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 Edinburgh and the Lothians thinking about insulation work can use the survey to see how it would change their heat pump size. For Edinburgh and the Lothians homes with extensions or loft conversions, each part of the house is assessed on its own construction. A surveyor visits your home to measure each room, window and wall before any heat pump is sized.
Who it suits
- Self-builders and architects who need emitter and system sizes early
- Homeowners planning insulation or building work who want to know the effect on heat demand
- Anyone getting a heat pump quote, as the first step
- Landlords comparing properties before deciding where to switch first
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 Edinburgh and the Lothians, apply and receive the written offer before the installation date is fixed.
Installing heat pumps is zero-rated for VAT across the UK until 31 March 2027. Scotland has its own permitted development rules for air source heat pumps and its own building standards, so we confirm what applies to your property at survey.
Heat loss survey prices in Edinburgh and the Lothians
Here are typical prices for heat loss surveys in Edinburgh and the Lothians, 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–£410 |
Inc VAT. A stand-alone report is for homeowners who want the design without an installation quote.
Towns we cover in Edinburgh and the Lothians
We cover 12 towns in Edinburgh and the Lothians for heat loss surveys. Each links to local guide prices and the grant position for Scotland.
| Town | Postcode district | Nearest town | Midwinter daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edinburgh | EH2 | Musselburgh | 6 h 57 min |
| Livingston | EH54 | Broxburn | 6 h 58 min |
| Musselburgh | EH21 | Dalkeith | 6 h 57 min |
| Bathgate | EH48 | Livingston | 6 h 58 min |
| Bonnyrigg | EH19 | Dalkeith | 6 h 58 min |
| Penicuik | EH26 | Bonnyrigg | 6 h 59 min |
| Broxburn | EH52 | Livingston | 6 h 58 min |
| Dalkeith | EH22 | Bonnyrigg | 6 h 58 min |
| Dunbar | EH42 | North Berwick | 6 h 57 min |
| Haddington | EH41 | North Berwick | 6 h 57 min |
| Linlithgow | EH49 | Bo'ness | 6 h 57 min |
| North Berwick | EH39 | Haddington | 6 h 56 min |
Heat loss surveys questions
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.
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.
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.
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.