Heat Pump Manufacturers, Installers and Accreditation

Written-by

Janet Richardson

Reviewed-by

Richard Burdett-Gardiner

Updated on

Nov 12, 2024

Heat Pump Manufacturers, Installers and Accreditation

Let's start with accreditation's:

The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS)

MCS is the most widely recognised accreditation scheme for heat pumps and their installers in the UK. 

It is an industry-standard accreditation that demonstrates a company's quality and reliability. MCS-certified installers are committed to quality workmanship, customer care, and continual improvement. 

MCS accreditation is a quality assurance scheme that certifies both heat pumps and their installers, is a quality benchmark, and ensures compliance with the highest standards.

If a heat pump is MCS accredited it will have been subjected to testing and rigorous quality controls. Installers must also be MCS-accredited to be eligible for government incentives such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. To achieve MCS accreditation, engineers must complete industry qualifications, such as the OFT21-504A or OFT21-504D. 

Heat pump manufacturers and installers can have several other accreditation's, including: 

RECC (Renewable Energy Consumer Code)
A membership that protects consumers' interests and ensures they are treated fairly by businesses. As members of the Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC), firms agree to abide by the Consumer Code. It covers all the factors that contribute to a high standard of consumer service, before, during, and after a contract is agreed upon.

HIES (Home Insulation & Energy Systems Quality Assured Contractors Scheme)
A membership that protects consumers' interests and ensures they are treated fairly by businesses. HIES is a consumer protection organisation that covers the installation of renewable energy and home energy efficiency products. By respecting, protecting, and educating consumers they aim to transform consumer protection within the home energy market. There is a rigorous accreditation process for all prospective members before they can become part of a trusted network of installers. Once approved they will still be subject to annual vetting to ensure they are adhering to the scheme’s rules and code of practice. 

NICEIC Approval
An accreditation that is specifically for electrical installation companies. The NICEIC Approved Contractor Scheme is a stamp of quality for your electrical installation business. Approved Contractors are electrical contractors who have been assessed as competent to carry out electrical work against the requirements of BS 7671.

TrustMark
This is a UK government-endorsed quality scheme that ensures consumers that traders are adhering to high-quality customer service and trading. The scheme covers work that a consumer chooses to have carried out in or around their home. When a consumer chooses a TrustMark Registered Business, they are engaging a business that has been thoroughly vetted to meet required standards and has made a commitment to good customer service.

National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers (NAPIT)
This is an accreditation that many heat pump installers have. NAPIT-registered installers can complete work safely and to legally required standards. They are regularly assessed to ensure their ongoing competence. They are also capable of working to the very latest health and safety regulations.

Ground Source Heat Pump Association (GSHPA)
This is a major industry body that some heat pump installers are accredited by. GSHPA Standards define a high level of design, installation quality, and maintenance to protect the environment and maintain the reputation of the industry. They are designed to help contractors and sub-contractors employing specialist companies to install ground source systems that comply with the Standards.

When choosing a heat pump installer, you can also check for other trade associations or accreditations they may have. You can also ask to check their quoted credentials and ask about the criteria of any credentials. 

Tips for Selecting an Accredited Installer

Choosing the right installer is no small decision and can make a huge difference to the performance, safety, and cost-effectiveness of your heat pump system. Here are a few things you should consider before you go ahead with the installation:

• Reputation: Do your due diligence by checking your installer for positive reviews and recommendations from previous customers. Check whether your installer has won any awards or holds any industry accreditations. 
• Certifications and Accreditations: Make sure that your installer has relevant certifications from recognised organisations such as the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) and the Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC). These accreditations ensure that the installer complies with rigorous industry standards and regulations. 
• Experience: Your qualified heat pump installer should have experience working with various types of heat pumps in different locations. Search for a solid track record in your locality if you are looking for regional expertise. Experience should mean that they have the necessary skills to handle any challenges that the installation throws at them.
• Technical know-how and support: Your installer should not only be an expert when it comes to installing your heat pump but should also be able to provide support post-installation. Finding an installation company with responsive customer service is essential. You may need advice on optimising your system's performance or you may need them to sort out a small operational problem. Whatever the issue you will benefit from choosing a company with excellent customer service. 
• Full-service providers: To ensure a hassle-free process and accountability choose an installer that offers the complete package from initial assessment and installation to aftercare and services. 
• Insurance: Ensure your installer has public liability insurance to cover any damages or accidents that may happen during installation. 

