The existing Heat Pump Standard (MIS 3005) will be split into two standards – one for Heat Pump Design (MIS 3005-D) and one for Heat Pump Installation (MIS 3005-I). The changes come following the closure of the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (DRHI) on 31 March 2022 and will be mandatory from 1 April 2022.   

MCS intends the new standards to make the market more accessible, giving installers the opportunity to either focus on heat pump design or heat pump installation as per their skillsets. The split will also facilitate the predicted increase in contractors who can install heat pumps and work alongside independent heat pump designers.

The national standards body for renewables has outlined several key considerations for its installers from 1 April 2022:

• If a company is MIS 3005 certified for both design and installation, they can choose to remain as they are, or switch to become a certified designer (MIS 3005-D) or installer (MIS 3005-I) at their next certification surveillance assessment
• Any contractor (design or installer) who holds the customer contract can register a system on the MCS Microgeneration Installation Database (MID)
• Compliance certificates were required as part of the DRHI but, as it is closing in March 2022, they will no longer be required
• Designers can work according to the new standard straight away, even if installations are completed prior to the withdrawal of the old standard.

The new standards will not affect existing heat pump contractors, as by default, they are certified for both heat pump design and installation. The certifications will carry over until their next certification surveillance assessment, when installers can choose to be certified for design, installation, or both. 

Ian Rippin, Chief Executive of MCS, said: “This is a positive outcome for installers as we approach the end of the DRHI. The diversification of the new Heat Pump Standards will enable the industry to deliver the best service for customers and accommodate contractors who wish to streamline their skillset.

“Our change reflects the market. It is a move in the right direction as we look to encourage more installers into low-carbon heating and, in turn, increase the adoption of heat pumps in UK homes and non-domestic buildings.”

MCS is a quality assurance scheme, supported by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS). It provides the framework for the certification of microgeneration technologies used to produce electricity and heat from low carbon sources.