Understanding MCS heat pumps.
Before we discuss how to choose the right MCS heat pump installer for your heat pump, let's clarify what exactly this "MCS" thing is.
What is an MCS certified heat pump?
This is a heat pump that has been assessed and approved by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (“MCS” for short).
The MCS is an independent, government backed organisation. It was set up to maintain MCS installer standards for low carbon tech used to produce electricity from heat and renewable sources, such as heat pumps and solar panels. The MCS also sets the standards for the people who install them.
What that means to you is that an MCS certified heat pump:
Has been tested and meets industry standards for reliability, efficiency and safety.
Is eligible for incentives and schemes such as ECO4 and the Smart Export Guarantee.
It’s also worth noting that many planning authorities insist - and many home insurers prefer - that your heat pump is MCS certified.
What are the benefits of choosing an MCS heat pump installer?
How does MCS certification ensure quality? In a word, “standards”.
First of all, MCS heat pump installers (or, for that matter, MCS solar installers) have to meet rigorous standards for technical competence, quality of workmanship, and safety. So, you can rest assured that the installation will be carried out correctly, minimising the chances of anything going wrong in the future.
In the unlikely event that something needs fixing, all MCS certified installers are required to have appropriate insurance and provide warranties for their work, giving you additional protection and peace of mind.
MCS certified heat pump installers are knowledgeable about the latest technologies and best practices. They can provide expert advice on selecting the right system for your home.
In fact, MCS certification bodies conduct regular audits and inspections to ensure that both installers and product manufacturers adhere to all their standards, so you can be sure that their knowledge, skills and the products they install are up to scratch.
Speaking of certification, your system will come with an MCS certificate to show it was installed to the highest standards.
Again, let's not forget that if you want to take advantage of any government assistance or incentives, you’ll need to have your heat pump installed by an MCS certified professional.
Finding MCS heat pump installers.
The importance of accredited installers.
We've already discussed the benefits of choosing an MCS certified installer, but how do you find one to install your air source heat pump (ASHP)?
Fortunately, you have several reliable options to find an MCS certified heat pump installer in the UK.
How to find MCS heat pump installers near you.
The MCS website has a dedicated "Find an Installer" tool. You can search by location or technology type (in this case, “heat pump").
The UK government website can also help you find MCS heat pump installers. It’s handy if you're applying for government funding.
Why buy a heat pump from us?
All the installers we use at E.ON Next (and the heat pumps installed) are MCS accredited, but our service goes beyond that.
Before we start the installation, our expert will discuss your heating needs with you to understand precisely what you need so they can recommend the right heat pump for your home.
Once you're happy with our suggestion, a qualified surveyor will visit your home to ensure everything's OK for a smooth installation and provide you with a fixed price quote. They'll check the space available for the ASHP and see if any radiators or pipes need replacing.
On installation day, the installer will install your heat pump and ensure it's working with as little disruption as possible. They'll even clean up any mess afterwards.
You’ll also get a walkthrough from one of our technicians. They’ll show you how to use your new heat pump’s controls and answer any questions you might have.
Of course, we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have later.
If you're interested in taking a free survey to see if an ASHP is right for your home, visit our page to buy a heat pump and answer a few quick questions to get started.
Air source heat pumps (ASHP).
What is an air source heat pump?
An ASHP takes heat from the outdoors and brings it inside your home to warm it up. Compared to traditional gas or oil boilers, this can help you save money on your heating bills and reduce your carbon footprint.
Want to know more about ASHPs and how you could benefit from one? Then visit our heat pump explained page.
How does an air source heat pump work?
An air source heat pump is like a refrigerator working in reverse. Have you ever noticed that the back of your refrigerator is warm? That's because it takes the warmth from the inside and pumps it out the back.
Using the same principle, an ASHP takes the heat from outdoors and pumps it inside - even when it's cold.
Learn more about how exactly air source heat pumps work.
Benefits of air source heat pumps.
All this work an ASHP does takes electricity, but it's very efficient. This means it can produce more heat energy than the electrical energy it uses. This can help you save money on your heating bills and reduce your carbon footprint compared to traditional gas or oil boilers.
Installation costs for an ASHP.
How much does an ASHP installation cost?
Unsurprisingly, the cost to install an ASHP varies. GreenMatch1(who provide quotes and information on green energy solutions) says prices start at as little as £2,400 and go all the way up to £14,500.
