Chief executive of industry body EUA, Mike Foster
Existing standards, including the government’s recognised accreditation scheme (MCS), are fragmented and incomplete, offering no unified framework for the design, installation, or monitoring of heat pump systems. Meanwhile, around 45% of installations in 2025 were not MCS accredited, leaving nearly half the heat pump market outside any recognised quality assurance scheme.
The government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme’s flat £7,500 grant and low expectations of system efficiency fail to reward high performance installations, contributing to a growing “two tier system”, where some households benefit from efficient systems while others face unexpectedly high running costs due to poorly setup systems.
The sector is urging government to work with the British Standards Institute and industry representatives to develop a national British Standard, alongside mandatory performance monitoring and performance linked incentives, to protect consumers and support the UK’s net zero goals.
Chief executive of industry body EUA, Mike Foster, said: “Heat pump volumes will only increase when consumers feel it is the right choice for them; that means lower running costs as well as lower carbon. Having the highest standards of installation and regular check-ups after the event should give consumers the assurances they are looking for.
“A comprehensive British Standard for the design, installation and maintenance of heat pump systems is key to driving up the consumer experience, enabling low carbon technologies to enjoy the same level of oversight as more established, mass market heating technologies.
“Over the past few weeks, we have heard from heat pump champions, and those more sceptical about the technology, argue for higher standards to drive down running costs and boost sales volumes. It is time for government to listen to these voices and to industry, and work with us to develop a British Standard that consumers and installers can have confidence in.”