Your MCS Umbrella Scheme questions answered
If you’re already installing air source heat pumps (ASHPs) or thinking about getting into them, you’ve probably heard about the Microgeneration Certification Scheme, or MCS.
It might have come up when pricing a job, speaking to a customer about grants, or looking at what’s needed to grow your business into the low-carbon market.
But what exactly is MCS? Read on for the answers to this question and others that you might have come across:
• What is MCS?
• What is an MCS Umbrella Scheme and how does it work?
• How does the Baxi MCS Umbrella Scheme help with compliance?
• Do I need to complete any training or have any specific qualifications?
• Is there any additional support?
• How can I get started with the MCS Umbrella Scheme?
What is MCS?
MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) is the recognised quality standard for renewable installations and allows homeowners to access certain grants and funding. Though it’s not strictly a legal requirement, holding an MCS accreditation, or working under an MCS Umbrella Scheme, gives homeowners assurance that the installation has been carried out to high quality standards and is often needed for specific projects.
What is an MCS Umbrella Scheme and how does it work?
An MCS Umbrella scheme allows you as an installer to carry out heat pump installations and access grants for your homeowners without the need to be MCS certified yourself. By going through an MCS Umbrella Scheme, you can focus on the installation, knowing that the design, compliance, and administration parts have all been taken care of by an expert team.
With many projects requiring MCS certification, and homeowners looking to get support from grants and incentives that also require MCS, there are plenty of benefits of being part of an MCS Umbrella Scheme that can help you grow your business.
How does the Baxi MCS Umbrella Scheme help with compliance?
Baxi's MCS Umbrella Scheme offers hands on support every step of the way. After a quick, free estimation, our engineers will carry out on-site surveys including a full heat loss calculation, sound assessment, and whether any changes to emitters or pipework upgrades are required. We take care of the design and provide a tailored pack to enable a straightforward installation. You have full control of your pricing and once the system is installed, Baxi will then complete a second site visit to commission the system.
All MCS-certified documentation is provided during the final handover, so you can be sure that you’re providing your customer with a safe, compliant solution, that meets all the necessary legislative requirements.
Ultimately, we aim to remove the complexities associated with heat pump installations, allowing you to focus on what you're good at.
Do I need to complete any training or have any qualifications?
You will need to complete a comprehensive onboarding process and have a good understanding of plumbing and heating systems. We also advise that you have the industry approved NVQ Level 3 in air source heat pump installation.
Though it’s not a requirement to be Gas Safe registered to install a heat pump, it is worth keeping in mind that in almost all cases, the boiler will be replaced in favour of a heat pump, and this will require you to be Gas Safe registered.
At Baxi, our range of heat pump training courses are designed to help you improve your skills so that you can confidently and efficiently work with our range of ASHPs and stay ahead in a changing market. Whether you’re new to heat pumps or already have a recognised heat pump qualification, there’s a course for wherever you are on your journey.
Is there any additional support I can get with the MCS Umbrella Scheme?
Partnering with the right MCS Umbrella Scheme will give you the edge. We provide technical support at every step which means you’re never on your own. Backed by expert advice, comprehensive warranties and reliable aftercare, you can install with confidence that your project will meet standards, follows best practice leaving you with a happy customer.
It’s not just support; it’s a smarter way to grow your business and stand out in a changing market.
MCS Umbrella Scheme
No MCS or need extra support? No problem. We’ll handle the design, paperwork and compliance, guiding you every step of the way so that you can deliver efficient, low carbon heating with confidence.
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