What is an MCS-certified installer?

MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) is the UK government-backed quality standard for heat pump and renewable energy installers. To become MCS certified, installers must complete specific training, pass assessments and maintain ongoing professional development. Only MCS installers can apply for the BUS grant on your behalf.

How do I verify if an installer is MCS certified?

Visit mcscertified.com and search by postcode or company name. All current MCS-certified heat pump installers are listed there. Never take an installer's word for it - always verify directly on the official register. Fraudulent BUS grant claims are investigated.

Should I get multiple quotes?

Yes - we strongly recommend getting at least 3 quotes from MCS-certified installers. Prices can vary by £2,000-5,000 for identical systems. However, do not choose on price alone - installation quality significantly affects system performance. A poorly installed heat pump can underperform by 30-40% compared to a well-installed equivalent.

How to Find a Good MCS Heat Pump Installer

Q: What questions should I ask before hiring a heat pump installer?

Ask: (1) Are you MCS certified for heat pumps - please show me your certificate number? (2) How many heat pump installations have you completed this year? (3) Will you provide a full heat loss survey before quoting? (4) What warranty do you offer on the installation (separate to manufacturer warranty)? (5) Can you provide references from recent heat pump customers?

The installer you choose has a bigger impact on your heat pump's performance than the brand you buy. Here's how to find a good one - and spot the bad ones.

What is MCS certification and why it matters

MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) is the UK government-backed quality standard for heat pump installers. To become MCS certified, an installer must complete specific manufacturer training, pass independent assessments, and maintain ongoing professional development.

More importantly, only MCS-certified installers can apply for the £7,500 BUS grant on your behalf. If your installer is not MCS certified, you will not receive the grant, regardless of what they tell you.

How to verify MCS certification

Visit mcscertified.com and search by company name or postcode. Every certified installer is listed with their certificate number and renewal date. Do not rely on certificates or badges displayed on a website - verify directly on the register.

MCS certificates must be renewed annually. An expired certificate means the installer is not currently MCS certified, even if they were in the past.

5 questions you must ask before signing

What is your MCS certificate number and expiry date?

Every MCS-certified installer has a unique certificate number. Verify this directly at mcscertified.com before signing anything. A legitimate installer will have this information readily available.

How many heat pump installations have you completed in the past 12 months?

Heat pump installation is very different from boiler installation. You want someone with at least 20-30 heat pump installs, not someone who has done it twice. Don't be afraid to ask for references from recent heat pump customers specifically.

Will you provide a full heat loss survey before quoting?

A proper heat loss survey (BS EN 12831 standard) is essential to correctly size the heat pump. Any installer who quotes without one is guessing. This survey typically costs £150-300 but is essential - some installers include it in the quote.

What warranty do you provide on the installation itself?

Manufacturer warranty covers the heat pump unit. You also need an installer warranty covering their workmanship (pipework, electrical, commissioning). This should be at least 12 months, ideally 24 months.

Who will commission the system and submit the BUS grant application?

Some installers subcontract commissioning, which can cause warranty and liability issues. Confirm that the company you're hiring will both install and commission the system, and submit the BUS voucher application directly.

Red flags - walk away if you see these

Quoting without a heat loss survey
Cannot provide MCS certificate number on request
Pressure to sign quickly or 'grant running out' urgency
No written contract or terms
Cash-only payment requests
Unable to provide references from heat pump (not boiler) customers
Quote seems unusually low (under £8,000 post-grant for any sized property)
No mention of BUS grant application process

How many quotes should I get?

We recommend getting at least 3 quotes from MCS-certified installers. Prices for identical systems can vary by £2,000-5,000. However, don't choose on price alone - ask each installer to explain their quote in detail.

A well-installed heat pump with a SCOP of 3.5 will significantly outperform a poorly-installed equivalent with a real-world SCOP of 2.5. Over 15 years, the difference in running costs can be thousands of pounds.

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Important disclaimer

heatpumpcompared.co.uk is editorially independent and not affiliated with any heat pump manufacturer or installer. We do not provide heating advice. Prices, specifications, SCOP ratings and grant amounts are correct as of April 2026 but are subject to change. Always commission a professional heat loss survey before purchasing a heat pump system.