When you think about options for heating your home you may have already taken the decision that it is time to install a heat pump. This may seem like a simple decision: engage a plumber, get them to install a heat pump – job done.
While the normal route of installing a heat pump, as it is with installing a new boiler, is to go to a company that can both supply the kit, materials and fully install it, this isn’t the only route.
The truth is that there are many options, but the way you procure and install the heat pump can have a big influence on system performance, warranties and maintenance. Here I explain the potential routes and risks so you are armed with the right information.
Heat pump fitting compliance requirements
If you're new to the world of heat pumps, then it's important to understand there are a number of differences compared to fitting a boiler, despite there being a lot of pipework that looks similar on both systems and a hot water cylinder for both – if you aren't fitting a combi boiler.
The preparatory plumbing and electrical work is done by a plumber when fitting a boiler, and can also be done by a plumber for heat pumps. Any plumber, so long as they have the right experience and normal plumbing qualifications can fit the pipework, and all the electrical wiring needs to be installed by a fully qualified electrician.
What's worth noting when it comes to heat pumps vs boilers, is that the plumber, nor the electrician, need to have any additional heat pump credentials to do that part of the work.
Installation of the heat pump is where it changes
On the other hand, a heat pump installer (or installation business) must have a number of credentials and accountabilities to be able to fit a heat pump. While, as stated, there must be a suitably qualified and experienced competent person to install the electrics and the plumbing, there must also be someone who designs the system in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions. Plus, you need someone who makes sure that the installation complies with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) design and installation guidance.
If you want to take advantage of the government's Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant, then the installation must comply with MCS MIS (Microgeneration Installation Standards) guidance – for heat pumps this is MIS 3005. The installation must be commissioned in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, and also commissioned by an MCS registered company.
If you do not want any incentives (or are not eligible for the incentives) then this unfortunately does not need to be complied with, and you revert to standard Building Regulations compliance instead.
Where the potential risks may lie
So why does all this matter? While one person could theoretically do all of those things, and hold all of those competencies, that is unlikely. And even if it was the case, that one person could probably lack experience in some of the tasks.
You could also have the other end of the scale whereby the 'installer' has none of the competencies and simply contracts them in. If this is the case, the installer does not actually need to be MCS certified as they can operate under an umbrella scheme whereby the MCS element is also contracted in.
Usually, it is something in between, but you do need to know upfront who is actually responsible. Your contract is with the installer, but they may have contracted out all responsibility.
You do have protection in that the MCS business must keep the details on file of any Nominated Technical Person (NTP) who has worked on any part of a compliant MCS installation. But, very often the actual installer, the person physically putting in the equipment, pipework and wiring, is not the lead designer. They have been told what to do – and hopefully they do it.
Your route options for a certified heat pump installation
1. Using an energy supplier who fits heat pumps
Seemingly, the lowest risk option is to approach one of the energy suppliers who already do heat pump installations. Many do them, but as an example, I looked at Octopus Energy. They have their own heat pump manufacturing facilities in Northern Ireland and directly employ a large team of installers who are located nationally.
You ask them for a quote, they ask you some questions about your home and then give you a price for the complete installation including any network permission, design work, pipework and radiator changes, wiring, mechanical installation, commissioning and handover.
Their pricing is very competitive, but their scope of works is very formulaic. They will only do the jobs that fit their specific defined scope. Octopus Energy will not currently work on new self-build projects for example.
They do change radiators, but do not install underfloor heating or non-standard heat emitters. Ideally, they want jobs that start on a Monday and are completely finished by Friday. For jobs outside these criteria, you would likely be passed to what they refer to as an Octopus Trusted Partner. These companies have been chosen and trained by Octopus Energy to meet their standards, but they are their own businesses with their own operational approach.
2. Contract the work to an independent renewables company
Many independent installers position themselves as a renewables ‘we do it all’ one-stop shop. They will provide heat pumps, sometimes underfloor heating as well as solar PV panels and Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems.
However, the catch here is that they do not usually do all the distribution plumbing and drainage, or the general household electrical wiring. They will do the specialist bits, and for me this is where the complication arises.
Inevitably there will be some air or debris somewhere in the pipework once everything is installed leading to a blame culture scenario. The heat pump installer will blame the plumber, who, in turn, will blame the underfloor heating installer and so on.
There is no real way of working out who was the culprit, but one thing is for sure, someone needs to flush the system and you will probably get the privilege of paying for it.
Of course, you can engage with a specialist installer who will provide and install the heat pump, and they may also install the underfloor heating – but may not include the radiators.
It is important in this case to be absolutely clear who installs what, and exactly where the handover points are so that you do not end up with underfloor heating downstairs, radiators upstairs, a heat pump in the garden, but not pipes connecting them together. As ludicrous as it sounds, it does happen.
Project management detailing is absolutely crucial. The electrician must also be briefed as to what other works are being completed in the home, as someone must sign off the completed installation, and most trades do not like to sign off someone else's work, especially not without an additional inspection fee.
My recommended heat pump installation route for a self-build
Every route has a risk, but my preferred route for a self-build is to engage the plumber and electrician already on the project to fit the heat pump peripherals. They may not be familiar with heat pumps, but that doesn't matter because they are only doing the part of the job that they are already familiar with.
This way, if there are any leaks or blockages due to dirt in the system, or there is a mismatch in the electrical system, there is no blame-game as they will still be working on site, and their work can be checked..
The design element should be completed by either the manufacturer or the installation designer. The plumber and electrician are briefed and supported as to what needs to be fitted and where, and then the design team come back to check and commission the system in accordance with the design.
While most heat pump installations will happen without any major hitches, defining your route is very important and early engagement is vital.
The whole team needs to be aware of the project requirements before agreeing the final heat pump costs so that there are no financial surprises or variations – and no finger pointing when things may not go as expected.
There are advantages and disadvantages to each route and many of them are better suited to different needs. Do your homework, define the scope of works, know what you want and then shop around for the best fit.
And, if you're renovating a house and thinking of making the switch, find out how to establish if your home is suitable for a heat pump, before you engage with any professional. Understanding what may be required will give you a greater understanding of the best route to installation.
