Find an installer for energy efficiency home improvements

This advice is for you if you’re paying for work yourself or are getting funding from a scheme where you need to arrange the work yourself.

Look for installers who are members of a quality scheme that's recognised by the government, like MCS or TrustMark. 

You should get quotes from at least 3 different installers. This will help you know if you’re getting a fair price.

If you get cold calls from an installer, don’t let them rush you into making any decisions. It's better to find an installer yourself. Don’t use an installer you haven’t had time to check.

If an installer says they’re a member of a quality scheme, check they’re actually listed on the scheme’s website.

Watch out for scams and false advertising

For example, an installer might make false promises about how much energy you’ll save or how much you’ll need to pay. 

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

Look for an installer registered with a quality scheme

You should look for an installer that’s registered with a quality scheme recognised by the government, like MCS or TrustMark. If they’re part of one of these schemes, they should meet quality and consumer protection standards. 

This means they should:

• do their work correctly and professionally

• make it easy for you to take action if something goes wrong

There are different schemes depending on the type of home improvement you want to install.

If you’re not sure what type of home improvement is right for your home, check our advice about making your home more energy efficient.

If you need help looking for an installer, contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline. For example, you have a disability that means you can’t easily look online.

If you want to install a renewable energy system

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

• heat pumps

• biomass boilers

• solar panels that generate electricity 

• batteries for storing electricity

• solar water heating

If you want to apply for government funding, like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), you must choose an installer certified by MCS. 

If you want to use the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), you must use an installer certified by MCS. This 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 an installer that’s registered with TrustMark. This includes installing:

• insulation

• boilers

• electric heating

• draught proofing and ventilation

• heating controls

• replacement doors or windows

Look for a TrustMark registered installer on the TrustMark website.

If you can’t find an installer through a quality scheme

You can search for recommended installers using these websites. 

The Buy With Confidence website lists installers approved by local Trading Standards services. Find installers on the Buy with Confidence website.

Which? has a list of endorsed installers. Find installers on the Which? Trusted Trader website.

Consumer protection schemes list renewable energy installers:

• find installers registered with the Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC) on the RECC website

• find installers registered with the Home Insulation and Energy Systems (HIES) scheme on the HEIS website

Not all websites will show the same installers, so it’s a good idea to check all of them.

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 registered with 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 

If your installer is registered with MCS or TrustMark, you can ask them for help.

If something goes wrong with an MCS installer, check the MCS website.

If something goes wrong with a TrustMark installer, check the TrustMark website.

If your installer isn’t registered with MCS or TrustMark or you’re not sure, check what to do if you have a problem with home improvement work.