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If you are a merchant or installer, your local Baxi representative is here to help.
Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) is a quality assurance scheme for Installers who are looking to install, commission and maintain ASHPs. The scheme requires Installers to adhere to a level of quality and that the product is fitted to the highest standard. The scheme provides customers with confidence that an Installer meets the expected level of quality every time. For more information visit this website: https://mcscertified.com.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) Installers must be MCS certified for their customer(s) to be eligible for the BUS grant. Installers will need to apply for the grant on behalf of their customer(s) and take the value of the grant off the price they pay. Grants are available to customers of £5k for an ASHP. More information about BUS can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/apply-boiler-upgrade-scheme.
The ASHP grant scheme is a little different for Scotland, more information can be found here: https://www.homeenergyscotland.org.
BPEC is a specialised provider of industry recognised qualifications and is a key route in learning how to install ASHPs and becoming certified to install ASHPs. Baxi will soon be offering our own BPEC course – more information below.
An installer should have a minimum NVQ Level 3 qualification in plumbing or conventional heating engineering, plus Water Regulations. For more information on what qualifications are required, click here.
When an installer has their BPEC or equivalent qualification, they can then register to MCS. Once the installer becomes an accredited member they can apply for the BUS grant on behalf of their customer. The ASHP installations must be done to MCS requirements (designed and installed correctly and carry out a heat-loss calculation), which is a requirement. It’s similar to Gas Safe whereby the installer becomes a member and pays their annual registration fee. MCS isn’t a test, it’s a process the installer needs to go through to become an accredited member.
In order to become MCS certified, it is mandatory for all members to be registered with a Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) Approved Consumer Code. There are only two options currently available:
The installer also must be able to demonstrate their skill, competency, and experience, this is normally done by providing evidence of in date qualifications for their chosen competency.
The prices vary slightly depending on the organisation providing MCS, however the annual registration fee is roughly around the £500 mark per year.
An assessment needs to be undertaken and passed to become an MCS member. The purpose of the assessment is for the installer to show that their work meets the scheme requirements. To do this the assessment covers two aspects:
After the assessment is completed, the assessor will advise the installer on any action points and make a recommendation as to whether they meet the scheme standards.
Yes, this is a requirement of any accredited heatpump course, which in turn is a requirement of MCS. Find out more information on water regs here.
The installer can register as a member of MCS as an individual, or sole trader. Follow this link on how to become certified.
The low temperature heating and hot water dwelling qualification is not required to install an ASHP. If an Installer is designing a heat pump system then it would be beneficial for an individual to have this qualification however if an Installer is using an individual to specify a design for the installation than the Installer will not require this qualification.
If an ASHP is part of a system with hot water, then the installer will be required to have an unvented hot water qualification to install the ASHP. Typically an ASHP will be connected to a cylinder requiring the individual to have this qualification.
ASHP installations into new build properties do not qualify for the BUS scheme. The scheme is only applicable for existing residential houses, working with a 45 kilowatt limit. Visit here for more information on BUS and property eligibility.
Baxi will be providing a range of training courses to meet the different requirements of installers. Your Area Sales Manager will update you with course information and dates when available.