Choosing the best air-source heat pump in the UK 2024

If you are looking to buy a new air-source heat pump you will want to consider which brands are the best. There are a lot of potential brands available in the UK with a whole range of air-source and air-to-water heat pumps to choose from. We will take a look at some of the best leading heat pump brands in this article and highlight the key differences between them. Most of the listed brands market air-to-water heat pumps. These tend to be more popular because they create heat that can be used for space and domestic hot water which can save you in installation space. 

Before you invest in a heat pump, the factors that are likely to be top priorities for you are reliability, low maintenance, ease of installation, and longevity. Another important factor that you’ll want to consider is the warranty which can give you the peace of mind you need if there are problems with your heat pump. Your chosen brand will be there to offer you help and support. 

Here is a list of metrics to use when comparing heat pump manufacturers and considering who offers the best models:

• Warranty period 
• Efficiency ratings 
• Price range
• Installation and maintenance network and reviews 
• Customer service performance 
• Brand reputation based on customer reviews 
• Trustpilot reviews  
• Awards and accolades e.g. Which? Best Buy Awards

All the following brands include heat pumps that achieve the highest possible efficiency class, A+++.

You will often hear your heat pump installer use the phrase Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP). You might also see SCOP or COP mentioned in terms of describing the efficiency of the different brands of heat pumps in the list that follows. SCOP is a metric that is used to measure how efficient a heat pump is throughout a heating season. 

You can calculate the SCOP by dividing the total amount of heat a heat pump delivers by the total amount of energy it consumes over the same period. A higher SCOP value indicates greater energy efficiency. 

SCOP is an improvement on the Coefficient of Performance (COP), which measures efficiency at a set point. SCOP considers seasonal variations in temperature, part-load efficiency, defrost cycles, and other factors to provide a more realistic representation of how a heat pump performs in real-world conditions. 

Panasonic

The company has over 60 years of experience in heat pump technology. Founded in 1918 in Japan, today it is one of the world's leading manufacturers of air-to-air and air-to-water heat pumps. The UK head office is based in Bracknell, Berkshire.

Known for their high efficiency, reliability, and quiet operation, Panasonic heat pumps can help reduce your energy bills and make your home more environmentally friendly. Its air-to-water heat pumps have a maximum CoP of up to 5.28, while its air-to-air heat pumps have a maximum CoP of up to 5.1. Another beneficial factor to bear in mind is the ability to integrate your solar PV panels with a Panasonic heat pump. 

Panasonic offers a wide range of heat pumps to meet the needs of homeowners in the UK. One of its top products is its Aquarea heat pump range, particularly the recent L series. This air-to-water heat pump is an ideal option for homeowners who are renovating their homes as this model is compatible with existing radiator systems.

The company also offers the Etherea air-to-air heat pump range. Known for their quiet operation and modern design these heat pumps are also available with a variety of features such as air purification and wi-fi connectivity something for every home’s needs. 

When compared to some other brands Panasonic heat pumps are thought to be good value for money. If you take advantage of the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme which can take up to £7,500 off your new heat pump it becomes much more affordable.

Panasonic heat pumps are easy to clean and maintain which is especially noticeable if you are switching from a boiler to a heat pump. You are likely to save money on maintenance costs because heat pumps have fewer moving parts and do not generate combustion. 

It is clear to see that Panasonic believes in their product's reliability as they offer warranties of up to 7 years. 

They are also committed to sustainability which you can see in their use of refrigerants with a low global warming potential (GWP), such as R290. The GWP measures the overall environmental impact of the heat pump based on the greenhouse gas effect. 
Panasonic heat pumps range in price from £675 to £8,000. 

