Find an installer for energy efficiency home improvements

You might need to find an installer if you’re:

• paying for the work yourself

• getting help with the Boiler Upgrade Scheme but have to organise the work yourself

Look for installers who are members of MCS or TrustMark.

You should get quotes from at least 3 different installers. This will help you get a fair price.

Don’t use a company that cold calls you trying to sell you something - it’s better to find an installer yourself.

Watch out for scams

Be cautious if an installer makes promises that sound too good to be true. For example, they might:

• give you an unusually cheap quote 

• say they can finish the work very quickly

• say you’ll be able to save an unrealistic amount of energy

Check what to do if you think something might be a scam.

Look for an MCS or TrustMark installer

If an installer is a member of one of these quality schemes, they have to:

• do their work correctly and professionally

• make it easy for you to complain if something goes wrong

If you’ve made a complaint to your installer and aren’t happy with their response, you can ask the scheme for help.

MCS and TrustMark cover different types of work. If you haven’t decided what work you want, check our advice about making your home more energy efficient.

If you want to install a renewable energy system

You should look for an MCS installer. Renewable energy systems include:

• heat pumps

• biomass boilers

• solar panels that generate electricity 

• batteries for storing electricity

• solar water heating

If you want to get help from the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), you must choose an MCS installer. 

If you want to use the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), you must use an MCS installer. SEG is a scheme where you can get paid for any electricity you generate but don’t use.

Find an MCS certified installer on the MCS website. 

If you want to install something else

If you want to install something that isn’t a renewable energy system, you should look for a TrustMark installer. This includes installing:

• insulation

• boilers

• electric heating

• draught proofing and ventilation

• heating controls

• replacement doors or windows

Look for a TrustMark installer in your area on the TrustMark website. To see if the installer covers your local area, use the ‘advanced search’ and select the option to search by ‘where the businesses provide their services’.

If you can’t find a suitable TrustMark installer, try looking for a recommended installer on these websites:

• find installers approved by local Trading Standards on the Buy with Confidence website

• find installers approved by Which? on the Which? Trusted Trader website

It’s a good idea to check both websites - they might not show the same installers.

If you need help looking for an installer

Contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline if you need more help. For example, if you have a disability that means you can’t easily look online.

Deciding which installer to use

Get quotes from at least 3 installers. This will help you compare the costs and find the best deal. 

Make sure the quotes show:

• the total cost of the installation - including if they’ll charge you for any paperwork like completing applications

• if you need to pay a deposit - don’t agree to pay more than 25% up front

• the correct rate of VAT - ask your installer if you don’t have to pay it or can get a lower rate

• when you have to make the final payment after the work is finished

If you use an MCS installer, they should give you a written ‘performance estimate’. This will show you the highest and lowest amount of energy the installer thinks the new system might use over a year. 

After you’ve agreed a quote with an installer you have a contract with them, even if it’s not written down. If the installer doesn’t give you a written contract to sign, ask for one. This will prove what you agreed and help to avoid any disagreements. 

Check what needs to be included in the written contract.

Get help paying for energy efficiency home improvements

You might be able to apply for help to pay for the work. If you get funding through a grant or scheme, you should still make sure the installer is a member of MCS or TrustMark.

Check if you can get help paying for energy efficiency home improvements.

Before you get work done on your home

As well as finding a good installer and getting at least 3 quotes, you should also:

• check if you need permission or approval 

• check you and your installer have insurance

• get a written contract 

• know what to do if there are any problems

Read our advice about preparing to get work done on your home.

Getting help if you have a problem with an installation 

How you get help depends on who arranged the work and if you rent or own your home.

Check how to complain about an energy efficiency home improvement.