MCS Umbrella Service

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 the Government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme.

What is Kensa’s MCS Umbrella?

Installer Umbrella

Kensa’s MCS Umbrella service manages 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.

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.

Why is the Kensa MCS Umbrella ideal for installers?

The Kensa MCS Umbrella is a vital tool for both non-MCS and MCS approved 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).

From comprehensive training through to installation and commissioning support, the MCS Umbrella helps you achieve ground source heat pump MCS accreditation and expand your repertoire.

The MCS Umbrella Scheme is perfect for:

  • Heating and plumbing engineers that are part of a Competent Persons Scheme
  • 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 of ground source.

What does Kensa's MCS Umbrella cover?

Compliance, design, paperwork & more

For a non-MCS installer, this scheme offers a one-stop-shop solution to compliance. While for the inexperienced 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

*Discounted MCS Umbrella service available if room by room heat losses to be provided by the installer.
**Fees include the Boiler Upgrade Scheme Voucher Application and Redemption (if applicable).

Kensa offered a unique option whereby they supported and commissioned the system using their MCS Umbrella. This worked well for me and it was all straightforward.

Stephen Chidgey, Self-builder

What happens once I have completed the MCS Umbrella?

Once you’ve completed just two Kensa ground source installations under the Kensa MCS Umbrella, you’ll be on your way to becoming an approved installer in Kensa’s Underground Network. This gives you a discount on future use of the MCS Umbrella scheme if required – plus a host of benefits, including potential client recommendations.

Your MCS-compliant installations will also provide a useful reference for audit once you progress to your own full MCS approval, which is something we encourage installers to take up. Your MCS status is then reflected in the benefits you receive as a member of our esteemed Underground Network of approved ground source heat pump installers.

What is the process of the MCS Umbrella scheme?

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.
  • 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. Ordering

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

Blank copies are included with the order forms or are available on request. 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 and returned to Kensa, with all service pipes marked where known.
  • 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.

4. Commissioning

After final commissioning – which thanks to Kensa’s award-winning ground source heat pump range, can be handled remotely – 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 & the BUS

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) 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 guarantees 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