Viessmann

Though Viessmann didn’t start manufacturing in the UK until 1989, the German company has established itself as a renowned global player able to provide all-round energy solutions to domestic, commercial, and industrial markets. Viessmann’s Vitocal range features German-engineered air-to-water heat pumps that provide heating and cooling functions as well as domestic hot water. These heat pumps can also be combined with your existing heating system. 

Vitocal domestic air-to-water heat pumps offer a wide range of outputs to suit homes of all sizes. The 100-A 16kW model will suit large homes with up to 5 bedrooms and comes at a more affordable price than the most powerful model, the 350-A. 

The 100-A is easy to install as it can be installed entirely outside. A special feature of the monobloc unit is its corrosion-resistant gold-plated heat exchanger which allows for long-lasting, reliable energy transfer. 

Vitocal heat pumps can be installed inside and outside of your house as they run extremely quietly. Due to their reversible circuit, the units can provide heating and cooling. 

The 150/151-A systems use the environmentally friendly R290 pure propane refrigerant. This comes with a very low global warming potential (GWP) score of 0.02. 

These models also feature Viessmann’s patented Hydro AutoControl which contains all the necessary indoor components while maintaining a minimum flow rate through the system. 

These systems are 60% smaller than traditional systems and can be installed in a relatively short amount of time. 

Viessman heat pumps range in price from £3,700 to £17,000.

Vaillant

Although the Valiant Group has been operating internationally for 141 years it only started manufacturing heat pumps in 2006. It is the second-largest European manufacturer of home comfort solutions. Today, alongside traditional gas boilers air to water heat pumps make up the majority of its business. 

Most Vaillant systems are Quiet Mark Approved and certified by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme for quality assurance. Their range of heat pumps can include up to 7 outdoor units which can be used to build a cascade system to meet high energy demands. 

Vaillant also has a flexoTHERM range that allows you to use the energy from multiple sources including ground, air, or water. If this range is combined with the aroCOLLECT it can use outside air to provide a power output up to 19kW. Used together, maximum efficiency can be maintained with no heat loss. 

Valiant's aroTHERM plus in combination with the indoor uniTOWER water cylinder works for a hot water supply of 190 litres which is suitable for homes with 2 bathrooms. This system has Vaillant’s highest performing CoP of 5.2. The aroTHERM plus was awarded Best Heat Pump by the Green Home Awards in 2021 for its overall unique design, reduced environmental impact, and efficient operation. 

Vaillant’s heat pumps range in price from £3,100 to £8,700.

Daikin

Daikin is a Japanese company founded in 1924 that initially specialised in air conditioning. It offers integrated heating, cooling, and domestic hot water solutions. In 2006, Daikin released its Altherma heat pump range. Daikin has also been recognised for its campaigns promoting renewable energy and encouraging homeowners to adopt renewable technology.

Daikin’s heat pumps come in a wide range of outputs making them a versatile option. Its hybrid heat pump can be combined with your existing boiler as well as with solar panels. Using your solar panels to power your heat pump will reduce the environmental impact of your heating system even more as well as making you more energy independent. 

Daikin’s heat pumps can help you save energy as they can provide heat pumps that almost completely match your energy needs. You can opt for the Daikin Altherma Low-Temperature Split if your home has low energy needs and low-temperature radiators or the Daikin Altherma High-Temperature Split if your home has high energy needs. The Daikin Altherma High-Temperature Split can provide a maximum flow temperature of up to 70°C. 

Daikin stands out from other manufacturers on this list as it can provide heat pumps that operate even in very low outside temperatures. The Daikin Altherma 3 H HT operates at temperatures down to -28°C. This means you can still rely on a Daikin system to heat your home during cold winters. 

Thanks to its advanced Bluevolution Technology combined with the UK’s first R32 environmentally friendly refrigerant the Daikin Altherma 3 operates at maximum energy efficiency. Daikin claims that energy consumption is reduced by 30% because Bluevolution uses inverter technology to adjust the speed of the motor to respond to the temperature of the room, rather than stopping and starting. 

Daikin heat pumps range in price from £3,100 to £9,200.

