How to Become a Heat Pump Installer in 2022

While you may have been thinking that all it takes to be a heat pump installer is to have the proper training and skill set, there is some bad news for you. You are not going to make it in this industry if you are not certified. So, the drill is getting the proper training and getting certified to be a heat pump installer. It's just as easy as stealing a candy bar from a toddler. And so, to speak, in this post, we will be exploring the possible options you have, not just for becoming a heat pump installer but a certified one. Read on.

Why is the certification necessary?

By now, you are aware of the government incentives and policies which are set out to outdo the incompetence of heat pump installation companies. This is now coercing installers to enroll in the microgeneration certification scheme (MCS). Yet this scheme is company oriented.

The thing is that it aims for companies to employ installers who are fully verified with the processes involved in designing, installing, executing, and commissioning heat pumps. And there is no better way to prove knowledgeability apart from being certified to be having the necessary skillset.

The route to becoming an installer is laid with the common knowledge of technologies such as boilers, plumbing, radiators, and heat emission control. The experience needed should be based on the knowledgeability of precise sizing, calculating heat demand, and knowing the suitable emitters that run optimally. With this knowledge and an MCS certification, you are bound to thrive in the heat pump installation market.

What's the microgeneration certification scheme?

The microgeneration certification scheme is a systematic plan that allows potential heat pump installers to be recognized by the installation industry without a compendious certification process. So don't mistake this for a course.

Remember, the MCS is company oriented. Thus, it's up to your MCS-certified company to design and commission the heat pump and all the sizing calculations. Then the installation part will be subcontracted to you. This scheme means you will not be dealing with the paperwork involved in government incentives because that is the domain of the MCS operator. And make no mistake, the MCS scheme sets the guidelines for installers. They comprise:

·        Signing a formal agreement on the specific scope of work you will be doing as an installer

·        Conforming to the standards of competence set under the chosen scope of work

·        Showing proof of insurance coverage

·        As for the company, taking full responsibility for the installation and issuance of the MCS certificate is a must.

Why should you consider the MCS scheme?

Still, to reiterate, the MCS scheme is company oriented. As a potential installer, you will have to look for a company under this umbrella scheme. If it gets to the point where installation is just a cog in the heat pump business, and you start being unsure of the heat pump demand in your local area, the MCS umbrella scheme could help with.

• Building a reputation – A certificate advertises your expertise better and having the MCS at your back means you will get referrals from your scheme operator.

• Building experience – It's up to the MCS-certified company to deal with system designs. So, on your end, you will gain experience in other sectors without the interference of designs.

• Complimentary training – Under the umbrella scheme, the heat pump company will require you to take a course related to their specific heat pumps.

Consider getting an MCS-certified company as a compounded approach to the right side. It doesn't exempt you from training, which means you still have your best shot at getting experience. And as an add-on, there is reduced expenses and duration that it takes for one to become a singly certified entity.

Even when functioning as a sole entity or a micro-installation business, the MCS umbrella scheme sends you directly to another business level where the playing field is leveled. It's oblivious of bigger companies, and it's there to boost only those who have shown great skills and competence.

With this help, as an installer, you are bound to have greater experiences in a less risky environment at your own pace. And in the long run, you may live to savor the benefits of getting the MCS accreditation.

Are you contemplating becoming a heat pump installer? Which training do you need?

So now you know that your best chance of finding an MCS accredited company is by having the required skillset. And, make no mistake, you have to go through,

1. The WRAS course and laws - this training is based on the 1999 water regulation laws that dictate the plumbing and installation requirements for any heat pump installer.

2. Extreme temperature units in properties - This is an LCL level 3 certification course which is a part of the CIPHE and HVACN Association. It ensures all installers are      verified with high-end heat pumps that work in extreme temperatures. The training is to help you as an installer understand the designs of such heat pumps.

3. The third-grade certification on heat pump maintenance - this course is under the supervision of the RFQ regulators. It aims to get recognition for plumbing and heating system knowledge with the ability to maintain different types of heat pumps.

What's the basic knowledge needed for one to become a heat pump installer?

When planning to be an installer, there are basic things you need to be aware of, such as:

Assessment knowledge

This comes in handy when verifying whether a heat pump may be installed. It involves checking the property's size, energy consumption, source of energy, insulation radiators, and calculating the size of the heat pump needed.

Calculations on heat loss

This is always determined by the radiators and the size of each room and window. You may do this with online tools or go old school as an installer. The calculations are essential in determining the costs involved in running the heat pumps and the amount they may be getting from government incentives.

Installation expertise

Nearly 80% of the work is based on this part. All it takes is knowledge of different heat pumps and even boilers. But expect to deal with plumbing and hydraulic systems. At some point, mechanical and electrical knowledge will be needed for power connection, meters, radiators, and hydraulic balancing. Lastly, you will be needed to give an estimate of the noise level by calculating the distance its distance from the property.

So how do you become a heat pump installer in 2022

As a potential heat pump installer, you are presented with different options, provided you have completed all of the above courses. With that in order, you may:

Register for the MCS schemes

The MCS schemes will require you to undergo the necessary training or prove that you have already satisfied this part. The MCS scheme extends to different heat pump manufacturers, so on your part, you will have to find an MCS-accredited heat pump company and apply for the installation job. Since it is also company-based, the company may require you to take a few days to learn about their heat pump systems.

Solely apply for the MCS heat pump installation

You may already have the training to build on existing plumbing networks, heating systems, ventilation channels, and gas or oil passages. And if you have no knowledge, you may have to go through the WRAS Water Regulation course.

The third-grade certification in heat pump maintenance will still qualify you for the same. Upon completion, seek the MCS certification for the installation of heat pumps. This route necessitates that you have an MCS-certified company dealing with the heat pump designs.

Apply for the MCS Installations and planning

Still, you will need knowledge of heat pumps, oil and gas dealings, and setting a heat pump to function in extreme temperatures. You will have to go through the WRAS Water Regulation course.

Extreme temperature units in properties and the third-grade certification on heat pump maintenance. This application will enable you to assume full accountability in installations and issuing MCS certificates to end users.

Conclusion

So, there you have it. The heat pump market for installers is getting more crowded with heat pump installers as the heat pumps are becoming widely recognized. So, certification is necessary.

It is always preferable and often required for heat pump installers to have MCS certification. To become MCS accredited, you must demonstrate competency as well as a dedication to excellent craftsmanship, customer support, and continuous progress.

The MCS accreditation is necessary if end-users want to claim Government incentives. So, there is no cutting through corners; you must get the required MCS training and find an operator company to work under.

While installing split ASHPs, you will need an F-Gas accreditation as all exterior and interior devices must be linked with refrigeration pipes on-site. As a potential installer, you might want to consider an F-Gas licensing course. Still, your employer may subcontract this aspect of a project to another installer who is appropriately prepared.