Find MCS Heat Pump Installers Near You — UK City Directory
Browse MCS-certified heat pump installers across 18 UK cities. Compare local costs, get free quotes, and claim the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant. Independent, no fees, no obligation.
Last reviewed: May 2026 · Based on MCS public installer data
What does MCS certification mean?
The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) is the UK's quality benchmark for small-scale renewable heating and electricity systems. Only MCS-certified installers can apply for the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) grant on your behalf, which makes MCS the single most important credential to verify before signing any heat pump contract. MCS audits its members on installation quality, sizing methodology (using MCS 020 and MIS 3005), commissioning procedures, and customer service.
Choosing the right installer: what to look for
Beyond MCS itself, look for installers who hold complementary electrical certifications (NICEIC, NAPIT, or Stroma), carry their own £2M+ public liability insurance, and are members of the Heat Pump Association or Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC). Ask for at least three references from local installs completed within the last 18 months, ideally in properties of a similar age and construction to yours.
The Energy Saving Trust and OFGEM both recommend obtaining a minimum of three written quotes. Pay particular attention to: the proposed heat pump make and model (Mitsubishi Ecodan, Daikin Altherma, Vaillant aroTHERM, Samsung EHS are the most common in the UK), the calculated kW output (a typical 3-bed semi needs 6–8 kW; a 4-bed detached usually 10–12 kW), whether new radiators or a buffer tank are included, and the length of the manufacturer warranty.
The £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme: how the installer claims it
Under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (administered by OFGEM and funded by DESNZ), homeowners replacing a fossil fuel heating system with an air source heat pump receive a £7,500 grant (£7,500 for ground source too). The grant is not paid to the homeowner — it is paid directly to the MCS-certified installer, who then deducts it from your installation invoice. Self-claims are not permitted. The scheme runs to 31 March 2028, and is now confirmed for England and Wales. Scotland has a parallel Home Energy Scotland loan and grant scheme; Northern Ireland operates its own.
MCS vs NICEIC: which does my installer need?
MCS is the renewable heating credential. NICEIC (or NAPIT, Stroma, ECA) is the general electrical credential. Heat pumps are both heating appliances and electrical appliances — a good installer or installation company will hold both, or sub-contract the electrical side to a properly registered electrician. Ask explicitly: "Who is doing the electrical connection, and what is their certification?" before signing.
Heat Pump Installers by UK City
Click your city to see local cost benchmarks, regional climate notes, and a starting list of MCS-certified installers. Each page is reviewed quarterly.
London
Greater London
180+ MCS installers · £10,000 - £14,500
Manchester
North West
65+ MCS installers · £8,500 - £13,000
Birmingham
West Midlands
55+ MCS installers · £8,500 - £13,500
Leeds
Yorkshire and the Humber
45+ MCS installers · £8,000 - £12,500
Glasgow
Scotland (Greater Glasgow)
45+ MCS installers · £9,000 - £13,500
Liverpool
North West
40+ MCS installers · £8,000 - £12,500
Bristol
South West
50+ MCS installers · £9,000 - £14,000
Newcastle upon Tyne
North East
30+ MCS installers · £8,000 - £12,000
Sheffield
Yorkshire and the Humber
35+ MCS installers · £8,000 - £12,500
Edinburgh
Scotland (Lothian)
40+ MCS installers · £9,500 - £14,000
Cardiff
South Wales
30+ MCS installers · £8,500 - £13,000
Nottingham
East Midlands
35+ MCS installers · £8,000 - £12,500
Southampton
South East
35+ MCS installers · £9,000 - £13,500
Brighton and Hove
South East
35+ MCS installers · £9,500 - £14,000
Oxford
South East
30+ MCS installers · £9,500 - £14,000
Cambridge
East of England
30+ MCS installers · £9,000 - £14,000
Exeter
South West
35+ MCS installers · £8,500 - £13,000
Norwich
East of England
25+ MCS installers · £8,000 - £12,500
Frequently asked questions
▶ What is MCS certification and why does it matter?
MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) is the UK standard for renewable heating installers. Only an MCS-certified installer can apply for the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant on your behalf. MCS sets installation, sizing, and workmanship standards, and audits its members regularly. Always check an installer's MCS number on mcscertified.com before signing a contract.
▶ What is the difference between MCS and NICEIC?
MCS certifies renewable heating installations (heat pumps, solar PV, biomass). NICEIC certifies general electrical work. A heat pump installer should ideally hold both — MCS for the heating side, and electrical competence (NICEIC, NAPIT or equivalent) for the wiring of the outdoor unit, controls, and any consumer-unit upgrade. Ask to see both certificates before committing.
▶ How many MCS heat pump installers operate in my UK city?
MCS installer density varies widely. London has 180+ MCS-certified companies. Major regional cities (Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow) typically have 40–65. Smaller cities and rural areas may have 20–35. Use the MCS Installer Search at mcscertified.com or browse our city pages below for a starting list.
▶ Can my installer help me claim the £7,500 BUS grant?
Yes — under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme rules, your MCS-certified installer must apply for the £7,500 grant on your behalf via the OFGEM portal. The grant is deducted directly from your installation invoice, so you never have to pay it upfront and reclaim. Self-claims by homeowners are not permitted. The scheme runs to 31 March 2028.
▶ How many quotes should I get before choosing an installer?
OFGEM and the Energy Saving Trust both recommend obtaining at least three written quotes from MCS-certified installers. Compare the proposed heat pump model, sizing (kW output), radiator/cylinder work included, post-install commissioning, and the manufacturer warranty length. The cheapest quote is rarely the best — look for installers offering 5+ years warranty on the heat pump itself.
▶ Do I need planning permission for a heat pump?
In England, Wales and Scotland, most domestic air source heat pump installations are permitted development (no planning permission required) provided the unit is at least 1m from the boundary, under 0.6m³ in volume, not on a roof, and not in a conservation area or on a listed building. In Northern Ireland and listed/conservation contexts, you must apply. A good installer will tell you upfront and handle the application if needed.