Choosing the right path to becoming an air source heat pump installer can be daunting. An MCS Umbrella Scheme offers one of the easiest solutions. 

Choosing the right path to becoming an air source heat pump installer can be daunting. An MCS Umbrella Scheme offers one of the easiest solutions. An MCS Umbrella scheme takes away the hassle of the installer being MCS certified themselves. This means they can work more easily and get access to government grants, like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (eligibility checks apply) for their customers.

MCS Umbrella Schemes like HPIN Direct reduce the administrative burden and ensure compliance with industry standards. They also enhance an installer’s credibility and marketability which is crucial in this competitive and growing market.

For homeowners, an installer using an MCS Umbrella Scheme should reassure them that they will get a high-quality installation. It provides peace of mind for the customer knowing their installer is certified to industry standard.

Whilst other companies offer MCS Umbrella schemes, they all require subscription fees to join. HPIN Direct is different. With no annual or monthly fees, HPIN Direct is one of the first truly free MCS Umbrella Schemes in the industry.  The scheme also provides additional support, such as heat pump training at our industry leading academy on the Essex coast.

All this helps installers keep up to date with the latest technology and training, bringing the next generation of air source heat pump installers into the industry.

What is an MCS Umbrella Scheme?

MCS stands for Microgeneration Certification Scheme and is the guardian of the industry standards for heat pump installations.

An MCS Umbrella Scheme is a solution for heat pump installers allowing them to operation under another organisations approved certification. It simplifies the path to heat pump installations for existing engineers looking to upskill.

Under an such a scheme, installers benefit from a streamlined process. This is particularly helpful for those new to the industry who want to train as installers. It provides an easier entry point into renewable energy sector.

  • Simplified MCS certification process
  • Compliance with industry standards
  • Access to expert support and training

Our Umbrella Scheme, HPIN Direct covers all administrative duties for an installer. The installer can focus on delivering quality work for their customers making it a win-win for all involved.

For homeowners, these schemes ensure reliable service from certified professionals.

Customers also get the benefit of having a local installer complete their installation with the backing of a national company. This not only enhances trust but also ensures projects meet high standards.

The result? A growing demand for heat pumps! This will help the UK meet its target of 600,000 heat pump installations a year. 

So how does an MCS Umbrella Scheme like HPIN Direct work?

An MCS Umbrella Scheme provides a structured framework for heat pump installers. It gives them opportunities to sell and install heat pumps without the admin hassle of completing MCS certification themselves. In short, heat pump installers can concentrate on what they are good at – installing heat pumps. 

Installers partner with an umbrella organisation like HPIN Direct. This organisation holds the MCS certification and in turn, the installers operate under this certification. This partnership allows them to meet industry standards and regulations.

Here’s how the scheme functions:

  • Installers join HPIN Direct and book their jobs in with us on our portal.
  • We do the technical assessment and design the heat pump system.
  • We provide the customer quote with kit and labour costs to the installer for their customer
  • The customer pays us, and we supply the heat pump system and deliver to the customer site.
  • The installer completes the install, and we audit and commission.
  • The installer gets paid when audit has been passed. 

These steps ensure that installers are compliant without the usual complexities. By joining such a scheme, installers can focus more on their installs and less on administrative tasks.

Key benefits for heat pump installers

The HPIN Direct MCS Umbrella Scheme offers significant advantages for heat pump installers.

In addition to less admin, HPIN Direct helps installers grow their business with access to Government grants like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme for their customers. What’s more, installers can also join the Heat Pump Installer Network (HPIN) and take advantage of free training at our training Academy. HPIN Certified Installers on our installer network can also benefit from a customer referral scheme and guaranteed jobs in their local areas. 

HPIN and HPIN Direct benefits include:

  • Free to join with no subscription fees
  • Free heat pump training for those looking to upskill
  • MCS accreditation 
  • Access to BUS grants for eligible homeowners
  • Access to industry leading software
  • Support and development 
  • Referral scheme with £500 referral fee and guaranteed the install
  • Earn up to £3k per install for HPIN 

By joining HPIN installers will gain access to a wider network of potential customers leading to increased installations and referrals. The training and support provided also mean that installers remain up to date with the latest technologies and developments in the industry.

Advantages for homeowners and consumers

Homeowners benefit when there are more heat pump installers.

More importantly they benefit when those installers are properly trained to install air source heat pumps. If we can encourage more gas engineers to train as heat pump installers, there will be more installers available for customers. Lead times for installations will come down and we will contribute to meeting the Government’s target of installing 600,000 heat pumps a year. 

MCS certification is designed to improve consumer confidence. Knowing their heat pump system is installed by a certified professional offers peace of mind and should increase trust in renewable energy solutions. Overall, these benefits should make homeowners more inclined to invest in renewable technologies. 

Training and support: ASHP training and more

HPIN Direct can also provide invaluable training opportunities. Engineers and plumbers wanting to upskill as a heat pump installer can access dedicated ASHP training at our industry leading academy on the Essex coast. HPIN offers training on Ideal, Daikin, Vaillant and Trianco heat pump systems. 

Continuous support is another vital benefit. HPIN Direct offers ongoing technical support and advice as well as troubleshooting assistance. We’re with installers every step of the way. 

Key benefits of training and support include:

  • Industry leading courses: 
    •  BPEC Level 3 Installation and Maintenance of Air Source Heat Pumps
    • Low temperature heating design
    • Water regulations training
  • Opportunities to carry out online training
  • Comprehensive support resources
  • Support team ready to help when you need it 

How to join HPIN Direct

Joining HPIN Direct is easy. Just register here to get started. 

What we need from you:

  • Your name, address and business details
  • Proof of relevant qualifications
  • Attending an orientation or introductory session

Joining an MCS Umbrella Scheme such as HPIN Direct equips you with the tools to grow you heat pump installations. It simplifies the process and gives access to MCS certification and the BUS grant. With guidance and resources at hand, becoming part of the renewable energy movement is more accessible than ever. 

Frequently asked questions about MCS Umbrella Schemes

Here are some of the most asked questions around MCS Umbrella Schemes:

What is MCS and why does it matter as a heat pump installer?

Heat Pumps have a huge role to play in helping the UK reach its Net Zero targets. MCS exists to ensure that all heat pump installations are carried out safely and to the required standard. 

MCS is a mark of quality in the industry. Using an MCS certified installer ensures that all equipment meets the required standards. It also ensures installers are technically safe and competent for the job. All installers operating under the scheme have undergone rigorous training and vetting to demonstrate that they adhere to the required standards. 

Who can join HPIN Direct, our MCS Umbrella Scheme?

HPIN Direct is suitable for heating engineers who want to install air source heat pumps but do not want to hold their own MCS certification. HPIN Direct will support you with training, development and certification, you focus on the installations while we focus on the compliance and admin. 

We can work with the following people:

  • Independent installers looking to upskill
  • Existing heat pump installers looking to grow their business
  • Sole traders who don’t want the hassle of getting their own MCS certification 
  • Small to medium plumbing companies
  • Installers working on renovations or new build projects

If you don’t feel like you fall into one of these categories, give us a call and we will see if we can help you!

Conclusion: is an MCS Umbrella Scheme right for you?

Joining an MCS Umbrella Scheme offers many advantages for heat pump installers. It simplifies the installation process and opens doors to more business opportunities. For installers who want to stay competitive, HPIN Direct will be an asset.

Homeowners benefit too. MCS-certified installers guarantee a high-quality and compliant installation. If your goal is to expand your business in the renewable energy sector, an HPIN Direct is the right choice for you.