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MCS Certified installer problem

Parmstar · 2022-12-14T23:39:50Z

Hi all, I recently had a ASHP installed and was promised a MCS certificate upon commissioning. This hasn’t been received and its been over 2 weeks. I have checked their MCS number on the website and the company isn’t found!? Slightly worried now as there is a few issues with the install. Namely that it is within 1m of the property boundary - I wasn’t aware of this but my neighbours have already complained to me of the noise its making throughout this cold spell, Any advice please?

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Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs)

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Parmstar

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Topic starter 17/12/2022 8:41 pm

@transparent unfortunately wall mounts won’t be feasible as the location currently is within 1m of the property boundary and the neighbours have already made a passing comment about the noise coming from the pump

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Parmstar

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Topic starter 17/12/2022 8:44 pm

@transparent I have none of these things! Unsure of pipework size I will have to check but it’s a relatively short run which is lagged and runs straight into a down pipe

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Transparent

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17/12/2022 9:32 pm

@parmstar - roughly whereabouts are you geographically?

I'm trying to get a general overview of which DNOs and Councils are proactively working to get HP installs undertaken properly, and which ones are leaving the population fighting battles on their own. Thx.

Save energy... recycle electrons!

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Parmstar

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Topic starter 17/12/2022 9:35 pm

@transparent I’m in Leeds, West Yorkshire

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Transparent

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17/12/2022 9:45 pm

There's a Transition Towns group not far from you called Just Transition Wakefield. Their address and email are given on that page.

They list Built Environment and Energy amongst the subjects which they cover.

Save energy... recycle electrons!

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Derek M

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17/12/2022 9:54 pm

Posted by: @parmstar

↑

@transparent I’m in Leeds, West Yorkshire

So you are not far from where I live, on the 'correct' side of the Pennines. I did much of my training and education in Leeds a 'few' years ago.

👍

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Parmstar

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Topic starter 19/12/2022 4:58 pm

Update: So the installer has been round and been very apologetic. He realises that the ASHP is undersized and has suggested a free upgrade to a 14kw ASHP in the same location or the installation of a hybrid system using the same 11kw ASHP. HAs agreed to put in a retrospective planning application should any issues arise with the neighbours, What do you guys think?

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Oswiu

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19/12/2022 5:19 pm

@parmstar I guess it's a good result. If you used the BUS grant then you'll no longer be eligible if it's a hybrid system. I don't know if it would come back to bite you, just be mindful of it.

I still think it's badly sited and so can't be as efficient as other systems, so you'll need to be careful to run it as efficiently as possible if you keep it, and I'd definitely try to see if that other fence can be moved or have staggered slats to get some air movement.

In some ways you're lucky as it seems many installers do shoddy work and let the customer pick up the pieces knowing there's unlikely to be any recourse.

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Transparent

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19/12/2022 5:34 pm

I think this is an excellent result. It's better to have an installer who wants to put things right than one who will forever be despondent at the site where he got it wrong. This guy deserves a reward.

On that point... does he yet know about this discussion?

And is there anything we can do to help him and you, to ensure that this installation turns out for the best?

I agree with @oswiu's point that the position remains a problem. It's not just the poor air-flow, but also the proximity to the neighbours. Upgrading to a larger ASHP could increase the noise-level still further.

In my area we have very approachable Building Control Officers. I would probably discuss this with them as the next step. Strictly speaking, they're not allowed to give advice. The work-around is to ask "What sort of solution would you expect to see here which would satisfy the regulations?" 😉

Is there garden/space beyond the location in your previous photo?

Save energy... recycle electrons!

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Parmstar

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Topic starter 19/12/2022 5:51 pm

@transparent @oswiyu thanks for getting back to me

I haven't got any grants unfortunately. The installer still doesn't believe the location to be an issue as it abides by all required manufacturer clearances. I did mention the 'cold well' to him also but he was very dismissive and ensured that it had the required clearances.

I am not sure of the 14kw clearances for Mitsubishi but he has assured me there is enough room and that the unit is narrower but slightly taller.

Which option would you choose, a hybrid or a larger heat pump and pros/cons?

With regards to noise, he has said he would put in writing that they would put in any retrospective planning application should an issue arise and he has also agreed to reimburse me for any additional electricity cost as a result of the undersized system running full power! Very good indeed....

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Parmstar

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Topic starter 19/12/2022 5:52 pm

@transparent there is nowhere else to site it unfortunately, only at the front of the house but im not sure I want it there!

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Oswiu

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19/12/2022 5:56 pm

@parmstar I tend to think that a hybrid system means there's two things to go wrong instead of one so if it were me I'd just get the bigger pump as well as doing any insulation possible.

I worry that a planning application would simply be rejected because of the distance from neighbours who have already complained. I don't know how I'd approach that part of the problem.

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