How to Become a Low Carbon Heating Engineer in the UK
Low carbon heating engineers design and install heat pumps and other low carbon systems in homes and small commercial buildings. You carry out room-by-room heat loss calculations, size the heat pump and radiators, install pipework and hot water cylinders, commission the system and explain to the customer how to run it efficiently.
Most engineers start as qualified plumbers or heating engineers, then add heat pump training. If you are new to the trade, the route is a plumbing and heating apprenticeship or college course first, then low carbon specialisms.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £28,000 - £35,000
- Mid-career salary
- £38,000 - £55,000
- Senior salary
- £60,000 - £85,000
- Work environment
- Customer homes, on-site
- Time to entry
- 1 - 4 years
- Degree required
- Often helpful
- Category
- Green Energy and Sustainability
Compare pay across careers in the UK salaries by career report. Also in: High-paying careers, Career change.
What a Low Carbon Heating Engineer does
Install heat pumps and low-carbon heating systems in homes and small commercial sites.
- Air Source Heat Pumps - Design and install ASHP under MCS.
- Ground Source Heat Pumps - GSHP design including loops and boreholes.
- Hybrid Systems - Hybrid heat pump + boiler systems.
- Heat Networks - Communal and district heat network installs.
How to become a low carbon heating engineer in the UK
The core is a Level 3 plumbing and heating qualification, through an apprenticeship such as the Level 3 Plumbing and domestic heating technician or an NVQ. You then take a heat pump installation course from an awarding body such as BPEC or LCL Awards, plus unvented hot water and water regulations qualifications. Installs funded by the Boiler Upgrade Scheme in England and Wales must be carried out by an MCS-certified installer, so most engineers work for MCS-certified companies or certify their own business. Working on refrigerant circuits needs an F-gas certificate, and gas work on hybrid systems needs Gas Safe registration.
- If you are new to the trade, start a Level 3 plumbing and domestic heating apprenticeship or college course to learn heating systems properly.
- Once qualified, take a heat pump installation course for air source systems, followed by ground source training if you want to specialise.
- Add unvented hot water and water regulations qualifications, as almost every heat pump install includes a hot water cylinder.
- Learn room-by-room heat loss calculations and emitter sizing to the MCS standard, as poor design is the main cause of underperforming systems.
- Get an F-gas certificate if you will work on split systems or refrigerant circuits.
- Work for an MCS-certified installer to gain experience, or apply for MCS certification for your own business once you are confident.
| Route | How long | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumbing and heating apprenticeship, then heat pump training | 3-4 years | Paid by the employer | School leavers |
| Qualified heating engineer adding heat pump courses | Weeks to months | Course fees vary by provider | Existing plumbers and gas engineers |
| Building services or engineering degree, then design roles | 3-4 years | Tuition fee loan | People who want to design systems rather than install |
How long it takes
If you are already a qualified plumber or heating engineer, you can add heat pump training within weeks. From scratch, expect up to four years including an apprenticeship.
Low Carbon Heating Engineer salary in the UK
Low carbon heating engineers typically start on around £28,000 to £35,000. Experienced installers earn about £38,000 to £55,000, and senior engineers, designers and business owners can earn £60,000 to £85,000. Self-employed engineers running their own MCS-certified business can earn more, but carry the costs of certification, insurance and finding work. Demand, and therefore pay, is linked to government grants and policy on gas boilers, so it varies by region and over time.
Key skills
- MCS standards
- Heat loss calcs
- Plumbing
- Customer comms
- Driving licence
Low Carbon Heating Engineer FAQs
How do I become a low carbon heating engineer in the UK?
Qualify in plumbing and heating at Level 3, then take heat pump installation training, plus unvented hot water and water regulations courses. Work for an MCS-certified installer, and add F-gas or Gas Safe registration depending on the systems you install.
Do I need a degree to install heat pumps?
No. Installers qualify through apprenticeships, NVQs and short specialist courses. A degree in building services or engineering is useful if you want to design systems or work for a consultancy rather than install.
How much does a low carbon heating engineer earn?
Starting pay is around £28,000 to £35,000. Experienced installers earn about £38,000 to £55,000, and senior engineers, designers and business owners can earn £60,000 to £85,000.
What is MCS certification?
MCS is a certification scheme for small-scale renewable installations and the businesses that install them. Customers usually need an MCS-certified installer to claim government grants such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, so most heat pump work goes through MCS-certified companies.
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