With the increased demand of people looking for heat pump installations, due to consumer awareness and the government commitments to reducing the carbon the UK produces from its heating systems, it’s important to know how to find a reputable and experienced renewable heating installer.
The government has committed to ambitious targets to reduce CO2 emissions by 78% (compared with 1990 levels) by 2035, moving towards the overall target of the UK achieving net-zero by 2050.
The government has also banned installations of gas boilers in new builds from 2025 and plans to phase out gas boiler installations in other properties by 2035.
So when you are looking to replace your heating system with a renewable heating system like an air source heat pump or ground source heat pump, you will want to instruct a reputable heat pump installer who has experience and a good track record of installing these types of systems.
When you are looking for a plumbing and heating company to install a heat pump system, where do you start? These are the 4 easy steps we would recommend you take to find a reputable installer.
Step 1 – You want a heating installer who is qualified specifically in heat pump installations.
Industry qualifications and competency is a must, a starting point is an NVQ level 2 in plumbing. Further accreditations and qualifications will be taken throughout a plumber’s career to build on skills and diversification of the services they offer. (i.e. Gas, Renewable qualifications etc)
In addition to industry qualifications, heating installers can be trained in product specific installations via the manufacturer, so for example a NIBE heat pump installer has specifically been trained on installing their products.
At R A Brown Heating Services all our staff are industry qualified and have manufacturer training as well. Apprentices work under a qualified engineer, and we detail all our engineer qualifications on their staff profile on the website.
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Step 2 – What are the company’s industry accreditations and memberships?
You want to use a company who takes pride and cares about their work and the industry, they will be members of professional bodies and a good installer will be proud of their memberships and display them on their website.
CIPHE – Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineer. The professional body for Plumbing and Heating engineers.
Gas Safe – This is a mandatory requirement for any installer who is servicing or installing gas appliances, they must be gas safe registered.
RECC – Renewable Energy Consumer Code, it is a sign that the company has agreed to abide by the high standards set out in the Consumer Code.
MCS – Microgeneration Certification Scheme, is a nationally recognised quality assurance scheme which demonstrates compliance to industry standards. It highlights to consumers that companies can consistently install or manufacture to the highest quality every time.
If a customer wishes to take advantage of the Government's financial incentives, like the Renewable Heat Incentive (up until 31st March 2022) or the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (from 1st April 2022), then they need to make sure that the installer they select is MCS registered. Check to see if an installer is MCS accredited.
GSHPA – Ground Source Heat Pump Association, this is a voluntary scheme for which members sign up and agree to follow their code of conduct.
Trustmark – A government endorsed quality mark scheme for trades that work in and out the home.
R A Brown Heating Services is a member and registered with all of the above schemes and accreditations and takes pride in making sure all work is completed to the highest standards.
Step 3 – What do others in the renewable industry and their customers say about them?
Customer reviews - If a company has customers who have made an effort to give them reviews then they must be either very happy or very unhappy. If a company has good reviews and testimonials, they will most certainly be displaying these, they will make them available on their website as testimonials or case studies projects. There may also be reviews under their Google business page or a 3rd party review platform like Trusted Trader/Reference line/Trustpilot.
You may also be able to speak to previous customers about their installations also, to gain first-hand knowledge from one of their existing customers who has had an installation completed. If customers are happy to recommend a company after the installation is complete and they have left the site, it says a lot about the workmanship, communication, and integrity of the business. It is worth asking the company if you would particularly like to speak to a past customer.
Industry recognition – does the company receive recognition through awards or commendations from their industry sector? Any awards or commendations, or even if they have been shortlisted are proof of consistent work well done and recognition by industry experts.
Step 4 – Have they an office or showroom you can visit?
Is the company legitimate and who they say they are? Can you trace registered company addresses? How long have they been trading for?
Not every company is large enough to have a showroom of their products, some may have an office or work from an office at home, but all companies should be traceable.
It is important to check the installer history and their experience as there are often installers who will “pop up” to meet the increased demand of government promotion and it is important to ensure your installation is completed by a competent and reputable company.
Once you have followed these 4 steps, you should be able to find a good reputable installer, then it’s worth giving your shortlisted installers a call to discuss your project and see how they can help you.
If you are based in Norfolk or North Suffolk and would like to discuss your renewable heating requirements, then visit the R A Brown Heating Services website or give us a call on 01603 898904 as they meet all the above steps.
Written by R A Brown