The renewable heating industry is on the cusp of a significant transformation, and the Flexi-Orb Heat Pump Scheme is at the heart of this change. As we’ve reported previously, this initiative aims to address the shortcomings of the existing Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) by offering a more practical, installer-friendly approach while maintaining rigorous standards.

Today, we bring you the latest updates on the scheme’s progress, including its submission to UKAS, the development of a comprehensive Heat Pump Code of Practice, and plans for a pilot validation process ahead of its anticipated launch later this year. But beyond the technical details, this update also explores why this new scheme matters – not just for installers and manufacturers, but for homeowners too.

Flexi-Orb Scheme Submitted to UKAS for Assessment

As of last week, the Flexi-Orb Heat Pump Scheme has been formally submitted to the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) for assessment. This assessment will be conducted against the ISO IEC 17067:2013 standard, which ensures that certification schemes meet rigorous international benchmarks for conformity assessment. This is a significant step forward, as UKAS accreditation will provide the scheme with the credibility and recognition needed to operate alongside existing standards like MCS.

David Lindsay, Director at Certi-fi Schemes Limited (Flexi-Orb and EPVS), commented on this milestone: “I’m pleased that we’ve submitted the scheme to UKAS, but it’s just one step forward. There’s still a lot of work for us to do, none of which we’re taking for granted. Thankfully, we’ve had some great input from a wide range of stakeholders, and this has to continue if we’re going to meet industry needs. We’re an open door. If anyone wants to work with us to improve the outcomes for consumers, which is where we start, then we’re interested.”

For homeowners, this means greater choice and confidence. A second accredited scheme introduces healthy competition into the market, driving up standards and encouraging innovation. It also provides an alternative pathway for installers, which could lead to more competitive pricing and better service as companies vie for business under both schemes.

Heat Pump Code of Practice: Refinements and External Input

The development of the Heat Pump Code of Practice, a cornerstone of the Flexi-Orb scheme, is continuing to progress through its working group. Recently, the working group received additional input from external verification companies, particularly around two critical areas: noise calculations and heat loss calculations. These refinements will ensure that the Code of Practice addresses key technical challenges faced by installers, providing clear and actionable guidance to achieve optimal system performance.

For homeowners, this translates to better-performing systems. By focusing on practical, real-world issues like noise and heat loss, the Flexi-Orb scheme ensures that heat pump installations are not only compliant but also optimised for comfort and efficiency. This means lower running costs, quieter systems, and homes that stay warm without excessive energy use – key benefits that directly impact the homeowner experience.

Once finalised, the Code of Practice will be accompanied by a Heat Pump Design and Installation Guide, which will be made available to all scheme applicants. This guide will serve as a comprehensive resource for installers, offering step-by-step instructions to streamline the installation process. Additionally, an assessment checklist will be provided, outlining exactly what assessors will evaluate during inspections. This transparency has already proven popular in Flexi-Orb’s existing certification schemes, as it eliminates guesswork and ensures both installers and assessors are aligned on expectations.

Pilot Validation Process Set for April 2025

Flexi-Orb has announced plans to begin a pilot validation process next month (April 2025). This pilot phase will test the scheme’s practical application, allowing Flexi-Orb to gather feedback and make any necessary adjustments before the full launch. The pilot will also mark the final steps towards adding the heat pump scheme to the scope of Flexi-Orb’s Certification Bodies, which operate under the ISO IEC 17065:2012 standard.

For homeowners, the pilot phase is a reassurance that the scheme has been rigorously tested before being rolled out. It means that when the scheme launches, it will have been tried and tested in real-world scenarios, reducing the risk of teething problems and ensuring a smoother experience for those investing in heat pump technology.

Launch Plans: Targeting June/July 2025

Flexi-Orb is targeting a full launch of the heat pump scheme in June or July 2025, though this timeline is dependent on external factors, particularly the completion of the UKAS assessment process. Regardless of the exact launch date, Flexi-Orb has confirmed that it will provide detailed information about the scheme and announce a firm launch date at the Installer Show in June 2025.

This announcement will be a major moment for the renewable heating industry, as it will mark the culmination of years of effort to create a more practical and effective alternative to MCS. With its focus on installer-friendly tools, clear compliance, and robust quality assurance, the Flexi-Orb scheme is poised to raise standards and deliver better outcomes for everyone involved.

Why a Second Scheme Matters for Homeowners

The introduction of a second accredited scheme like Flexi-Orb is not just a win for installers and manufacturers – it’s a win for homeowners too. Here’s why:

1. Increased Competition Drives Better Outcomes
   Competition is a powerful motivator. With Flexi-Orb providing an alternative to MCS, both schemes will need to continually improve their offerings to attract installers and manufacturers. This could lead to better training, more innovative products and higher standards across the board; all of which benefit homeowners.
2. Higher Standards for Performance and Comfort
   Flexi-Orb’s focus on practical guidance (such as noise and heat loss calculations) means that installations under this scheme are likely to perform better in real-world conditions. For homeowners, this means systems that are quieter, more efficient and better suited to their specific needs.
3. Greater Accountability and Consumer Protection
   Flexi-Orb’s proactive approach to quality assurance, including instant feedback mechanisms, ensures that any issues with installations can be addressed quickly. This reduces the risk of subpar installations and gives homeowners peace of mind that their investment is protected.

A Scheme That’s Installer-Friendly but Challenging

While Flexi-Orb is designed to be installer-friendly, it’s important to note that the scheme is already more challenging to achieve than MCS in some respects. A key difference is Flexi-Orb’s emphasis on office assessments, which ensure that the administrative and logistical aspects of an installation (such as DNO approval and aftercare infrastructure) are handled correctly. This approach not only raises the bar for installers but also provides homeowners with greater confidence that their installation is backed by a robust and efficient support system.

As Flexi-Orb has pointed out, this contrasts with the revised MCS approach, which has moved away from office assessments. Flexi-Orb believes that ensuring the supply chain and administrative processes are in place is critical to delivering high-quality installations and reliable aftercare, something that ultimately benefits the homeowner.

What’s Next?

The Flexi-Orb scheme represents an evolution in heat pump certification, offering a fresh approach within the framework of ISO standards. By focusing on clear compliance, practical guidance, and robust quality assurance, Flexi-Orb aims to raise standards and deliver better outcomes for installers and homeowners alike.

We will continue to monitor the progress of the scheme closely and provide updates as more information becomes available. In the meantime, if you have any questions about the Flexi-Orb Heat Pump Scheme, feel free to leave them in the comments below. We’ll do our best to address them in future updates.

Stay tuned for more news as we approach the highly anticipated launch of this important initiative!