BSRIA extends UKAS accreditation for heat pump testing standard

BSRIA, the leading independent provider of building services testing, intelligence, and research, has successfully extended its UKAS-accredited testing capabilities to include the EN 14825:2022 standard following a comprehensive ISO 17025 audit by the UK’s National Accreditation Service.

This new accreditation firmly establishes BSRIA as a trusted specialist for heat pump and air conditioner testing, providing manufacturers and suppliers with enhanced capabilities that deliver the highest standards of quality, repeatability, and traceability.

The latest edition of the EN 14825 standard, which supersedes the 2018 version, defines the operational conditions and calculation methodologies for determining the seasonal performance of heat pumps and air conditioners. The performance values calculated under this standard form an essential component of energy labelling for heat pumps, providing consumers with reliable efficiency data comparable with what they see when purchasing other domestic appliances.

The updated standard introduces comprehensive calculations for cooling performance—a critical consideration given the increasing demand for effective cooling solutions as global temperatures continue to rise. The standard also incorporates hybrid heat pump systems, which integrate conventional gas boilers with heat pump technology.

Peter Tse, Applied Engineering Business Manager at BSRIA, said: “This accreditation demonstrates our commitment to delivering testing services of the highest calibre for the industry. As the heat pump market experiences rapid growth and regulatory frameworks continue to evolve, manufacturers require facilities they can trust to ensure their products meet the most current standards. Our enhanced capabilities enable us to provide the industry with comprehensive testing that delivers precise seasonal performance metrics.”

BSRIA’s facilities feature environmental chambers with precisely controlled thermal conditions, enabling the organisation to conduct thorough testing across a comprehensive range of technologies, including air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps, split air conditioning units, and heat pump air curtains.

The laboratory now offers full compliance testing with all relevant standards:

• EN 14511 for thermal performance, capacity, COP, EER, and safety tests
• EN 14825 for seasonal performance calculations
• EN 12102 for sound power level testing
• EN 16147 for domestic hot water heat pump performance rating

Peter Tse continued: “One of the two key conditions that must be met for a heat pump installation to be eligible for the £6,500 grant under the UK’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is that the heat pump must be tested and shown to comply with the standards set by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), which call up EN 14825. Achieving compliance is critical not only for accessing government-supported markets, but also for earning the trust of installers and consumers. As a provider of independent accredited testing services, BSRIA plays a vital role in verifying product performance and supporting the low carbon technology transition.”

BSRIA is a global consultancy, maintaining UKAS accreditation that ensures test results are internationally recognised and accepted across markets. The organisation offers flexible testing options, including laboratory-based testing, on-site evaluation, and witness testing, providing services to the construction, building services, manufacturing, and facilities management sectors.