On the other hand, the Energy Savings Trust2 says that the typical ASHP installation is around £14,000.
Although the upper end of these prices may seem high, remember that the long term savings and the environmental benefits can make it a worthwhile investment.
Factors affecting ASHP installation costs.
So, what can affect the cost of your air source heat pump installation?
The size of your home. Larger homes require more heating.
Accessibility. An awkward spot to install your heat pump or any specialist equipment needed can affect the cost.
The complexity of the installation. New pipework, radiators, or other needed modifications can affect the price.
Additional components, such as a hot water cylinder or smart controls.
Insulation. A well insulated home will need less heating to maintain your desired temperature.
And yes, even the temperature you want to keep your home at can affect costs.
Fortunately, an MCS certified installer can help you make these decisions and choose the best ASHP for your home.
Air source heat pumps vs ground source heat pumps - a cost comparison.
Ground source heat pumps are more expensive than air source heat pumps. This is because of the extensive groundwork required for installation and the ground loop needed.
However, their greater efficiency and lower running costs in the long term can offset the higher upfront cost of ground source heat pumps.
Find out more about the pros and cons of ground vs. air source heat pump system and how the costs compare.
Financial incentives and savings for heat pumps.
Don’t let this talk of cost dull your interest in heat pumps. The good news is that there are a number of grants and incentives to help.
Government grants and incentives for ASHP.
The main grant scheme offered by the UK government is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS).3
Lower costs with the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
This scheme is open to people in England and Wales. It’s to help homeowners cover the cost of replacing fossil fuel heating systems with a heat pump or biomass boiler. You can get £7,500 towards an ASHP if you’re eligible.
The main eligibility criteria are that you:
Own the property you’re applying for (including if it’s a business, a second home, or a property you rent out to tenants).
Are replacing fossil fuel heating systems - such as oil, gas, electric or LPG (liquefied petroleum gas).
Other criteria include the type of property you own or whether you have received any other government funding. You can check these with the MCS installer (like our own) who provides you with a quote for the work (they apply on your behalf).
Help if you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland.
Scotland or Northern Ireland have their own schemes, respectively known as Home Energy Scotland Grant & Loan and The Affordable Warmth Scheme.
Potential savings with an ASHP.
How much your new ASHP saves compared to your old system obviously depends on the old system you had.
You will save more yearly if you switch from an inefficient boiler to a heat pump. For example, according to the Energy Saving Trust4 switching from an old G-rated gas boiler to a heat pump will save you around £290 a year on your bills, while switching from old electric storage heaters could save you up to £1,000.
You can find out more about the costs of air source heat pumps - and the savings.
Getting started with your installation.
Before you get your air source heat pump installed, there are several things you can do. Some are obvious, and others will help you get the most out of it.
Getting quotes from installers.
As with any major household work, you should get quotes from at least 3 installers to give you an idea of how much you can expect to pay.
You should also use this opportunity to check each installer's credentials and experience. Have they ever done a job like yours before? Can they provide examples and reviews of their work? Do they foresee any difficulties with the installation?
Asking questions like these will give you an idea of what you can expect.
Preparing your home for an ASHP.
First of all, you should work out where your ASHP is going to go. Does the spot have easy access? Is there good airflow and clearance around the unit? Your installer can help you answer these questions.
But you should also consider things like your existing loft, wall and floor insulation, along with draught proofing. After all, you don’t want your ASHP to generate your heat only to lose it straight away.
Getting an up-to-date Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a good place to start. This will help assess your home's energy efficiency and identify areas for improvement.
After the installation.
Installing your air source heat pump usually takes 2-3 days, a bit longer if you’re having radiators or a hot water cylinder installed, too.
But once your installer has checked that it’s all set up correctly and working, it will provide you with hot water and heating straight away.
You should do a few things to keep your ASHP in top condition:
Schedule a yearly service by a qualified technician. This will ensure everything works efficiently (and may be required to maintain your warranty).
Clean or replace filters regularly (every 3-6 months) to prevent airflow restrictions.
Keep the outdoor unit free of debris like leaves and snow, which can obstruct airflow.
Watch your energy bills and the system's performance. If you notice any significant changes, contact a technician for inspection.
With care and attention like this, your ASHP will be keeping you warm and toasty for years to come!
Ready to get started?
So, if you're interested in getting a quote, visit our page to buy a heat pump. We'll ask you a few simple questions to start you on your journey.