timhowes

Thanks all - really helpful detail which has armed me with the necessary info to progress. No doubt I'll be back for more help... Cheers!

Excellent, thanks all. Final question (until another occurs to me): Since it appears I can do all this for < £7.5k, assuming I meet the MCS criteria do I still get £7.5k back from Mrs Reeves?

Thanks again, really helpful Using https://www.theheatpumpwarehouse.co.uk/mcs-air-source-heat-pumps-guide/ for info (and as a potential source of hardware), is the process as described below? i.e. - MCS-certified assessment of heating needs - Installation and certification by MCS-certified installer The problem I've got is falling at the first hurdle: getting assessment by MCS-certified installer seems invariably to result in excessively powerful and expensive hardware being advised (?inflated given BUS grant). How do I find an MCS-certified installer who is happy to install but not supply?! [From Heat Pump Warehouse webby] Steps in the Installation Process Consultation and Assessment: Before installation, an MCS certified installer will assess your property’s heating needs to recommend the best system. Installation: The heat pump is installed according to MCS standards, ensuring that everything is in compliance with regulations. Certification: Once the installation is complete, the installer will register the heat pump with the MCS scheme, and you will receive a certificate of compliance.

Thank you both for rapid and helpful replies. @JohnMo "Things to watch out for" - meaning these would exempt me from grant? What's the relevance of the buffer?

Hi all Great resource - I have enjoyed reading these forums over the past few weeks and have learned a lot. First post so please be patient (I've used the search function!) We are planning a renovation and have got to the point where we are settled on converting from oil combi/rads to UFH downstairs fed by ASHP. Will be some solar PV as well. I've had "help" from a few firms who plan and install greener heating systems and are MCS certified so will "save" me £7500 using the BUS. The trouble is their prices are super inflated, often justified by over-speccing. I can source all the kit I need more economically, and our chosen builders will be able to fit (not savvy enough / not enough time to do DIY), What are peoples' experiences with / approaches to getting the BUS grant in this situation? Choose an MCS-certified contractor to acquire the kit from my chosen sources at zero VAT, then pay them back, pay the labour and claim the grant? Suspect it's not that simple. Thanks for any advice you can offer. Tim