older terraces to newer estates, and each needs a different design. That is why we survey before we quote.
A surveyor visits your Totnes home to measure each room, window and wall before any heat pump is sized. Homeowners in Totnes thinking about insulation work can use the survey to see how it would change their heat pump size.
Every heat pump we quote starts with a room-by-room heat loss survey, free with installation enquiries and also available as a stand-alone report.
- Landlords comparing properties before deciding where to switch first
- Homes with an existing heat pump that seems undersized or expensive to run
- Homeowners planning insulation or building work who want to know the effect on heat demand
What's included
- Room-by-room heat loss calculation using the MCS method
- Radiator schedule with any upgrades needed for each room
- Hot water cylinder sizing for your household
- Electrical supply and network operator notes
- Recommended heat pump size and design flow temperature
Houses in Totnes built in different eras can need very different heat pump sizes, which is why each is calculated room by room.
Grants and rules for heat pumps in England
In England the Boiler Upgrade Scheme gives £7,500 towards an air source heat pump (£9,000 if it replaces oil or LPG, from 21 July 2026 to 31 March 2027), and since 28 April 2026 a valid EPC is no longer needed. The grant is applied for by the MCS-certified installer and shown as a deduction on your Totnes quote.
There is no VAT on installing a heat pump anywhere in the UK until 31 March 2027. In England most houses can have an air source heat pump under permitted development, provided the unit meets the MCS noise and siting standards; the old 1 m boundary limit was removed on 29 May 2025. We flag listed buildings, flats and sensitive conservation-area positions at survey.
Heat loss survey costs around Totnes
Here are typical prices for heat loss surveys in Devon, installed and including VAT. Use the guide price tool for a figure based on your home, then a survey confirms it in writing.
| Survey | Guide price |
|---|---|
| Home survey and heat loss calculation with an installation quote | Free |
| Stand-alone heat loss survey and report | £150–£400 |
Inc VAT. A stand-alone report is for homeowners who want the design without an installation quote.
Designing for Totnes's winters
Totnes sees roughly 8 hours 00 minutes of daylight in late December against 16 hours 27 minutes in June. Milder southern winters suit heat pumps well, though the system is still sized for a cold snap rather than an average day.
The steps for heat loss surveys in Totnes
- Tell us about your home: postcode, property type and current heating.
- We book a survey in Totnes; the surveyor measures rooms, windows and radiators and looks at cylinder space.
- The design and quote arrive in writing, including radiator changes and the outdoor unit position.
- On installation days the old system is removed and the new one fitted and filled.
- We commission the heat pump, show you the controls and register the installation.
Heat loss surveys in Totnes: questions
How long does a heat pump survey take in Totnes?
A home survey in Totnes usually takes one to two hours. The surveyor measures every heated room, checks windows, walls and radiators, and looks at where the outdoor unit and cylinder can go.
Where would the outdoor unit go on a Totnes house?
Usually at the side or rear, on a level base with space around it for airflow and servicing, away from bedroom windows where possible. The surveyor checks positions at your Totnes home.
Do I need new radiators for a heat pump in Totnes?
Often some, not all. Heat pumps run best at lower water temperatures, so rooms with small radiators may need larger ones. The survey of your Totnes home gives a room-by-room list.
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.
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.