MCS Umbrella Service

Kensa is not just a manufacturer – we’re ground source heat pump experts with our customer’s best interests at heart. We pride ourselves on the support we provide throughout each and every project where our heat pumps are installed.

Our MCS Umbrella Service provides a helping hand for installers and peace of mind for homeowners that their installations meet MCS standards.

What is the MCS scheme?

The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) is an accreditation process that demonstrates the quality of renewable technologies. A ground source heat pump installation is only MCS approved if it is designed, fitted and commissioned to the high standards of MCS criteria.

Every heat pump installation must be accredited under the MCS scheme for the installation to be eligible for grant funding and financial support schemes like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, or Home Energy Scotland.

What is Kensa’s MCS Umbrella Service?

Kensa’s MCS Umbrella Service allows installers who have undertaken Kensa training but may not be fully MCS Accredited to install ground source heat pumps, apply for funding and get building control sign-off. Kensa works with installers using the MCS Umbrella Service to manage the key elements of a ground source heat pump installation to ensure an MCS- accredited installation.

During the process, Kensa takes full MCS responsibility for the sizing, specification, appropriate quotation, commissioning and MCS registration of domestic installations.

Why is Kensa's MCS Umbrella Service ideal for installers?

The Kensa MCS Umbrella Service is a vital tool for both non-MCS and MCS-Accredited installers. Under the umbrella, you receive expert advice and technical assistance with your ground source heat pump installations. At the end of each MCS approval, you can offer your client the benefit of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) or grant funding from Home Energy Scotland.

From comprehensive training through to installation and commissioning support, the MCS Umbrella Service helps you achieve MCS Commissioning for your ground source heat pump projects and expand your repertoire within the industry. The service can be utilised by installers from all walks – from non-MCS installers working to achieve accreditation, to those who are looking to reduce project workloads.

The MCS Umbrella Service is perfect for:

  • Heating and plumbing engineers that are part of a Competent Persons Scheme or that hold G3 for Unvented (England & Wales only)
  • Non-MCS installers wishing to enter the renewables sector
  • Installers who are MCS approved for air source only, but wish to diversify their offering
  • Installers who are currently MCS approved for both ground source and air source, but in practice have little or no experience with ground source.

What does Kensa's MCS Umbrella Service cover?

Compliance, design, paperwork & more

For a non-MCS installer, this scheme offers a one-stop-shop solution to compliance. While for the newer MCS heat pump installer, it removes the initial headache of specific design elements in ground source schematics.

This table shows the services included within the scope of the MCS Umbrella Scheme – per installation.

Start your MCS journey

** FEES INCLUDE THE BOILER UPGRADE SCHEME VOUCHER APPLICATION. ADDITIONAL FEES MAY BE INCURRED IF REAPPLICATION IS REQUIRED

Using Kensa’s MCS Umbrella works well for me; it’s a very helpful service and takes away the hassle of the paperwork involved with MCS.

Matt Owen, Home Plumbing & Heating

What happens once I have completed a project under Kensa's MCS Umbrella Service?

Once you’ve completed the installation of a Kensa ground source heat pump that reaches our high standards under the Kensa MCS Umbrella Service, you’ll be on your way to becoming a Kensa Partner. This gives you access to perks like discounts and referrals, marketing support and much more.

Your MCS-compliant installations will also provide a useful reference for audit once you progress to your own full MCS Accreditation, which is something we encourage installers to take up.

What is the process of Kensa's MCS Umbrella Service?

1. Estimates & quoting

Firstly, Kensa can provide an initial estimate to gauge your client’s interest. This is based on drawings and initial details of the project ahead. To get a rough estimate, we use the same processes we have previously employed to successfully size heat pumps.

In order for Kensa to produce an MCS compliant quote, we will need:

  • Room-by-room heat losses to BS EN12831. You will find an acceptable method of calculating these heat losses in the Domestic Heating Design Guide or Kensa can produce these on your behalf.
  • Heat emitter schedule. This includes the type of floor coverings to be used and pipe spacings if underfloor heating is being installed, along with the size and number of radiators. (We will provide you with a radiator sizing guide, but you will need to know the type of emitters required to determine the flow rate).
  • An indication of the ground type. This is the area where the ground arrays, such as slinky pipes, are to be installed. In the UK, the ground type is usually limited to sand or clay and is either classed as wet or dry.

Once you retrieve this information, Kensa can produce an MCS-compliant quotation and confirm the equipment requirements and prices to you or your client.

2. Before Installing

It’s important that you complete a no-fee contract and risk assessments for any sub-contractors, such as groundwork specialists, and return this to Kensa.

Part of this contract must include the workmanship warranty, which needs to be provided to the client for two years following the installation.

3. Installing

Upon installation, Kensa’s guidelines need to be followed. It is important that:

  • A dimensioned map of the ground array installation is drawn with all service pipes marked where known and returned to Kensa, or borehole designs should be followed and drilling logs returned to Kensa.
  • A suitable purge pump is used (i.e. a Clarke SPE1200SS Purge Pump).
  • The ground arrays are pressure tested to BS805 Section 11.3.3.4 and the results noted (details are within the Kensa manual). A pressure test certificate or a declaration is required to confirm that this has been carried out.
  • Two random antifreeze samples are taken and either tested on-site with appropriate equipment or returned to Kensa for testing.
  • A signed radiator schedule (provided with the quote) or details of the emitter and floor coverings are returned to Kensa.
  • The relevant qualifications of the installer are forwarded to Kensa, i.e. Part P certification and G3 certification.
  • The contract value of the installation, ideally broken down into labour and materials, is forwarded to Kensa. This is so the workmanship warranty from the installer to the client can be underwritten by an insurance scheme, as this is a requirement of MCS/RECC. Kensa will forward details of this to the client.
  • Photo evidence of the installation should be forwarded to Kensa.
  • The installer must notify the Energy Networks Association (ENA) to obtain approval to connect to the electricity grid.

4. Commissioning

After final commissioning – which is done remotely with Kensa’s Installer Development Team – we will register the installation with MCS.

Once Kensa has received the certificate from MCS, we will forward this to the client or installer as requested. This certificate can then be used to gain access to any available grants.

Find out more about the MCS Umbrella

How does the MCS scheme benefit homeowners & self builders?

MCS compliance = protection & funding

The MCS is an independent scheme designed to evaluate heat pump systems and installers against robust criteria. It provides greater protection for consumers. As a bonus, an MCS Accredited installation enables installers to apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) or funding from Home Energy Scotland on their customers’ behalf.

If you’re a homeowner and you already have a preferred heating and plumbing installer, you can ask them to take advantage of Kensa’s MCS Umbrella service. This will help your installer to work towards achieving a fully MCS-certified installation, which is a pre-requisite for receiving support from the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS).

If you need a heat pump installer…

Kensa has a UK-wide network of approved installers who can undertake the installation of your ground source heat pump for you.

FIND A RECOMMENDED INSTALLER

Kensa offered a unique option whereby they supported and commissioned the system using their MCS Umbrella. This was all very straightforward.

Stephen Chidgey, Self-builder