How to become a heat pump installer

With green energy solutions becoming more and more important in the modern day, it should come as no surprise that the demand for environmentally friendly and energy-efficient home heating alternatives is on the up - especially when you consider that the government aims to ban the fitting of new gas boilers in new-build homes by 2025.

But while a variety of different green heating solutions have made their presence known, heat pumps continue to be the front-runner solution in this area to replace gas boilers and other carbon-intensive home heating systems.

So, if you’re training to become a heating engineer and want to know more about this particular niche, read on to learn more about how to become a heat pump installer in the UK.

Why should you consider becoming a heat pump installer?

Given the push in recent years towards greener energy solutions, there really has never been a better time than now to think about becoming a heat pump installer, especially with competition being so low – there are only 400 trained heat pump installers today in the UK!

For one thing, the Climate Change Committee has set a target of 600,000 heat pump installations per year by 2028. In 2022, there were only 60,000 installed, and at the current rate of installation, it would take over 400 years for every one of today’s existing homes to be fitted -– not counting the new homes that would be built in the meantime.

Thus, a larger number of heat pump installers is required to get the job done on time, with estimates suggesting the UK will need 38,000 qualified installers by 2028 to reach anywhere near their set targets. 

As Kevin Wellman of The Chartered Institute Of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) notes: ‘This is a great time to specialise in energy-saving products and net zero issues. Helping to reduce everyone’s carbon footprint has got to be a great positive.’

‘There are some jobs that are here today, gone tomorrow, but a vocation in the plumbing and heating industry can be a job for life,’ he continues. ‘I realise that universities do have a place, but apprenticeships have been undervalued for far too long. You can’t change the world today - we need the infrastructure to support the efforts.’

Frank Gordon at The Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA) also adds that: ‘There is a fundamental need for net zero-related re-skilling and re-training across the industry and this should be a government priority. Steps are already underway to re-train North Sea oil and gas workers in renewables, and this should go further with more funding and training places made available.’

What qualifications do I need to become a heat pump installer?

When it comes to the qualifications required to become a heat pump installer, the good news is that, if you’re already trained as a heating engineer, then you already have most of the skills required to do the job.

However, if you’re not yet trained in any form of heating installation, then you should look to invest in one of the following before joining an apprenticeship scheme for some practical experience:

• Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing and Heating
• Level 3 Diploma in Plumbing and Heating
• Level 3 Diploma in Gas Utilisation Installation and Maintenance
• T Level in Building Services Engineering for Construction

Once you have the required heating skills needed to be a heating engineer, you can then train to install heat pumps correctly through the Heat Pump Association installation scheme:

1. Heating installers can gain the knowledge they need to install a heat pump by taking a two-day, Level 3 Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (OFQUAL) regulated Heat Pump Foundation Course, which provides an overview of heat pumps, installation guidelines, commissioning, servicing, and end-user handover.
2. Following successful completion of the Heat Pump Foundation Course, installers can then gain a deeper understanding of each type of heat pump technology through an additional one-day course offered in air-source and ground-source heat pumps, including hybrids.
3. Installers may also want to complete the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) low-temperature qualification, which aims to upskill heating engineers to design and install low-temperature heating and hot water systems. These use less energy overall and can be used with heat pumps.

When it comes to the CIPHE qualification in particular, Kevin of CIPHE points out:

'CIPHE created a low-temperature hot water systems design course for qualified installers who just need to have the understanding and underpinning knowledge of the design of such systems.

'The lower temp side of heat pumps is a different phenomenon for installers and designers to grasp. I am advising that this qualification be made available to any qualified, experienced installer regardless of their affiliation to CIPHE, because in order to resolve this problem of shortage of skilled people, we need as many people upskilled as possible.'

Chris Lovatt of E.ON also stated that: 'Our net zero training academy in Kingswinford trains our existing colleagues, who have previous experience and expertise in metering, electrical installations, or gas, with the skills needed to install sustainable technologies such as heat pumps, solar panels, smart meters and electric vehicle chargers.'

Finally, Frank of REA also said: ‘This is a fast-moving area and we recommend energy traders sign up to an accredited consumer protection scheme, like the Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC). This will keep their training up to date and follow the latest industry developments and changes in legislation and technical requirements.’

Are there any differences between qualifications for air and ground-source heat pumps?

Yes, there are differences in the qualifications required to install air-source heat pumps compared to ground-source heat pumps – this is because ground-source heat pumps have a slightly more complex installation process.

When training, all heat pump courses typically start with a focus on air-source heat pumps. However, once you’ve completed this standard level of training, you can then take an additional course around ground-source heat pump installation, which will give you the necessary skills required to make a safe installation.

How long does it take to become a heat pump installer?

The amount of time it takes to train to install heat pumps correctly will vary depending on your current skill level. As we noted above, those already training in heat engineering can learn the required skills in a matter of weeks, while those new to the trade could find themselves training for a minimum of several months.

Chris Lovatt of E.ON had this to say about their training times: 

‘The training format and duration depends on the technology; for example, our heat pump training lasts for a minimum of six weeks, with classroom sessions and practical, hands-on experience.'

How much do heat pump installers earn?

Generally speaking, the average heat pump installer can make anywhere from £30,000 upwards, even when newly qualified. This is in large part due to the demand for such heating systems, providing all trained heat pump engineers with plenty of work to get started with once they’ve finished their qualifications.

Expand your customer base as a Trusted Trader

Hopefully, you now have a much better idea of how to train to install heat pumps in the future. As we noted numerous times, heat pumps are proving increasingly popular throughout the UK, and demand for their installation is only going to get higher.

So, the sooner you learn how to become a heat pump installer, the sooner you add this sought-after installation to your list of services.

As training in heat pump installation is set to become more popular, why not consider becoming a Which? Trusted Trader and distinguishing your business from competitors and rogue traders?

As a Trusted Trader, you’ll get your own business page from which to display examples of your work and top customer reviews, as well as a dedicated account manager to help you get the most out of your Trusted Trader membership.

Reach out to our team today to learn more about the vetting process, and don’t forget to browse our guide hub for more insightful articles like this one.

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