What qualifications do you need to install heat pumps?
In fact, the government is moving towards helping property owners update their heating supply to heat pumps, having introduced a scheme that’s designed to make the change more cost-effective. This is likely to persuade more people to switch to these alternative heating sources, increasing demand for suppliers.
If there is a surge in demand, we’ll need more people with air source heat pump qualifications. According to a 2021 report by consulting firm EY Parthenon for the Independent Networks Association, there are an estimated 1,200 qualified installers in the UK. It’s predicted we’ll need 10,000 by 2025.
If you’re planning on becoming one of them, you might be wondering ‘what qualifications do I need to install heat pumps?’ To find out more about this, take a look at our guide to what’s required.
Air source heat pump qualifications
Most training focuses on air source heat pumps to start with. These are often referred to as air-to-water pumps because they transfer heat from the outside air to water. This, in turn, powers underfloor heating and radiators around the home.
If you’re looking to upskill, it’s worth getting an idea of the air source courses that are available and what they cover. You’ll also need to know exactly what heat pump installer qualifications you’ll get at the end of the course.
You might come away with an LCL Awards Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) qualification, for instance. You might also want to get Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) accreditation. When looking into MCS certification, consider if you’ll also need the design accreditation. It’s worth checking to see what you’ll achieve before you apply, as getting a recognised air source heat pump qualification will be beneficial for you and your clients in the future.
When you sign up for your chosen course, you’ll likely need to already have related qualifications to proceed. Most courses will have a mandatory requirement for you to have a qualification in WRAS water regulations, unless you’ve already covered this as part of an NVQ. Some of the other most common entry requirements include:
A Level 2 or Level 3 NVQ or SVQ installation and maintenance qualification in plumbing, heating and ventilation, gas or oil
A Core Domestic Gas Safety (CCN1) certificate with CENWAT that covers the installation of heating systems
An OFTEC oil certificate
A valid HETAS certificate that covers wet systems
CPS registration for plumbing systems
MCS registration for solar thermal or heat pumps
A certificate of competence for the installation of unvented hot water systems
An energy efficiency qualification issued by a 17024 UKAS accredited body
An independently accredited health and safety qualification covering working at heights, CoSHH and manual handling
These are just some examples of training you might be asked for evidence of before you can apply for an air source heat pump qualification. The main reason you’ll need to have this experience already under your belt is because heat pump installation courses tend to be designed for experienced heating engineers. Therefore, you’ll need to know the basics before you can jump into heat pump installation.
Once you’re sure you meet the criteria for the course you’re applying for, you’ll be able to proceed. Courses are usually for those who want to fit heat pumps in domestic and small commercial properties. They cover different topics around heat pump installation, such as:
How heat pump systems work
Where to install the heat pump and regulations to follow
Health and safety risk assessments when installing the heat pump
Air source heat pump design considerations
Installation tips and testing to carry out
These topics are all designed to help you meet the criteria to achieve an air source heat pump qualification.
Ground source heat pump installer qualifications
It’s possible to add to your heat pump installer qualification. Picking up skills in applying a ground source heat pump will enhance your expertise and allow you to expand your offering.
Where a standard heat pump is known as an air-to-water pump, a ground pump transfers heat from the ground outside the property to radiators or underfloor heating. Getting a ground source heat pump qualification will round off your training and get you ready for any enquiries that come in.
To attend the course, you must have one of the following:
A Level 2 or Level 3 NVQ or SVQ installation and maintenance qualification in plumbing, heating and ventilation, gas or oil
A valid Core Domestic Gas Safety (CCN1) certificate. This must include the installation of heating systems
An OFTEC oil certificate
A valid HETAS certificate
You’ll be informed that you must have a qualification in WRAS water regulations unless you’ve already covered this as part of an NVQ.
Some of the areas you’ll cover on a standard ground source heat pump course will include topics such as:
The principles for ground source heat pump circuit design, component sizing and operation
Heat pump regulations and guidance
Heat pump collector types
Heat distribution
Pre-installation requirements and installation materials and methods
Good testing practice
Servicing and fault-finding methods
What are the benefits of being qualified?
So, now you know what qualifications you need to install heat pumps. However, it’s worth considering the benefits of upskilling.
Show you’re knowledgeable
There’s something reassuring about hiring a professional who lists their qualifications. It shows they’re trained and have taken the time to get the skills and knowledge needed to carry out the job.
Heat pump installation can seem like a daunting change for homeowners, especially if they’ve relied on traditional heat sources for so long. Therefore, hiring someone who’s accredited can give them peace of mind that you can be trusted with this big job. This, in turn, can benefit you as you’ll come highly recommended by happy clients.
Grow your client base
Another major benefit is that you’re more likely to grow your customer base. As well as customer recommendations, by listing your qualification status in your marketing materials – for example, on your website – you’re likely to be selected over someone who hasn’t got the same accreditations.
Expand your skillset
On a personal level, getting a heat pump installer qualification – or upskilling and getting a ground source heat pump qualification – will boost your knowledge. This can then enhance your confidence levels, making you an assured installer.
Are heat pump installer qualifications mandatory by law?
It’s not currently a legal requirement for fit heat pumps to be fitted by a qualified individual. However, even getting basic training can be hugely beneficial.
Fitting a heat pump without knowing the basics and things to look out for, such as how to test the pump is working correctly, could lead to mistakes and mishaps that may be expensive and time-consuming to fix.
Therefore, with major changes coming to the way we heat our homes, it can be beneficial for you to have some heat pump installer qualifications under your belt. As well as providing an assured service for clients, you’re preparing for the changes to come.
Trust City Plumbing for heat pump supplies
At City Plumbing, our Energy Efficiency team delivers heat pump installation solutions that you can rely on. We understand there is a target to reach and we want to help everyone get to the carbon net zero goal.
To find out more about how we can help you install heat pumps, get in touch today. Our team is on hand and ready to answer your questions. If you’d like to open an account with us, we offer both cash and credit accounts to installers.