Installation timeline and disruption for heat pump systems in Ireland (2026), including survey stages, installation duration and typical household disruption during works.
1. Overview
Installing an air-to-water heat pump involves both plumbing and electrical work.
Although the system installation itself is usually completed within a few days, the full process from survey to commissioning can take several weeks.
The overall timeline typically includes:
Home energy assessment
System design and heat loss calculation
SEAI grant approval
Installation and commissioning
Most installations involve moderate disruption to heating and hot water services during the installation period.
2. Pre-Installation Survey
Before installation begins, the installer carries out a technical survey.
This typically includes:
Heat loss calculation
Assessment of insulation levels
Radiator sizing evaluation
Electrical system inspection
Outdoor unit location planning
Survey duration typically ranges:
1 – 2 hours.
The survey determines the correct heat pump size and identifies any upgrades required.
3. System Design and Grant Approval
Following the survey, the installer prepares a system design and quotation.
This stage may include:
Heat loss calculation report
System sizing calculations
Radiator upgrade recommendations
Grant eligibility confirmation
Typical timeframe:
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| System design and quotation | 1 – 2 weeks |
| Grant application approval | 1 – 3 weeks |
Installation should not begin until grant approval is received.
4. Preparation Work
Some homes require preparatory work before installation begins.
Preparation tasks may include:
Radiator replacement
Hot water cylinder upgrade
Electrical board upgrades
Pipework adjustments
Preparation work may take:
1 – 3 days depending on the scope of upgrades required.
5. Heat Pump Installation
The main installation stage involves several steps.
Typical installation tasks include:
Removing the existing boiler
Installing the heat pump outdoor unit
Installing the hot water cylinder
Connecting pipework and electrical systems
Installing system controls
Installation duration typically ranges:
| Property Type | Installation Time |
|---|---|
| Small house | 2 – 3 days |
| Semi-detached house | 2 – 4 days |
| Detached house | 3 – 5 days |
Installation time varies depending on system complexity.
6. Outdoor Unit Installation
The outdoor heat pump unit must be mounted in a suitable location.
Installation typically involves:
Installing a concrete base or wall bracket
Connecting refrigerant and water pipework
Electrical connection to the house
Typical installation time:
4 – 6 hours.
Adequate airflow space must be maintained around the unit.
7. Heating System Integration
The new heat pump must be integrated with the existing heating distribution system.
Integration tasks include:
Connecting radiators or underfloor heating
Installing circulation pumps
Balancing the heating system
This stage ensures heat is distributed evenly throughout the property.
8. System Commissioning
Once installation is complete, the system is commissioned.
Commissioning includes:
System pressure testing
Electrical safety testing
Flow temperature calibration
Control system configuration
Commissioning typically takes:
2 – 4 hours.
The installer ensures the system operates correctly before handover.
9. Disruption During Installation
Some disruption is expected during installation.
Typical disruption includes:
Temporary loss of heating and hot water
Access required to utility rooms or plant rooms
Noise from drilling and pipework installation
Temporary removal of the existing boiler system
Most homes experience disruption for:
1 – 3 days during installation.
10. Post-Installation Certification
After installation, several documentation steps are required.
Typical documentation includes:
System commissioning certificate
Electrical completion certificate
Warranty documentation
Post-works BER assessment
These documents are required to claim the SEAI grant.
11. Example Project Timeline
Typical heat pump project timeline:
| Stage | Typical Duration |
|---|---|
| Initial consultation | 1 week |
| Survey and heat loss calculation | 1 week |
| Grant approval | 1 – 3 weeks |
| Installation works | 2 – 4 days |
| Commissioning and documentation | 1 week |
Total project duration typically ranges:
3 – 6 weeks.
12. Typical Installation Timeline Summary
Air-to-water heat pump installation usually requires:
2 – 4 days of on-site installation work.
The complete project process from initial consultation to commissioning typically ranges:
3 – 6 weeks.
Most disruption occurs during the installation stage when the existing heating system is replaced.
13. Other Resources
SEAI Heat Pump Grant Explained
Required Upgrades – Before Installation
Radiators vs Underfloor Comparison