Vaillant unveils myVAILLANT install to help installers fit a heat pump in their own home
There is no better advocate for a customer than if their installer has a heat pump installed at their own property – and can give their honest, genuine feedback on living with the technology.
Now, expanding its already successful MCS Partner Programme, Vaillant has announced the addition of a new element – myVAILLANT install. Running alongside Vaillant’s MCS Partner Programme, which is in place to support installers in England, Scotland and Wales to fit heat pumps in a customer’s property, this brand-new scheme is dedicated to helping installers get on their own heat pump journey by fitting a Vaillant heat pump in their own home.
Working with MCS partners EcoFuture and Vito Energy, the new myVAILLANT install scheme is offering 300 installers the chance to access the BUS grant, subject to eligibility requirements, to help fund their own switch to a heat pump. It also opens the door to valuable support throughout the install - from the system design and heat pump product purchase, right through to installation tips, commissioning and MSC approval. With the cost of the heat pump covered by the BUS scheme, currently up to £7,500 in England and Wales, installers simply need to cover their own installation time and any other upgrades their property requires to get it heat pump ready.
How it works:
- Installers need to register their interest
- An MCS partner will then assess the application. For eligible projects, the MCS partner will review requirements and advise on any upgrades needed to make the property heat pump ready
- Once details are agreed, the MCS partner will organise the purchase of the heat pump ready for installation – mitigating the upfront heat pump costs
- Installers will receive technical advice and support throughout the design and installation
- The MCS partner will then review, commission and sign-off the project, and manage the BUS scheme submission
Jay Abley, Director of Operations at EcoFuture, comments; “This scheme is ideal for those wanting to get into or even boost their heat pump installation numbers. As the technology is new to many customers across the UK, having one fitted in your own home makes it easier to give genuine, real-world experience of living with the product. We have been fitting the Vaillant heat pump products for many years, and, with one in my home, I can vouch for the difference it makes when talking to customers.
“What is also great about myVAILLANT install, and Vaillant’s main MCS Partner Scheme in general, is that the advice being given comes from installers. So, we understand the questions that those new to heat pump technology may have. We’ve probably asked them ourselves at some point! We aim to support installers through the process in a way that we would have appreciated when we were starting out.”
Don Graham, National Sales Manager Renewable Systems at Vaillant, adds; “For many, being able to get that first install under the belt is key. Knowing you have the support behind you to transfer existing skills is important here. We, working with EcoFuture and Vito Energy, have designed these two schemes to offer the advice that can really help exactly where it is needed, whether that is design advice, technical support during installation and, of course, the final commissioning and MCS sign off.
“When it comes to logistics, the upfront cost of buying a heat pump can be prohibitive in its own right, especially if an installer doesn’t have MCS accreditation and can’t access BUS funding. This scheme takes away that risk as the heat pump will be purchased via the BUS grant or MCS Partner Programme schemes.
“We know that many installers have the skills needed to switch to installing heat pump technology, and we hope this scheme will help get them on their journey.
myVAILLANT install is an extension of Vaillant’s existing MCS Partner Programme, which is in place to aid installers fitting a Vaillant heat pump in a customer’s property but who don’t have MCS accreditation. Again, this gives access to system design and compliance advice, technical support and guidance during a heat pump installation and peace of mind with final checks, sign-off and commissioning. It also gives non-MCS accredited installers access to 0%VAT on renewable purchases and BUS funding for their customers, opening up additional business opportunities. The customer also has the chance to access an extended guarantee of up to seven years.