This beginner guide gives practical tips for working with a qualified installer. A good working relationship starts with clear checks and clear paperwork. We cover certification, quotes, deposits, timelines and aftercare. Each tip uses official protections you can check yourself.
Independent guide. We are not a lender or a government body. Always check current scheme rules with the official provider.
Check certification first
Confirm the installer and products on the MCS website. Check the firm on TrustMark, the government-endorsed quality scheme. Confirm its consumer code on the RECC or HIES member list. Do these checks before anyone visits your home.
Every MCS installer must belong to a consumer code approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute. The two codes are RECC and HIES. Both give you deposit protection, a workmanship warranty of at least two years and a seven-day cooling-off period. RECC bans high-pressure selling. HIES offers insurance-backed guarantees and free dispute resolution.
Compare written quotes
Ask for two or three itemised written quotes. Compare each item, not only the total. Ask how the firm protects your deposit. Confirm the seven-day cooling-off period in writing.
Ask whether the quote includes grant deductions, such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. Homeowners in Scotland should wait for their written Home Energy Scotland offer before work starts. Check any finance offer on the FCA register.
Agree a timeline and aftercare
Agree the start date, key stages and finish date in writing. Ask who your contact is during the work. Keep every document in one place. Follow these steps from survey to handover.
- Book a survey with each shortlisted installer.
- Compare itemised written quotes.
- Confirm deposit protection and the cooling-off period.
- Agree the timeline in writing.
- Check the system works before final payment.
- Save your certificates, warranties and handover documents.
Checklist
- MCS, TrustMark and consumer code checked
- Two or three itemised quotes compared
- Deposit protection confirmed
- Cooling-off period confirmed
- Timeline agreed in writing
- Certificates and warranties saved
Frequently asked questions
What should my quote include?
An itemised list of equipment and work, the total price, any grant deduction and warranty terms.
How is my deposit protected?
RECC and HIES members must protect your deposit. Ask your installer to confirm how.
How long is the workmanship warranty?
At least two years under RECC and HIES.
Can I change my mind after signing?
Yes. RECC and HIES members give you a seven-day cooling-off period.
What if something goes wrong after installation?
Contact your installer first. If that fails, contact its consumer code. HIES offers free dispute resolution.
So you can work with your installer on clear terms and keep every protection in place.
WHLS Editorial Team
Our editorial team writes independent, plain-English guides on home energy finance. We review guides when scheme rules change.
References
- GOV.UK – Notice of approved grant categories and values for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (opens in a new tab)
- Energy Saving Trust – Boiler Upgrade Scheme (opens in a new tab)
- MoneySavingExpert – Warm Homes Loan Scheme news (October 2026) (opens in a new tab)
- Financial Conduct Authority – Financial Services Register (opens in a new tab)
- MCS – Find an installer (opens in a new tab)
- Energy Saving Trust – Consumer protection (opens in a new tab)
- TrustMark (opens in a new tab)
- RECC – Renewable Energy Consumer Code (opens in a new tab)
- HIES – Home Insulation and Energy Systems (opens in a new tab)
