Viessmann said it has launched a new MCS umbrella scheme to help installers reduce the time, cost and effort involved in becoming MCS registered.
It said the ‘Viessmann Access’ scheme was open to all trained installers wishing to fit air source heat pumps (ASHPs).
Demand for Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS)-accredited installers is high as renewable heating solutions grow in popularity, and the government’s 2025 target for fossil fuel-free heating in new builds draws closer, the company said.
Building Control approval and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme can only be unlocked if the installer is MCS certified, but gaining certification can be costly and complex, a statement added.
“This scheme is a real game-changer for our installers,” said Emma-Louise Bennett, customer relationship coordinator at Viessmann. “MCS accreditation involves in-depth assessment; installers are required to have certain procedures in place, evidence their credit history and pay to renew their membership every year. Most micro businesses are not equipped to do this – it takes up time and resources many simply do not have.
“Viessmann Access will support those new to heat pumps to gain experience and operate under our guidance, knowing they have the full support of the manufacturer through all stages of the process, until they are ready to become certified. Viessmann commissions the installer to install the heat pump system and signs it off via a service engineer commissioning check, with Viessmann taking full ownership of the installation and only charging if the quotation is won. The total charge is around £1,300 per install, which includes design, certification and commissioning fees.”
All Viessmann residential ASHP products are included in the scheme and a typical product package would feature the air source heat pump together with a twin coil cylinder, or a heat pump with an integrated cylinder such as the Vitocal 151-A air source storage heat pump, as well as a seven-year warranty.