8.3.3 Heat pumps

Also see:

2.1

8.3.3.1 Compliance

Heat pumps shall comply with the Technical Requirements. Issues to be taken into account include:

  1. relevant standards
  2. product certification
  3. operative competency.

8.3.3.1.1 Relevant standards

Heat pumps should comply with relevant standards, including, where applicable:

BS EN 14511-1Air conditioners, liquid chilling packages and heat pumps for space heating and cooling with electrically driven compressors for space heating and cooling. Terms and definitions
BS EN 14511-2Air conditioners, liquid chilling packages and heat pumps for space heating and cooling with electrically driven compressors for space heating and cooling. Test conditions
BS EN 14511-3Air conditioners, liquid chilling packages and heat pumps for space heating and cooling with electrically driven compressors for space heating and cooling. Test methods
BS EN 14511-4Air conditioners, liquid chilling packages and heat pumps for space heating and cooling with electrically driven compressors for space heating and cooling. Requirements
BS EN 16147Heat pumps with electrically driven compressors requirements for domestic hot water
BS EN 12102-1Determining the sound power level of compressors
BS EN 14825Calculation of seasonal performance
BS EN IEC 62108Requirements for assessing the products capacity for long term operation in general open-air climates
MIS 3005-DMicrogeneration Certification Scheme requirements for the supply, design of heat pump systems
MIS 3005-IMicrogeneration Installation Standard for heat pumps installation
Fluorinated gas (F gas)Guidance for users, producers and traders
MCS CC 002Micro generation heat pump compliance certificate commissioning standard
MCS 007Heat pump standard

8.3.3.1.2 Product certification

Heat pump technologies should have current certification confirming satisfactory assessment by an appropriate independent authority acceptable to NHBC.

Products that are certified through the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) will generally be acceptable to NHBC. Certification and test documentation should be made available to NHBC upon request.

Other certification bodies or test documentation may be acceptable where they are considered by NHBC to be a suitable alternative.

8.3.3.1.3 Operative competency

Heat pump systems should be installed by companies, organisations or operatives who are:

  • competent and familiar with the system being installed, and
  • MCS Certified, or
  • certified to a standard acceptable to NHBC.

Where installers are not certified by MCS the operative should still hold the relevant qualifications such as:

  • completed an approved British Plumbing Employers Council (BPEC) training course for heat pump systems and low temperature hot water heating systems
  • electrically qualified
  • F gas registered where required
  • registered to install unvented cylinders.

Last updated: 2nd January 2025

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