Hitachi

Hitachi, originally a Japanese manufacturer was first established in 1910 and has operated in the UK for the past 90 years. The company provides an extensive range of air conditioning and heating solutions for domestic and commercial use. 

When comparing heat pumps with boilers, the Yutaki line of air-to-water heat pumps can reduce running costs by up to 60% according to Hitachi. All of these models are rated A+++ which represents the highest possible efficiency class. 

Yutaki Systems can also provide heating and cooling functions through low-temperature radiators, underfloor heating, or both at the same time in different areas of the house. 

The Yutaki S Combi offers domestic hot water up to 80°C, one of the highest on the manufacturer’s list. This is due to its patented Cascade R134a Heat Pump Circuit which provides quick boosts of energy on demand. The combi system comes with a 220-litre domestic hot water cylinder. 

Yutaki heat pumps are easy to maintain as the units allow easy access to the internal components. These include a custom scroll compressor and inverter which respond to outside temperatures to provide optimal seasonal efficiency and reduced energy consumption.

Hitachi heat pumps range in price from £3,000 to £8,200.

Bosch

Bosch was originally formed in Germany in 1886 and entered the UK in 1962. Since then, it has become a market leader with its world-renowned range of products and customer service giving them one of the highest Trustpilot ratings on this list with a score of 4.6/5.

Bosch heat pumps can be recognised by their sleek design with curved edges. All the necessary components are contained in the AWE indoor unit which allows for flexible installation. One of these components is a backup electric booster so that the system can always meet your needs. If you want even more hot water reliability you can purchase a Green Storage WB cylinder which has a 300-litre capacity from Bosch. The units allow easy access to internal components for easy maintenance.

If you have an older house and are unable to undergo extensive renovations Bosch offers the 7000i AW hybrid model which can be combined with a world-renowned Bosch boiler. You can switch between them during operation to provide optimum heat. 

Bosch heat pumps range in price from £3,700 to £8,900.

Nibe

Well-known in the heat pump world, the Swedish company Nibe sells a wide range of appliances across Europe. Nibe has a reputation for producing heat pumps that are both high-performance and environmentally friendly solutions that work throughout the year. 

The most well-known air source heat pump produced by the company is the Nibe F2040 which is ideal for small to medium homes. It operates at maximum efficiency and can even work with an external temperature as low as -20 degrees centigrade. This system can also be used for larger homes by adding extra outdoor units to build a cascade system. 

These intelligent heat pumps will adapt and adjust to your home’s energy output, only ever providing what energy you need and allowing you to make savings throughout the year. 

Nibe’s F2120 model can also achieve a Seasonal Coefficient of Performance rating of 5. 

Nibe heat pumps range in price from £3,800 to £10,000. 

Samsung

Samsung is known worldwide as a tech giant with more than 80 years of experience in delivering innovative and forward-thinking products across a range of technological niches. 

Samsung launched its first heat pump in 2012 with the EHS Mono range and soon became a prominent player in the UK market due to its competitive pricing and design expertise.

Samsung’s air-to-water heat pumps are environmentally friendly as they also run on the R32 refrigerant. Due to being lightweight and compact the EHS mono allows for a simple outdoor installation. These models are particularly suited to medium to large homes.

The EHS models also come with an integrated indoor hot water tank that reaches a 260-litre capacity giving you optimum hot water convenience. 

The EHS TDM is designed for outdoor installation and provides heating, cooling, and domestic hot water with an output that goes up to 16kW.

Samsung heat pumps range in price from £3,400 to £7,400.

There’s a lot to think about when installing a heat pump. It may be the first time you have considered a new type of heating system. Most of us have been used to the traditional gas boiler but we at the Renewable Energy Hub are here to answer your questions and help with the transition to a form of low-carbon heating.

A well-installed heat pump system is essential for maintaining a comfortable and energy-efficient home. This will not only save you money in the long run but also ensure you get optimal performance and longevity from your system.

(Manufacturer information is correct to the best of our knowledge on 12/11/2024, and is subject to change. Always check directly with the manufacturer.)