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Last updated: 19 December 2024
HETAS Certificate: What you need to know
The Heating Equipment Testing and Approvals Scheme, or HETAS, is a national organisation set up to ensure consumer safety. The scheme covers the safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible use of biomass and other solid fuels.
HETAS is the only specialist organisation that approves biomass and solid fuel heating appliances, fuels and services in England and Wales. This includes the registration of installers and servicing businesses.
Under the Competent Person Scheme (CPS), as an installer registered with HETAS, you can self-certificate your own work. This means you won’t need to carry out Building Notice applications.
What is a HETAS Certificate of Compliance?
Customers in England and Wales who use a HETAS registered installer should receive a HETAS Certificate of Compliance.
This demonstrates your installation work complies with relevant Building Regulations. The HETAS certificate is important as it can be required to validate home insurance and also during the home selling process.
The certificate can be provided in both physical and digital formats.
Once your customer receives the HETAS Certificate of Compliance completed and signed by your business, it'll then be passed onto HETAS. They will will notify the relevant local authority within 30 days of job completion.
When is a HETAS certificate required?
Solid fuel and wood biomass appliances and systems are subject to certain requirements of Building Regulations.
This means that the local authority in an area must be notified of any installations that take place by law.
If you or your business are registered with HETAS, you'll be able to provide your customers with a compliance certificate. You can do so without the need for time-consuming Building Notice applications to the local Building Control Department.
This helps to improve the efficiency of work, builds customer trust, and shows the value of a HETAS certified business.
How to become HETAS registered
To become HETAS registered and be a member of the Competent Person Scheme (CPS), you need to download and complete the relevant application from the HETAS website.
Here are some important points to consider:
Tradespeople in the construction industry often take part in HETAS training courses (particularly plumbers and heating installers)
You’ll need to provide a personalised risk assessment
You’ll also need to have an appropriate public liability insurance policy schedule
When your application passes, you'll be able to provide your customers with a HETAS Certificate
By investing in your skills and becoming registered, you’ll be able to offer your customers peace of mind that their installation is safe, legal, and compliant.
HETAS registration is something customers look out for when looking for a new solid fuel burner or wood burner. If you're registered with the Competent Person Scheme (CPS), you are likely to see an increase in job leads. Especially with the growing demand for renewable energy solutions.
It’s important to remember that your qualification will expire after a period of time. So, if you want to continue to be HETAS registered, you’ll need to do refresher training.
What you need to know when installing a log burner
If you're an installer of log burners or other solid fuel appliances, they must meet certain Building Regulations.
The HETAS website outlines all of the standards that each of the elements must meet for log burners
These standards cover the ventilation, the flue, and the hearth
If you’re not a registered installer, it can cost as much as £300 to have someone from Building Control inspect the installation
There’s no guarantee the installation work will be passed by Building Control
This can be a timely and costly process, so it makes sense why customers would want to opt for a HETAS registered installer.
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HETAS certificate FAQs
How much does a HETAS certificate cost?
The cost of the certificate should be included in the price of the installation work. However, replacement copies of certificates can be ordered through the HETAS website for £31.20.
What does HETAS stand for?
HETAS stands for Heating Equipment Testing and Approvals Scheme.
How long does a HETAS certificate last?
A HETAS certificate lasts until the registered appliance is replaced.
