An update to MCS 031: The heat pump pre-sale information and performance calculation
18 December 2024
MCS has published an updated version of MCS 031: The Heat Pump Pre-Sale Information and Performance Calculation
For some years the performance estimation method for Heat Pumps has used Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCoP), based on a presumed flow temperature, to estimate the Seasonal Performance Factor (SPF) and calculate the amount of electricity required to deliver the annual heat demand. However, recent studies have shown that SCoP overestimates the likely SPF and takes little account of the emitters being used: whether radiators, underfloor heating or a combination of both.
The MCS Heat Pump technical working group therefore decided to develop this new version of MCS031 (Issue 4.0) which uses the type of system, the specific heat loss of the property, and a lookup table of SPFs drawn from the Heat Emitter Guide. The new method also flags particular warnings where existing radiators are being used (and could be undersized). To accompany this new Standard, MCS has also developed an Excel tool to simplify the calculation and present the information in the required format.
Compliance with this update is mandatory from 18 March 2025.
To access the Standard, please visit the MCS Standards & Tools Library or click the link below. Any queries should be sent to meetings@mcscertified.com.