Who is responsible for checking the accuracy of MCS noise assessments for heat pumps?
Hi all, Does anyone know who/which institutions are responsible for checking the accuracy of MCS noise assessments for Heat Pumps?
Great question @persephone and welcome to the forum.
Each manufacturer is responsible for the noise figures which they quote in their specifications. The better ones will be accompanied by small-print which describes how it was measured.
However, the actual noise emitted will depend on how it's been installed. Sound will be muffled by vegetation or reflected off flat surfaces.
It's the installer's responsibility to position the external ASHP unit such that the regulations are complied with.
The installer should be MCS accredited, and will refer to the regulation MCS-020.
I believe that the crucial measuring point is the nearest window of a neighbouring property. So if the heat-pump is positioned ten metres further down the garden, then the sound will be significantly less of course.
MCS are consulting on changes to that regulation, which can read about here on their website.
The Building Regulations also contain requirements regarding noise, and Building Regs Part-E covers sound insulation within a property.
What heat pump noise a neighbour actually hears will be greater if their own house doesn't comply with Part-E.
We were discussing this just a fortnight ago in a topic about rule changes for heat pumps, which I suggest you look at.
That would be a good place to expand on the question you've just asked here.
Then just last week, @editor announced that he's compiling a video on ASHP noise.
Save energy... recycle electrons!
@transparent Many thanks! This was really helpful. My question is actually about the heat pumps that do not fall under permitted developments and are not compliant with MCS Planning Standards. My local council states that it is not necessary for heat pumps to comply with MCS, despite the fact that my neighbour (the owner of the heat pump) claims that the installer is MCS certified. My neighbour has provided my local council with a noise assessment that proves compliance with 42dBA at source. I do not understand what the 42dBA is. Isn't it the permitted development criterion? If it is, can it be used for an installation that is non-compliant with MCS? I am really confused.
Let me try to unpick that question, @persephone.
Your local council appears to be giving the correct advice, but it hasn't quite enabled you to appreciate what they're telling you!
a: You do not have to employ an MCS-accredited company (or individual) in order to install a heat-pump.
Indeed, you are at liberty to buy a heat-pump off-the-shelf and install it yourself.
That costs a great deal less, although you cannot take advantage of any Government grant of course.
You can buy a recognised brand, such as Mitsubishi, from a reputable UK-based wholesaler like Midsummer.
or you can buy direct from a Chinese manufacturer using the Alibaba payment system and reduce the cost significantly.
b: Any heat pump installation must comply with Building Regulations and Planning Rules.
For these, you can apply to your Local Council in the same way that you do for an extension/conservatory.
You will need to read the relevant Approved Documents for Building Regs, but they're available for download free of charge.
Here's Part-L which covers Conservation of Fuel and Energy, for example.
You will need to employ a qualified electrician to connect the mains power, for which you will be given a Part-P (electrical safety) certificate.
And you can also download a Dept of Energy Report/Advice on Heat Pumps and Planning Rules which they published in Nov'23.
c: Lots of other websites specifically address the rules concerning the 42bBA sound pressure level.
Those regulations must be adhered to, whether or not a MCS-accredited installer has undertaken the work.
d: MCS-accredited installers have the advantage that they are allowed to install heat-pumps without first applying for Planning Permission.
Their work is deemed to fall within Permitted Development Rights.
Save energy... recycle electrons!
@persephone, this might of interest to you: https://renewableheatinghub.co.uk/forums/government-schemes/a-call-for-fair-and-legal-heat-pump-installations-in-the-uk
Buy Bodge Buster – Homeowner Air Source Heat Pump Installation Guide: https://amzn.to/3NVndlU
From Zero to Heat Pump Hero: https://amzn.to/4bWkPFb
Follow our sustainability journey at My Home Farm: https://myhomefarm.co.uk
- 25 Forums
- 1,513 Topics
- 31.8 K Posts
- 32 Online
- 1,283 Members
Join Us!
Latest Posts
-
RE: Additional Battery v Wind Turbine v Ripple
I should add, being an investment, the value of your in...
By Old_Scientist , 5 hours ago
-
RE: Ecodan - flow rates, sensors, settings
Achieving an accurate flow measurement is probably the ...
By Derek M , 8 hours ago
-
RE: Ecodan ASHP - How to optimise my set up?
Again, thank you for another thorough post, @derek-m - ...
By rhh2348 , 10 hours ago
-
RE: Delivering a smart and secure electricity system: government consultation
@Transparent.Now that I am represented by a new MP I th...
By IanMK13 , 12 hours ago
-
RE: Vaillant aroTHERM plus not level or flat - what base is best under an external unit?
Similar thread here
By Johnmo , 13 hours ago
-
RE: VDI 2035 heating water specification
Been looking and it seems a good little project. Ever...
By Johnmo , 2 days ago
-
RE: Do I accept an ASHP and Solar Panel retrofit under the HUG 2 scheme?
Will do. I'm currently waiting for another survey / vis...
By dssr , 2 days ago
-
The company that did the borehole were expecting us to ...
By Johnmo , 2 days ago
-
-
RE: The Misquote That Ruined the Heating Industry
@abernyte manufacturer training is pretty average. They...
By Mars , 2 days ago
-
-
RE: ECO4 Scheme and EPC ratings
@mellow Thanks. Given there is a scheme requirement to ...
By Old_Scientist , 3 days ago
-
RE: Do I just go with the lowest quote for my heat pump?
@jancold To me its a no-brainer then, a max 40C flow te...
By bontwoody , 3 days ago
-
-
RE: Heat Pump Books Beginners – Bodge Buster & From Zero To Heat Pump Hero
@editor Presumably he had some good weather Compensatio...
By Toodles , 4 days ago
-
RE: New Vaillant 7kW aroTherm ASHP or oil boiler dilemma/decision??
Storage capacity really is dependent on storage tempera...
By Johnmo , 4 days ago
-
RE: HP Cycling, Expected or Undesirable
Just a little update. I ordered a longer shielded twin ...
By bontwoody , 4 days ago
-
RE: Domestic hot water timer doing crazy things on my Grant Aerona3 10kW air source heat pump
Thanks @allyfish for the pics and info. Spoke to the in...
By Mellow , 4 days ago
-
RE: Aira Heat Pump: Stylish Scandinavian Heating
It's been a busy day for calls and emails from Aira. I ...
By MikeH , 4 days ago
-
RE: Heat Pump Servicing & Maintenance – Good Value or Rip-Off?
Hmm. A bit of a nuanced answer, methinks. As I've alr...
By Majordennisbloodnok , 4 days ago
Latest Topics
-
Ecodan - flow rates, sensors, settings
By rhh2348 11 hours ago
-
Replacing mains water with well water
By Johnmo 2 days ago
-
Additional Battery v Wind Turbine v Ripple
By bontwoody 2 days ago
-
By jamespipe 3 days ago
-
VDI 2035 heating water specification
By Johnmo 3 days ago
-
Do I just go with the lowest quote for my heat pump?
By Jancold 5 days ago
-
The Misquote That Ruined the Heating Industry
By Alec Morrow 6 days ago
-
Battery Storage Wiring Gauge Question
By Puff 6 days ago
Members Online
No online members at the moment