MCS set to change Standard in support of Government changes to planning requirements for Air Source Heat Pumps
22 November 2024
MCS has published its response to the recent consultation on updates to the MCS 020 standard, which governs sound levels for air source heat pumps and small wind turbines. The changes aim to simplify compliance and enhance clarity for installers. It is linked to the recent DESNZ announcement to change planning requirements for Air Source Heat Pumps.
In November 2023, MCS consulted on the planning requirements for Air Source Heat Pumps in domestic properties including the MCS 020 calculation.
This consultation was driven by the government’s proposal to consult on changes to Permitted Development Rights that apply in England.
The consultation closed on the 26th January 2024, having received 55 responses from a wide range of organisations. This consultation process has supported the update to MCS 020.
Key changes to MCS 020 will be as follows:
- MCS will split the MCS 020 standard into two: one for air source heat pumps and one for small wind turbines (there are no changes to the requirements for small wind turbines):
- MCS 020 (a) for Air Source Heat Pumps
- MCS 020 (b) for Small Wind Turbines
- MCS will hold the A-weighted sound power level for MCS certified products on the MCS Product Directory.
- MCS will clarify:
- What can and cannot be considered a solid barrier.
- How to determine the assessment position.
- What can and cannot be considered a reflective surface.
- The definition of a habitable room.
- MCS will not proceed with the proposal of differentiating between rural and urban areas and therefore not implement the use of the postcode look up tool. Instead, MCS will simplify the sound calculation to create an overall limit of 37 dB(A).
- Working with DESNZ and other industry stakeholders, MCS will develop a guidance document for installers on installation sound mitigation measures for air source heat pumps.
- MCS will introduce a methodology for including up to two air source heat pumps in the MCS 020 (a) sound calculation.
- Compliance with MCS 020 under PDR will apply irrespective of whether it’s an MCS certified installation or not.
A summary of feedback to the questions asked in the consultation used to support the update to MCS 020 can be read here:
We expect to publish MCS 020 (a) in December.