The Importance of Choosing An Accredited Heat Engineer to Install Your Ground Source Heating
Installing a renewable energy source such as ground source heating at your property is not a decision that should be taken lightly. As with all big investments, thorough research is highly recommended from cost and installation time to who will actually be doing the job for you. In competitive industries, it can feel overwhelming to choose one business and be assured they will be the best for the job. There are a couple of things you can look out for to ensure you won’t be disappointed. Accreditations, reviews and recommendations, and experience are all key indicators of the quality of service a business will offer.
Accreditations in particular demonstrate that a business is providing a high level of service, in line with industry standards. One of the most well known for the heating industry is MCS, or Microgeneration Certification Scheme. MCS is a standards organisation monitoring the quality of low-carbon and renewable energy products, installers and the installations themselves.
Whilst an MCS certificate is not a legal requirement, it stands as proof that the materials and service have been approved to the highest standards. However, if you will be relying on government funding when installing ground source heating into your property, MCS accreditation is required to be deemed eligible. Also, installations without this will more often than not be lower quality and raise issues later down the line. So we’d highly recommend choosing an accredited engineer!
How does a heat engineer become MCS accredited
Alongside funding eligibility, there are many other benefits to seeking an MCS accredited heat engineer to install your ground source heating. Engineers will go through a detailed assessment process to measure the quality of their workmanship.
There are 4 main elements MCS look at;
Commitment to quality
Does the quality of the installation (including materials, techniques and site) match MCS standards?
Prioritise customer care
Are they protecting their customers and adhering to their best interests?
Competent in their craft
Have they demonstrated the skill, experience and competency required?
Commitment to improvement
It is an MCS requirement to demonstrate a Quality Management System (QMS) via documented procedures and systems that support ongoing improvement in practices.
These are all qualities you would want in a business contributing to such a huge change to your property. You can be assured that you are receiving the best service and are making a worthy long term investment.
Finding an accredited heat engineer
When choosing a heat engineer to install your ground source heating, it is important to look at their accreditations – which should be listed on their website. The MCS accreditation is widely recognised within the renewable technology industry and supported by the likes of the Department of Energy and Climate Change. Opting for an MCS accredited heat engineer places you in the best position for funding and getting the most out of your new renewable energy source.
Associations such as the Ground Source Heat Pump Association are also trusted sources to verify businesses. Otherwise known as the GSHPA, this is a space for information and awareness on ground source heating. They also work to develop their own standards to ensure the highest level of design, installation and service within the industry. Members of the GSHPA are all registered, accredited heat engineers that are guaranteed to deliver this.
As we specialise in borehole drilling, we work with MCS accredited heat engineers as a team to deliver the highest standard of ground source heat pump installation. Dragon Drilling are also members of the GSHPA, meaning our services align with the GSPHA code of conduct as well as the MCS standards.
If you’re interested in finding out more about receiving a quote for ground source heating installation, please get in touch.