Data and decision making

How Eurovent Certification’s range of heat pump certification programmes influence engineering consultancies’ decisions.

Product certification has always been a vital tool for those specifying products. By providing independently verified performance data, product certifications such as Eurovent Certified Performance offer engineering consultancies a guarantee of performance and reliability, helping projects achieve regulatory compliance and energy optimisation.

This article examines how product certification acts as a key benchmark for heat pumps used in heating, cooling, and domestic hot water production. It also explores certification’s influence on the technical, strategic, and commercial decisions of HVAC design professionals.

Certified products for every project

Eurovent Certification certifies heat pumps across the whole market, under a range of well-known schemes. It’s portfolio of certification programmes include:

Eurovent Certified Performance for Heat Pumps (Eurovent-HP)

For electrically driven, gas absorption and gas internal / external combustion engine driven heat pumps with a heating capacity less than or equal to 100 kW.

Eurovent Certified Performance for Chillers and Heat Pumps (LCP-HP)

For hydronic heat pumps used for heating, air conditioning and refrigeration applications, which are equipped with any type of electrically driven compressor.

Heat Pumps NF (NF414)

For electrically driven, gas absorption and gas internal / external combustion engine driven heat pumps with a heating capacity less than or equal to 100 kW.

Heat Pump KEYMARK (HPKM)

For all heat pumps, combination heat pumps and hot water heaters (as covered by Ecodesign, EU Regulation 813/2013 and 814/2013).

MCS for Heat Pumps (MCS007)

Aimed at heat pumps sold in the UK market, the programme covers electrically driven and gas absorption heat pumps up to a 45 kW output.

Hybrid Heat Pumps NF (NF462)

For hybrid appliances combining a boiler and a heat pump.

As these programmes vary in capacity and product type, it means that the whole sector is catered for. Whatever the application or heat pump technology, there will be a Eurovent certified solution.

Background and principles of Eurovent heat pump certification

All Eurovent Certified heat pumps have been evaluated impartially via independent laboratory tests and factory audits. Products also undergo a surveillance process to ensure continued compliance. However, certified characteristics, acceptance criteria and testing standards can vary across schemes, as can the length of certification validity and stringency of the surveillance process. This is why its vital decision makers understand the scope of each certification programme.

For example, to attain the flagship Eurovent Certified Performance programme for Heat Pumps, products must first gain NF414, which assesses products according to European and international standards (EN 14511, EN 14825, ISO 3741 etc.), focusing on performance metrics like COP (Coefficient of Performance), SCOP (Seasonal COP), and sound levels. Along with independent laboratory tests and factory audits, the certification also validates all submitted data, (including marketing materials) for technical credibility and continuity, checks selection software and puts products under a stringent surveillance process.

A benefit of choosing products certified by Eurovent Certification is that all technical data is published in a single, free to use, online database, ensuring full transparency. Engineering consultancies can access comparable and independently verified data by programme, with all claimed performances validated under standardised conditions. With discrepancies eliminated between manufacturer claims and ‘real life’ performance, decision makers have peace of mind that products will operate as advertised.

How does certification help engineering consultancies?

Accurate sizing and product selection

Consultancies rely on certified data to accurately size HVAC systems. Eurovent Certification provides validated COP and SCOP values, crucial for calculating energy needs and ensuring the heat pump aligns with building specifications. This helps prevent over or under sizing, both of which can lead to inefficiency and added costs.

Additionally, the ability to compare certified products via Eurovent’s Certified Product Directory streamlines competitive analysis. Engineers can objectively assess criteria such as acoustic performance, temperature ranges, and seasonal energy efficiency to ensure the right heat pump is selected for the project.

Regulatory compliance

Heat pump certification simplifies compliance with European regulations as manufacturer data has been independently validated, tested to harmonised EU standards and aligns with requirements of the Ecodesign Directive and Energy Labelling Regulation (EU) 811/2013.

Certification can also aid compliance with national regulations. For example, in France, heat pumps holding Eurovent Certified Performance and NF 414, facilitate compliance with RE2020 requirements related to CO₂ emissions and primary energy consumption, as the certifications guarantee that the heat pumps achieve a certain level of energy efficiency.

Access to public incentives

Eurovent Certified heat pumps are often prerequisites or strong enablers for national and EU-level incentives. This is because certification proves performance and quality, ensuring that declared values meet national requirements. Incentives include:

• France: MaPrimeRénov’ / Energy Saving Certificates (CEE) Scheme
• Germany: BEG Funding
• Italy: Superbonus / Conto Termico
• Spain: NextGenEU Green Recovery Grants
• European Level: EPBD, EU Taxonomy & Green Public Procurement
• UK: MCS Certified heat pumps qualify for Government grants up to £7500.

Reducing technical and legal risks

Non-certified heat pumps carry a higher risk of underperformance, which can lead to energy cost overruns or disputes with clients. Eurovent Certification helps mitigate this risk through regular inspections and penalties for non-compliance.

As a result, engineering consultancies often specify Eurovent Certified Performance in tender documents to protect their professional liability and ensure system durability.

Boosting credibility and sustainability

Specifying Eurovent certified heat pumps strengthens the technical credibility of proposals. Clients are increasingly aware of energy transition challenges and view product certification as a mark of quality and environmental responsibility. This creates a competitive advantage in bids where transparency and data traceability are valued.

Projects using certified equipment also benefit from better reception among investors and end-users. Providing verifiable performance data for heating and cooling systems facilitates access to green financing or sustainability labels like:

• BREEAM
• LEED
• HQE
• DGNB.

European harmonisation and global reach

Eurovent Certification’s world-wide recognition makes it a strategic tool for consultancies operating internationally. By standardising testing methods and performance criteria, it removes technical barriers across countries, simplifying equipment selection for cross-border projects.

Additionally, Eurovent Certification maintains a bridge between the Eurovent Certified Performance for Heat Pumps, Heat Pumps NF 414, KEYMARK and MCS for Heat Pump schemes, so that products certified under one programme, qualify for the others. The convergence of these certifications creates synergies that benefit manufacturers and expand the range of certified products available to consultancies.

Programme evolution and market needs

Last but not least, Eurovent Certification programmes continually adapt to regulatory change and the evolving needs of the market. Programmes including Eurovent Certified Performance and NF414 are run by independent programme committees, including a range of industry stakeholders. This means that programme change is driven by those at the very heart of the industry, ensuring certification remains useful, relevant and at the forefront of regulatory change.

Conclusion

Eurovent heat pump certifications have a significant impact on the choices made by engineering consultancies, helping to build a reliable and transparent market, aligned with regulatory and environmental demands. By ensuring verified performance, certification aids regulatory compliance, and reduces legal risks, cementing its place as a key tool in the design of modern HVAC systems. As Eurovent schemes evolve in line with market needs, the heat pump certifications on offer provide a strategic asset for consultancies committed to both their client’s needs and to the energy transition.

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