“I didn’t know a heat pump was notifiable” is a statement OFTEC has been hearing a lot lately

As renewable heating systems are being installed more often, we need to set the record straight so those just starting off installing renewables understand their responsibilities and get it right from the outset.

The Building Regulations 2010 sets out in Regulation 20 that certain works in England & Wales as described in Schedule 3 can go under self-certification by installers who are registered with an accredited competent person scheme.

One such area of work that is listed in Schedule 3, and is therefore exempt from obtaining a building notice, is the installation of microgeneration or renewable sources in building to produce heating, cooling or electricity. Heat pumps and solar will come under this category.

Therefore, the same rules that apply for oil, gas and solid fuel combustion appliances, also apply to renewable installations. That means you need to self-certify renewable installations through your competent person scheme – but only if you hold that scope of registration with your scheme. If you don’t hold the relevant scope of registration, please contact OFTEC to discuss your registration requirements and training needs.

In addition to notifying your renewable installations, please don’t forget to include any unvented hot water cylinder work, heating system, external controls and electrical work. The full list of renewable works to be notified under the Building Regulations is detailed below.