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MCS Noise Assessments
Are you installing a domestic air source heat pump and struggling with the MCS calculations? Let our team guide you through the process.
Domestic ASHP Assessments | Clear, Concise & Compliant
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Expert acoustic consultancy, delivered across the UK.
An MCS noise assessment is a noise impact assessment carried out in accordance with MCS 020 to evaluate the acoustic effect of a proposed air source heat pump installation under permitted development rights. NOVA Acoustics produces MCS-compliant noise assessments for planning applications and Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) accreditation submissions, covering background noise surveys, noise predictions, and compliance reporting against the relevant permitted development noise criteria.
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Access competitive trade pricing, dedicated project support, priority scheduling, and a single point of contact to help keep your projects running smoothly from enquiry through to completion.
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- Clear, concise, jargon-free reporting.
- Rapid 24-hour response times.
- Local knowledge backed by nationwide coverage and support.
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With highly experienced specialists across the UK, we’re here to support your residential and commercial needs.
Why choose NOVA Acoustics?
- Extensive planning experience across all sectors.
- Institute of Acoustics qualified consultants.
- Nationwide coverage with local expertise.
- Practical advice focused on securing approvals.
What This Service Covers
Desktop MCS 020 calculation using manufacturer sound power data
Site-specific distance and screening analysis
Pass/fail determination against the MCS 020 permitted development noise limit
Mitigation advice where non-compliant (relocation, screening, enclosures)
Escalation to a full BS4142:2014 noise impact assessment where required
Liaison with installers and homeowners on technical queries
How an MCS 020 Noise Assessment Works
Before an air source heat pump can be installed under permitted development rights, the proposed installation needs to demonstrate compliance with the MCS 020 noise calculation procedure. The process works through a small number of clear stages.
First, we gather the details of the proposed installation, including the manufacturer’s sound power level data for the unit, its proposed location, and its distance to the boundary of the nearest neighbouring property. Second, we run the MCS 020 desktop calculation, which determines the predicted noise level at the assessment point against the permitted development noise limit. Third, we provide a clear pass or fail result, along with a written record of the calculation suitable for submission to your local authority if requested.
Where the calculation shows a fail, we don’t stop there. We work through the mitigation options set out in the MCS 020 guidance to find a route to compliance that fits your project and budget.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What If My Installation Doesn't Pass MCS 020?
A failed MCS 020 calculation is common and rarely means the end of the project. The most frequent reasons an installation doesn’t meet the noise limit on first calculation include the unit being positioned too close to a neighbouring boundary, the selected heat pump model having a higher sound power output than the space allows for, or there being no barrier or screening between the unit and the nearest receptor.
Once we know why an installation doesn’t pass, we can usually identify a workable solution. This might involve relocating the unit to a position further from the boundary, selecting a quieter model with a lower sound power level, or introducing acoustic screening or an enclosure around the unit. In many cases, a combination of small adjustments is enough to bring the installation within the MCS 020 limit without significant cost or disruption to the project.
If none of these options bring the installation into compliance, the next step is a full noise impact assessment in accordance with BS4142:2014, which allows for a more detailed, site-specific assessment than the MCS 020 desktop method.
Who Needs an MCS 020 Assessment?
MCS 020 noise assessments are most commonly needed by:
- Homeowners installing a domestic air source heat pump under permitted development, who need to confirm compliance before installation begins
- MCS-certified installers and contractors who want a second opinion on a borderline calculation, or who would prefer to hand the calculation over to a specialist
- Developers and self-builders incorporating air source heat pumps into new dwellings, where multiple units and tighter site boundaries can make compliance more complex
- Architects and designers specifying heat pump locations at an early design stage, where an MCS 020 check can avoid costly repositioning later
Where We Provide MCS Noise Assessments
We provide MCS 020 noise assessments for domestic air source heat pump installations across our regional offices, including Leeds, Manchester, London, Birmingham, Nottingham, Liverpool, Cambridge, Newcastle, Sheffield, Bristol, and Hull.
What is an MCS 020 noise assessment and do I need one?
An MCS 020 noise assessment is a desktop calculation used to check whether a proposed domestic air source heat pump installation meets the noise limit set out under permitted development rights. If you’re installing an ASHP without applying for full planning permission, MCS 020 compliance is what allows the installation to proceed under permitted development. Most homeowners and installers will need this check completed before installation.
How much does an MCS noise assessment cost?
Costs vary depending on the complexity of the site and whether additional mitigation advice is required, but MCS 020 desktop assessments are one of the more affordable acoustic services we offer, reflecting the fact that they’re a calculation-based check rather than a full site survey. Get in touch with our team for a quote specific to your installation.
What information do I need to provide for an MCS 020 calculation?
We’ll need the manufacturer’s technical specification for the proposed heat pump (specifically its sound power level), the proposed installation location, and the distance from that location to the boundary of the nearest neighbouring property. A site plan or sketch showing these distances is helpful, as is any information on existing screening, fencing, or walls near the unit.
What happens if my heat pump fails the MCS 020 assessment?
A failed calculation isn’t the end of the road. We’ll talk you through the mitigation options set out in the MCS 020 guidance, which typically include relocating the unit further from the boundary, selecting a quieter model, or adding acoustic screening. In most cases, one of these options brings the installation within the required limit. If not, we can move on to a full BS4142:2014 assessment.
Can I install an air source heat pump without an MCS noise assessment?
If you’re relying on permitted development rights rather than applying for planning permission, MCS 020 compliance is the mechanism that demonstrates your installation meets the relevant noise requirements. Skipping this step risks the installation being non-compliant, which could create issues if a neighbour raises a complaint or if the local authority later reviews the installation.
What's the difference between an MCS 020 assessment and a BS4142 noise impact assessment?
MCS 020 is a desktop calculation method specifically designed for domestic air source heat pumps under permitted development, using standardised inputs and a fixed noise limit. BS4142:2014 is a more detailed, site-specific noise impact assessment methodology used for a much wider range of fixed plant and industrial noise sources, and typically involves on-site measurement of background sound levels. If an installation can’t achieve MCS 020 compliance, a BS4142 assessment provides a more thorough route to demonstrating acceptability.
How long does an MCS noise assessment take?
As a desktop calculation, an MCS 020 assessment is typically one of our quickest turnarounds, often completed within a few working days of receiving the required information. If mitigation options need to be explored, this may add a little time, but the process remains significantly faster than a full site-based noise impact assessment.
Do all UK local authorities require MCS 020 compliance for permitted development heat pump installations?
MCS 020 compliance is the established route for demonstrating that a domestic air source heat pump meets permitted development noise requirements across England. While individual local authority approaches to enforcement can vary, having a documented MCS 020 calculation on file provides a clear record of compliance should it ever be requested.
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