MCS heat pump handover checklist: what to include, BUS evidence and a simple workflow
MCS heat pump handover checklist: what to include, BUS evidence and a simple workflow
Category: Case Studies & Playbooks • Niche: Heat pumps, MCS, BUS grants, installers
Handover pack with MCS certificate screen and BUS portal on a tidy installer workbench
Contents
- Quick answer
- What MCS expects in the handover pack
- BUS evidence: what Ofgem checks
- Simple workflow you can copy
- Downloadable checklists and tools
- What are people saying on Reddit
- FAQ
Quick answer
If you install heat pumps under MIS 3005, your handover pack should include: the MCS certificate (from the MCS Installations Database), completed commissioning records (Benchmark), final setpoints, product manuals, design and performance docs (MCS 031 output), DNO notification evidence and contact details for aftercare. For Boiler Upgrade Scheme jobs, Ofgem mainly checks the MCS certificate number at redemption; you do not need a TrustMark lodgement for BUS-only installs. See Ofgem’s current installer guidance for details and the Product Eligibility List. Ofgem installer guidance • BUS Installer Guidance V4.2 PDF • BUS Product Eligibility List
What MCS expects in the handover pack
MCS publishes a Heat Pump Installation – Installer Handover Checklist that outlines exactly what to give the customer. You can access it in the MCS Standards & Tools Library. Key items:
- MCS certificate: Register the job on the MCS Installations Database (MID) within the required timescale and include the certificate in the pack. MCS: Registering on the MID
- Commissioning records: Completed commissioning documentation and the as-left settings. Many installers use the HHIC Benchmark heat pump service record. HHIC Benchmark checklist PDF
- Post-design information: Provide updated design/performance docs such as the final MCS 031 Heat Pump Performance Estimate and design settings. MCS 031 overview
- DNO notification evidence: Keep proof of connection/notification. MCS: Notifying DNOs
- Manuals and warranties: User manuals, servicing schedule, and warranty details.
Useful: MIS 3005 is now split into MIS 3005-D (Design) and MIS 3005-I (Installation). The checklist belongs with Installation. Installer briefing
BUS evidence: what Ofgem checks
For BUS, Ofgem asks for core details at application and then your MCS certificate number at redemption. The certificate is cross-checked against the MID. TrustMark lodgement is not required for BUS-only work; it is required for PAS 2035 schemes like ECO4/GBIS, which have a different route.
- BUS guidance (current version and tech rules for heat pumps). Ofgem BUS – Installers
- Stage 1 (apply): property and quote details, EPC URN and declarations. Installer guidance PDF
- Stage 2 (redeem): MCS installation certificate number, voucher details. Installer guidance PDF
- Product Eligibility List context. PEL overview
Simple workflow you can copy
Flow: MCS 031 design to install, commission, DNO, MID certificate, client handover, BUS redemption
- Survey and design
- Gather room-by-room heat loss and system design data.
- Produce the MCS 031 Heat Pump Performance Estimate and proposed settings.
- Install
- Follow manufacturer instructions and MIS 3005-I.
- Commission
- Complete Benchmark and record as-left setpoints for space heating and DHW.
- DNO notification
- Apply to connect or connect-and-notify; save proof.
- MID certificate
- Register the installation and issue the MCS certificate.
- Handover pack
- Give the customer the certificate, manuals, design/performance docs and service schedule.
- BUS redemption (if applicable)
- Submit voucher redemption with the MCS certificate number via Ofgem.
Downloadable checklists and tools
- MCS Heat Pump Installation – Installer Handover Checklist (PDF). Download from MCS
- HHIC Benchmark Commissioning & Warranty Validation – Air-to-Water heat pumps (PDF). Download
- MIS 3005-I Installation Standard (with example commissioning checklist). PDF
Pro tip: MCS and Benchmark Online are integrating to make commission-to-cert faster. MCS news on MID/Benchmark Online integration
What are people saying on Reddit
Recent discussions show homeowners checking for commissioning quality and documentation before paying final balances, and installers highlighting the importance of correct design and sign-offs. Useful threads:
- My heat pump installation journey (Octopus Energy community). Reddit
- Heat pump to be installed by non Heat Geek installer – what to check. Reddit
FAQ
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