Installer brand preferences could be inflating heat pump costs by £2,000
Posted by: electime 16th June 2026
New analysis highlights how broader product choices can help make heat pumps more affordable for homeowners
Passiv UK has launched a new comparison tool designed to help installers assess the cost implications of different heat pump and controls combinations. The analysis reveals that relying primarily on established heat pump brands could increase installation costs by up to £2,000 compared with alternative systems that deliver comparable performance when paired with advanced controls.
The launch comes as the industry looks for ways to accelerate heat pump adoption by reducing upfront costs for homeowners. Passiv argues that greater consideration of newer, cost-effective heat pump manufacturers, combined with intelligent controls, can provide a premium heating experience without the premium price tag.
Will Heinzelmann, Product Director at Passiv UK, said: “Many installers understandably have trusted brands they work with, but the market has evolved significantly in recent years. There are now a growing number of high-quality heat pump manufacturers offering competitive alternatives to established brands.
The real differentiator for homeowners is how effectively they can control the heating in their home, and the service they receive after. Pairing a cost-effective heat pump with intelligent controls can achieve both those things, while significantly reducing the overall installation price.”
For homeowners, smart controls can improve both comfort and efficiency. The Passiv Smart Thermostat’s ecoHeat function has been verified by the Energy Saving Trust to improve heat pump efficiency by 17%. Additional savings can be achieved through tariff optimisation, solar integration and participation in demand-side response programmes through Passiv’s flexibility service, Greener Grid Payments.
Heinzelmann added: “We’ve already seen consumers embrace high-performing challenger brands in sectors such as electric vehicles. If we want heat pumps to become a mainstream replacement for boilers, we need to make them more affordable and accessible. Homeowners should be able to choose the solution that offers the best overall value, rather than paying more simply because a particular brand has traditionally dominated the market.”
The Passiv Smart Thermostat is compatible with 17 heat pump manufacturers, giving installers greater flexibility when designing systems. Passiv also provides a free web-based monitoring portal that enables installers to remotely monitor and optimise performance across multiple properties, helping to improve oversight and reduce call-backs.
To compare heat pump options and potential installation costs, visit: switch.passivuk.com
Visitors to InstallerSHOW can also meet the Passiv team at the Wolseley Plumb Centre, Secon, AUX and Ecogenica stands.
