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.
Houses in Lanarkshire built in different eras can need very different heat pump sizes, which is why each is calculated room by room. Homeowners in Lanarkshire thinking about insulation work can use the survey to see how it would change their heat pump size. For Lanarkshire homes with extensions or loft conversions, each part of the house is assessed on its own construction.
Who it suits
- Homes with an existing heat pump that seems undersized or expensive to run
- Anyone getting a heat pump quote, as the first step
- Landlords comparing properties before deciding where to switch first
- Self-builders and architects who need emitter and system sizes early
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 Lanarkshire, 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 Lanarkshire
Here are typical prices for heat loss surveys in Lanarkshire, 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.
Towns we cover in Lanarkshire
We cover 13 towns in Lanarkshire for heat loss surveys. Each links to local guide prices and the grant position for Scotland.
| Town | Postcode district | Nearest town | Midwinter daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Kilbride | G74 | Cambuslang | 7 h 00 min |
| Hamilton | ML3 | Motherwell | 7 h 00 min |
| Cumbernauld | G67 | Airdrie | 6 h 57 min |
| Coatbridge | ML5 | Airdrie | 6 h 59 min |
| Airdrie | ML6 | Coatbridge | 6 h 59 min |
| Motherwell | ML1 | Bellshill | 7 h 00 min |
| Rutherglen | G73 | Cambuslang | 6 h 59 min |
| Cambuslang | G73 | Rutherglen | 6 h 59 min |
| Wishaw | ML2 | Motherwell | 7 h 00 min |
| Bellshill | ML4 | Motherwell | 6 h 59 min |
| Carluke | ML8 | Wishaw | 7 h 00 min |
| Lanark | ML11 | Carluke | 7 h 01 min |
| Strathaven | ML10 | Hamilton | 7 h 01 min |
Heat loss surveys questions
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.
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.