How to Choose a Company: An Expert Guide
Transitioning to a modern heating system is a capital-intensive investment with a lifecycle of 15–25 years. The technological complexity of the equipment does not forgive mistakes at the selection and installation stage. Therefore, the contractor analysis must be as thorough as possible. What should you look out for?
1. Evaluation of the engineering approach and heat losses
Before offering a specific boiler or heat pump model, a professional company must collect data on the object: thickness and material of walls, type of insulation, glazing area. Heat losses are calculated based on this. If you are offered equipment solely based on the formula “1 kW per 10 m²” without considering the building’s energy efficiency, this is a sign of low qualification. Incorrect selection will cause the pump to work to wear and tear or consume an excessive amount of expensive electricity.
2. Analysis of financial efficiency and payback
A reliable company always demonstrates how the equipment will affect your utility bills. A heat pump does not generate heat; rather, it transfers it, so its efficiency is measured by the COP (Coefficient of Performance) or SCOP (seasonal coefficient). Modern inverter models achieve an SCOP of 4.5–5.0, which means obtaining 4–5 kW of thermal energy per 1 kW of consumed electricity.
Below is an approximate comparison of annual heating costs for an insulated house with an area of 150 m² (demand of 20,000 kWh/year), calculated by engineers:
| Heat Source | Efficiency (Efficiency / COP) | Energy Consumption | Estimated Operating Costs |
| Electric boiler | ~ 99% | 20,200 kWh of electricity | Very high |
| Gas condensing boiler | ~ 95% | ~ 2,100 m³ of gas | Medium |
| Heat pump (air-to-water) | COP ~ 3.5 (average) | ~ 5,700 kWh of electricity | Low (savings up to 60% compared to electricity) |
Note: Exact cost depends on current gas and electricity tariffs, as well as the availability of a night tariff.
3. Design of hybrid (bivalent) systems
In the Ukrainian climate, one of the most rational solutions is a bivalent system: a heat pump works paired with a backup boiler (gas or electric). The engineer must correctly calculate the bivalency point — the outdoor temperature (usually from -5°C to -10°C) at which it becomes economically or technically difficult for the heat pump to heat the house independently, prompting the automation to turn on the boiler. Reliable companies always offer the installation of a buffer tank, which smooths out system operation and extends the compressor’s lifespan. Refusing a buffer tank to cheapen the estimate is a gross mistake.
4. Arrangement and protection of the outdoor unit
Installing an air-to-water heat pump requires proper placement of the outdoor module (evaporator). The unit must be raised at least 30–50 cm above ground level to prevent it from getting covered in snow, and free space must be provided for air intake (1.5–2 meters in front of the fan).
In addition, expensive equipment requires protection from weather conditions and vandalism, while solid walls or fences are unacceptable because they block air circulation. The optimal solution to this problem is using sections of metal “louvre” type fences. As industry experts note (more details in reviews of metal fences for facades), the louvre fence slats are angled. This guarantees an unobstructed air flow for the proper functioning of the heat pump, effectively absorbs compressor noise, and reliably hides the equipment from prying eyes.
5. Checking warranties and portfolio
Before signing a contract, make sure that the company provides a single warranty for both equipment and installation work. Request photos or videos of completed boiler rooms. Pay attention to the neatness of pipe routing, node labeling, and the presence of thermal insulation on trunk lines. Quality engineering work always looks aesthetic and orderly.
