Heat Geek Code of Conduct

As a valued member of our community, we expect all installers to adhere to the following Code of Conduct. These guidelines are designed to ensure a positive, professional and collaborative environment for all members of our community.

As a member of our Heat Geek community, we emphasise the importance of using our digital platforms ethically and responsibly. The digital tools and materials provided by Heat Geek are intended to enhance your learning experience and professional development.

General Rules

To maintain a fair and inclusive environment for all participants, community members must adhere to the following rules:

• The digital platforms, including course materials and resources, are for your personal use only. Do not share access credentials or allow others to use your account.
• Do not share, reproduce, or distribute Heat Geek course content or resources. This includes but is not limited to video lectures, documents and assessments.
• Use our community groups to engage in constructive conversations with fellow community members. Respect diverse opinions and maintain a positive and inclusive tone.
• If you become aware of any violations or inappropriate use of our digital platforms, promptly report them to the Heat Geek support team. Your assistance in maintaining the integrity of our community is highly valued.
• When completing the Heat Geek courses, you should ensure that you complete all tests and quizzes using your own knowledge. Learners are encouraged to seek the support of the Heat Geek community but this should always be to aid your own understanding, not to receive direct answers to any tests.

Community Groups

• Be Kind and Polite: Treat everyone with respect. Healthy debates are natural, but kindness is required. Detach opinions from individuals; discussions should not become personal.
• No Hate Speech or Bullying: Bullying of any kind isn't allowed, and degrading comments about things like race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, gender or identity will not be tolerated.
• No Promotions or Spam: Self-promotion, spam and irrelevant links aren't allowed. Keep the focus on Heat Geek topics.
• Respect Everyone's Privacy: What’s shared in the community should stay in the community. Trust and confidentiality are key.

Verified Heat Geeks

If you pass the required checks to become a verified Heat Geek (or join the Heat Geek Upgrades Platform), you must also abide by the following conditions:

Communication and Professionalism

• Conduct yourself with professionalism and integrity at all times. Uphold the highest ethical standards in your interactions with customers, fellow installers and the Heat Geek team.
• Communicate transparently and promptly with customers. Set clear expectations regarding project timelines, costs and any potential challenges. If you are unable to do work for a customer, communicate this clearly.
• Always be polite to customers and never show anger or aggression. Walk away if necessary and seek legal advice if a payment dispute arises.
• Work collaboratively with customers to find amicable resolutions to disputes.
• Maintain professionalism on social media and ensure your accounts reflect the values of Heat Geek.

High Quality Work

• Hold all relevant qualifications and legal measures such as insurance for the work you undertake.
• Strive for excellence and address any concerns promptly and professionally.
• Never compromise on safety. Follow all safety protocols and regulations.
• Respect customer property, use protective coverings and keep the work area organised and clean.
• Provide adequate guarantees for your installations (where not covered by the Heat Geek Upgrades Platform).

Heat Geek Best Practices

Below are some of the aspects of an install that we believe can have a large positive impact on a heat pump installation. This isn’t exhaustive but should be followed where appropriate.

Design, Installation and Commissioning Practices

• Heat Loss: Always conduct an accurate heat loss survey before design work. Do not rely on assumptions or EPCs.
• Low Flow Temperature Systems: Inform customers about the advantages of low-temperature heating and design accordingly.
• Pipe Sizing: Ensure pipework is properly sized to accommodate required flow rates, considering pressure losses and velocity limits.
• Heat Pump Installation: Follow manufacturer instructions and industry standards. Pipework must be neat, well-supported, insulated, and lagged where required. Include freeze protection where applicable.
• Electrical Works: Must be carried out by qualified professionals, with neat, contained cabling and a testing certificate provided.

Appropriate Material Use

• Pipework: Avoid plastic pipework for heating. Use MLC where necessary, and inform customers of potential issues.
• Pipe Insulation: Specify insulation type and thickness according to application. External pipework must be weatherproof and UV resistant.
• Electrical: Components must be rated correctly for their use and wiring appropriately sized and protected.

Heating System Water Quality

Follow VDI 2035 where possible or ensure annual inhibitor testing. Refer to our detailed Heat Geek video on VDI 2035 for guidance.

Set Up Appropriate Controls

• Weather Compensation: Always implement weather compensating controls. Explain their benefits if a customer opts out.
• Setback: Discuss heating strategies with customers. Promote steady-state heating, especially with UFH and heat pump systems.
• Zoning: Avoid excessive zoning; use hydronic design for efficiency. Large properties may require some isolated zones.

Hot Water

• PDHW: Prioritise domestic hot water systems over traditional S/Y plan setups.
• Coil Size: Maximise surface area in new hot water cylinders for improved efficiency.
• DHW Temperature: Optimise for each installation. Lower temperatures improve efficiency but higher ones may be needed for capacity or legionella protection.