EPC and Economy 7 Immersion Heaters?

EPC and Economy 7 Immersion Heaters?

9:26 AM, 14th April 2022, About 2 years ago 11

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Can anyone advise how to heat water for an all-electric flat to comply with a reasonable EPC rating?

The previous EPC stated ‘Hot Water- Electric Immersion, off peak – Average. But recommended an insulation blanket on an already insulated tank. The blanket was added & the ‘Hot Water’ part of the assessment went to ‘Very Poor’

Looking at the ratings across this flat development – they range for ‘Hot Water – Electric Immersion, off peak’ from Average through Poor to Very Poor, all were installed with same system.

There were no recommendations from the assessor on how to improve this score. Noted one flat was not ‘off peak’ but that scored a ‘very poor’.

The EPC issue has been covered off elsewhere, but all we need to know is how do you heat the water to get an average or above without moving to gas! I appreciate I can fit an electric boiler, but is this guaranteed to move the score? Are there any other alternatives?

Would appreciate any suggestions.

Giles


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Comments

Mo Han

10:46 AM, 14th April 2022, About 2 years ago

Hi Giles

I had the same issue and had my flat's assessment done twice in 2 months. The second assessor showed me the software "as soon as they select immersion tank" the rating is generated automatically - it does not consider whatever insulation you have.
Between the first and the second assessment I had the already insulated tank covered with a blanket and a new 7 day timer installed.
I think the way to get around this issue is to get the other measures like loft insulation, double glazing, energy saver bulbs to perfection.
I had my flat's EPC from E(50) to C (77). Basically 2 main measures, double glazing and roof insulation to 300mm. Electric Immersion is still rated poor. One other measure is to install "heat retention storage heaters" but that would set you back £000's.
I hope that helps.
Thanks

Judith Wordsworth

11:16 AM, 14th April 2022, About 2 years ago

Considering we are supposed to be moving away from gas seems bonkers.
Contact your local MP to raise this issue to get the forms and software amended. Might be worth looking at and contacting for advice even if not in your area
https://epcbromley.co.uk/

JeggNegg

13:32 PM, 14th April 2022, About 2 years ago

i also had poor scores on recent EPC for insulated(jackets) immersion heaters the village where the property is situated in Cornwall doesn't have gas, not that i would want that expense. i like the idea of raising it with MP and maybe contact the gov web site to get advice.

Tim Rogers

15:32 PM, 14th April 2022, About 2 years ago

I've been advised to do away with the tank and immersion heater by fitting an electric inline water heater. It only heats water when required.

It has the additional benefit of utilising rising main water pressure, (probably restricted), hence avoiding the 'hot water trickle' when immersion and tank are used in a single level apartment.

What I cannot establish, at the moment. is if this is a more energy efficient solution or if it is acceptable for EPU purposes. Does anyone have experience with this style of water heating?

Reluctant Landlord

17:52 PM, 14th April 2022, About 2 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Tim Rogers at 14/04/2022 - 15:32
I have installed under the sink immediate hot water heaters in a flat kitchen and linked this up to the bathroom taps. Shower is electric on demand. I had no room for a tank. Its only a small flat so managed to get the EPC to a C but to be honest more luck than judgement as no other real viable choice.

Chris Byways

11:11 AM, 16th April 2022, About 2 years ago

The EPC farce is such that imv we must wait for it to be re-jigged before spending vast sums on counterproductive box ticking.
I want in line heaters in my home for one thing to save the oodles of hot water that leaves the tank before it gets to where it's required. Usually washing hands in cold water but wasting the hot water to cool in the pipes.

The main drawback is the 30+ amps required is a difficult retrospective fit, a hefty and long cable run, and 6 points of hot water usage. Immersion is a PV dump in summer, gas in winter.

Mike

16:18 PM, 16th April 2022, About 2 years ago

Definitely inline electric water heaters (heat on demand) would save pounds, as there is no need to preheat water and store in insulated tanks as heat would still escape , the higher the water stored temperature higher the heat losses, however, one could store water at say 35c to 40c so that the heat losses are minimum, and then feed it through on demand water heater to raise its temperature to required 55c to 60c, Solar panels would definitely help reduce electric bills.

Badger

11:40 AM, 17th April 2022, About 2 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Mike at 16/04/2022 - 16:18
You would still need to heat your 40 Celsius tank to 60+ on a periodic (weekly?) basis to satisfy the Legionella rules.

Colin McNulty

7:49 AM, 31st May 2022, About 2 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Tim Rogers at 14/04/2022 - 15:32
I've just had an EPC done and I too have "Electric instantaneous at the point of use" inline water heaters.

Despite the clear advantages as Chris mentioned, they are ranked as "Very Poor".

Colin McNulty

7:52 AM, 31st May 2022, About 2 years ago

Reply to the comment left by DSR at 14/04/2022 - 17:52How the hell did you get an all electric flat to a C?!? Mine's come back as an F!
Though only because the assessors always assume the worst, and now I have to dig out old photos of the refurb showing the insulation in the flat roof and walls.
Even if I do all the recommended steps that would only get me to a D. According to the report, the only way to get to a C would be to have solar panels fitted (either PV or water)!

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