Credit: Jevanto Productions/Shutterstock
As the UK transitions to a net zero economy, our heating needs to be almost fully decarbonised, meaning more heat pumps will have to be installed. While initial costs for ASHPs could be seen as a sticking point, the BUS relieves some of that financial pressure by offering vouchers of £5,000 for ASHP installations.
In order for installers to benefit, it is important that they have a good understanding of how the BUS works and which projects will be eligible.
How does the BUS work?
The process involved in the BUS is relatively simple:
Under this system, voucher applications are made via the BUS account and the discount is applied to the installer. This means they can apply the £5,000 discount to their customer quotes from the initial consultation.
This aspect of the BUS can be quite enticing for customers as it relieves them of any administrative burden that they might imagine is involved in a government scheme. Before beginning those conversations however, it is important to know whether or not a customer’s property will be eligible.
Who can receive the BUS discount?
Most properties are eligible for the BUS in England and Wales. The ASHP installation must be agreed by the owner, whether it is going into the owner’s home, a property they rent to others, or a second or holiday home. In most cases, the property will need to had been granted an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) within 10 years of the voucher application. Newbuild developments are not included as part of the BUS, though many self-builds are.
Another point of eligibility concerns the heating system being replaced, and what it is being replaced with. For the system to warrant a discounted upgrade, it must be a fossil fuel-based system, such as a traditional gas boiler.
To fall within the remit of the BUS, the replacement system must be an ASHP, a biomass boiler, or a ground source heat pump.
Hybrid systems – those consisting of a low carbon heat source combined with a traditional boiler – are not eligible for the grant.
What is MCS?
Aside from having a BUS account, all that is required for installers to access the discounts are certifications to install ASHPs and with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS).
It is important to note that installers who are not already certified can become so by applying directly to MCS and demonstrating their proficiency. Where additional training is needed, courses are available to ensure that installers meet the standards for safe and reliable ASHP installations.
The MCS certifies, quality assures, and provides consumer protection for microgeneration installations and installers. To be MCS registered and certified, installers need to prove their competence with a qualification in heat pump installation, such as the one offered by LCL Awards. Also needed is the Water Regulation Approval Scheme (WRAS) water regulations qualification, and an NVQ level 2 or 3, or equivalent.
Manufacturers are currently rethinking training plans to align them more closely with MCS requirements. For instance, Baxi will be launching a British Plumbing Employers Council (BPEC) heat pump installation training that will equip heating engineers with the adequate skills to gain MCS accreditation.
Training will also become available in the installation of Baxi’s latest range of ASHPs and ASHP cylinders, helping installers get comfortable with the new technology in a hands-on way.
How can the BUS benefit installers?
The total cost of having an ASHP installed can be more than £13,000. Often, other home modifications, such as adding insulation or changing pipes and radiators to a more suitable size, are necessary; potentially adding substantially to the total costs of a project.
While many property owners have the willingness to switch to low carbon heat, they may not necessarily have the means to do so. With a £5,000 discount, ASHPs become a more viable option for many.
The BUS benefits installers as an opportunity to position themselves as invaluable intermediaries who can facilitate a more affordable method for homeowners to make the leap to low carbon.
Helping customers get on the BUS
Installers can be a vital resource for their customers with cost of energy concerns by making sure they understand how much energy they can save with low carbon heating.
In the current economic crisis, customers may especially want help understanding how an ASHP will benefit their finances, and installers need to have the answers and be ready to take the next steps towards ASHP installation.
With training and support available as part of manufacturers’ loyalty schemes, such as Baxi Works, ASHP installers will be able to help their customers understand the financial – and environmental – advantages of this technology and why it could be the right choice for them.
The BUS is scheduled to come to an end in 2028, so installers should ensure customers don’t miss out. By staying aware of changes to regulations, training opportunities, and available support, installers will be better placed to capitalise on this lucrative opportunity, adding another product to their portfolio and growing their customer base.
If you'd like to keep up-to-date with the latest developments in the heating and plumbing industry, why not subscribe to our weekly newsletters? Just click the button below and you can ensure all the latest industry news and new product information lands in your inbox every week.
Subscribe to receive your free copy of HVP every month.
