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Green Building Bible, Fourth Edition
Green Building Bible, fourth edition (both books)
These two books are the perfect starting place to help you get to grips with one of the most vitally important aspects of our society - our homes and living environment.

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General: DHW and heating

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  1.  
    • CommentAuthorRex
    • CommentTime5 days ago
     
    What ho one and all,

    We own a maisonette that is rented out. An old Potterton Kingfisher cast iron boiler, bullet proof, always passes the annual test but by today's standards, very inefficient, provides the DHW and heating.

    The gas guy always recommends replacing with an electric boiler. My wife sees the Fischer Future Heating (https://fischerfutureheat.com/product/electric-boiler/) ads in the weekend papers and is keen for me to investigate (advertising pays!)

    I don't know one end of a replacement electric boiler for the other; the Trustpilot reviews are all great, but they are mostly based upon installation in the past few months, not long term usage. Are these boilers any good? Apart from boosting the EPC rating and a small saving on the annual test, are they worth the installation expense?

    Thanks and toodle pip
  2.  
    The EPC rating is based on running costs. A direct electric boiler costs a lot more per kWh than gas, so will make the EPC worse and put up the bills for the tenant.

    But gas plumbers like them because they can install with the same skills and certs they already have for gas, they don't have to re train. Also seems like the 'pays to advertise' brands also like to make it worthwhile for plumbers who recommend them.

    If you're thinking of updating, ditch the gas guy and ask somebody with the new skills who can give you an objective advice that suits you rather than him!

    You can get the boiler replacement grant to get air-air or air-water heatpumps, which will be neutral on the EPC. Or you could go for electric storage heaters and a time of use tariff, or you might just want a more efficient gas boiler.
    • CommentAuthorRex
    • CommentTime5 days ago
     
    Thanks for your thoughts.

    I don't really know were I stand as a landlord and the EPC rating as the maisonette is not too good. Certainly does not hit the min requirement. The only things I can change are the boiler and increase loft insulation. Cavity insulation is out of the question as the place is tile hung and apparently, to insulate, they will not do it through tiles. But also, I am not a fan of cavity insulation.

    But boiler and/or loft insulation will cost close to one's years rental income. The loft has considerable storage and I would have to raise the floor panels by around 30 cms to get sufficient insulation to satisfy the min requirements.

    My general feeling is to leave everything as is, and if it becomes necessary to up-date, then sell so it is someone else's problem. As we both get older, selling is looking increasingly attractive. Don't need the dosh, just don't need the on-going hassle.
  4.  
    If it ain't broke don't fix it.
    whilst the boiler is working I would leave it alone.
    If it is a rented property providing you can meet the EPC demands then OK otherwise do what every other landlord does which is to meet the new demands as cheaply as possible.
    I have found that tenants know and love combie gas boilers and anything that is electric is expensive and heat pumps are a big turn off. (too much bad press and too many bad installations).
    If the property becomes too much trouble or too expensive to bring up to the rental standard then do what every other landlord does and sell it.

    I don't know about the UK, do you need a periodic EPC or is it just on change of tenant? Over here you need an EPC to advertise a property and a copy of the EPC has to be included in the contract. There is no minimum level for rented properties and EPCs are valid for 10 years or on major changes.
    •  
      CommentAuthorfostertom
    • CommentTime4 days ago edited
     
    I'm sure you know that minimum EPC rating for private lets gets raised from E to C, to be implimented by 1.10.2030. Not long - if selling, do it soon, before everyone offloads.
    With luck, that event may result in quite a few rentals being returned to owner-occupation, if the marketable price level is low enough.
    What six (usually) suggested alternative ways of raising the EPC, is contained in your EPC report?

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