Getting to the Heart of Heat Pumps with Nu-Heat

Honiton, United Kingdom, April 14, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Installers looking at renewables for the first time may be bewildered by the choice of courses available, and it can be difficult to identify genuine industry-recognised training. This is why organisations such as the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineers (CIPHE), SummitSkills and NICEIC have campaigned for manufacturers to offer approved courses. Nu-Heat Underfloor & Renewables is one supplier presenting installers with a professional, renewables training solution at their bespoke facility.

NICEIC-backed Heat Pump Training

Course outline
The NICEIC-approved Nu-Heat heat pump course covers a wide variety of information, including environmental benefits, running costs, principles behind heat pump technology, the types of unit available, appropriate use of heat pumps, installation options and responsibilities, installing ground collectors, installing units, control options, system commissioning, heating systems for use with heat pumps, domestic hot water and heat pumps and troubleshooting.

The course includes key health and safety issues relating to the correct installation of heat pumps, including manual handling, working at height and the control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH). Ground source heat pumps use refrigerant gases and antifreeze, which can be toxic (ethylene glycol) or non-toxic (such as propylene glycol). Two health and safety exams – one in the morning and one in the afternoon – are based on the classroom sessions, with assessments lasting approximately 50 minutes for both papers. Results are forwarded to NICEIC for certification.

During training, attendees gain hands-on experience using the latest products, offering installers essential practical experience they can use on-site. On the final day of the course, candidates are required to complete practical assessments and perform a series of fault-finding exercises while working through Practical Assessment Workbooks. ‘Successful completion allows heating engineers to apply for acceptance into the NICEIC Competent Persons Scheme (CPS),’ says Training Centre Manager, Steve Rhodes.

After registration to the CPS installers can self-certify work online without Local Authority Building Control inspection. Eligibility is gained to apply for the Microgeneration Certification Scheme, allowing installers to quote for work as both a competent person and a MCS approved installer. ‘The course is a comprehensive overview of heat pump technology and its correct installation and will give heating engineers a real understanding of the product and where it can be used. By attaining competence in this specialist area, installers will have a head start in the market,’ Steve maintains.

For the ground source and air source heat pump course, candidates need either NVQ level 2 in plumbing and heating or two years’ industry experience. Qualifications are required in unvented hot water G3, energy efficiency and water regulations 1999, although these can also be undertaken as part of a package with solar in just one week. For total integrated systems, Nu-Heat also offers a NICEIC approved course in underfloor heating.

Training for business success

“Between 1992 and 2006, over 450,000 heat pumps were installed in Europe – but just 900 of these were in the UK. The Renewable Energy Advisory Board estimates that to meet government targets a further 2.49 million units must be installed in the UK by 2020, meaning the UK market is expected to grow by 850% to 2020.” This statement from the NICEIC learning material sums up the potential growth from the heat pump market and underlines the business opportunities available to those prepared to undertake the necessary training. Customers are driving the changeover and when they enquire about renewable energies they need technically competent answers.

There is obviously a balance to maintain between taking time out of work and training for future business success. Course prices vary, but it is worth remembering that there are a number of grants available. The rewards are evident. ‘Some installers have told me that they are earning, on average, an additional 20% a day on top of normal earnings thanks to offering these specialist services,’ comments Steve.

This information is endorsed by two installers who have completed Nu-Heat’s approved heat pump training.

‘Taking out time from your normal working week is sometimes a hard decision to make, but I would urge anyone wishing to establish themselves as a renewables installation specialist to invest in professional training. Integrating green technologies brings a whole new level of complexity because it’s a totally new way of doing things. Those prepared for the shift will be in the best position to exploit and maximise business benefits,’ said Mike Dowell of Welsh-based renewables company Micaul Solar.

Francis Delaney of Eco Heat Solutions agreed. ‘There are three main advantages – credibility, confidence, and it creates additional marketing opportunities. Being approved gives us a certain amount of status with our customers, and it helps that we can talk about each of the respective technologies and how to integrate them thoroughly. Since attending, we have marketed ourselves actively as professional renewables installers and our company has grown as a direct result of this – that’s no mean feat in a tough market.’

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