EPC work cost £8k and property is still a D! Missold air source heat pump

EPC work cost £8k and property is still a D! Missold air source heat pump

9:08 AM, 30th May 2023, About 11 months ago 69

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Hello, I had a heat source air pump salesman visit 3 properties. My case was very clear – I’m only doing the work if it’ll make the EPC move from a D to a C – otherwise its pointless. He said – 2 houses forget it. But on 1 house … it’ll be worth it.

So, I went ahead. It cost just over £8,000. The installation didn’t go smoothly. The tenant said they were left without heating over the weekend. The company said this was a lie.

However, the work got done. Upshot – the ‘needle’ had moved about 3 points. It’s still a D.

I made a complaint to the company. Initially, they were helpful – ‘Oh, the EPC person must have got it wrong’ … blah blah. I sent them all the documents they requested etc., and then no reply.

I then took this complaint to the HICS Consumer Protection Scheme who said that they’re denying ever saying the work will take the house to an EPC C. And to seek legal advice to take it further.

I’m so incensed, that I just want all landlords to be extremely wary of anyone approaching you regarding EPC work. GET IT IN WRITING that the EPC will be a C or above. Don’t make the mistake I did by trusting their word.

I did 2 solar panels last year (different company) completely different outcome.

Both houses are EPC C now. Not all ‘energy efficient installers’ are any good. Some are just salespeople. And they will be crawling out of the woodwork now. Buyer beware.

Thank you,

Lisa


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Comments

JB

8:33 AM, 8th June 2023, About 11 months ago

Reply to the comment left by Joanna at 05/06/2023 - 12:04
I was in contact with a company who had participated in previous rounds of grant funding and who had done cavity wall insulation for me in the past.
The company I use for doing EPCs is also well versed in what's on the horizon and who's participating.

Joanna

13:38 PM, 8th June 2023, About 11 months ago

Reply to the comment left by JB at 08/06/2023 - 08:33
Hi, thank you for your comment. Where can I find insulation companies in my area (Birmingham) which participate in previous schemes? Thanks for guidelines.
Regards,
Joanna

JB

9:37 AM, 9th June 2023, About 11 months ago

Reply to the comment left by Joanna at 08/06/2023 - 13:38
Hi Joanna
Probably best just to try googling 'insulation companies eco plus birmingham'

Pete England - PaTMa Property Management

11:00 AM, 9th June 2023, About 11 months ago

Reply to the comment left by Joanna at 08/06/2023 - 13:38
Joanna . In Surrey we have one company call Surrey Action that do all the eco4 grants. I expect Birmingham is the same. You may want to inquire via this route https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/50274/cost_of_living_support/2601/green_homes_grants

Joanna

14:02 PM, 9th June 2023, About 11 months ago

Reply to the comment left by JB at 09/06/2023 - 09:37
Thanks, I will check that option

Joanna

14:03 PM, 9th June 2023, About 11 months ago

Reply to the comment left by Pete England - PaTMa Property Management at 09/06/2023 - 11:00
Thanks, I've found some organisation in West Midlands and enquired about it

Mike Rizzo

19:09 PM, 13th June 2023, About 11 months ago

Also watch out for noise! The sales people tell you it's no louder than a fridge... but the reality is that it depends on how and where it is installed.
I had a bad experience with an air source heat pump for hot water that was installed in the loft. They attached it to the roof timbers, and this caused an amplification effect. Took months of grief before they finally solved the problem by suspending it from steel cables.

Pete England - PaTMa Property Management

21:20 PM, 13th June 2023, About 11 months ago

Reply to the comment left by Mike Rizzo at 13/06/2023 - 19:09
Wow! Was this approved by building regulations? Interesting solution

Ian mcintyre

10:10 AM, 15th June 2023, About 11 months ago

Reply to the comment left by Jonathan Cocks at 30/05/2023 - 10:34
HI Jonathan. I've properties with and without battery. In both installations I have unvented tanks all new. On the property with the battery I've also installed an iboost device. This takes the excess electricity I'm giving back to the grid and puches it through the emersion on the tank. So on sunny days the tank gets heated for free. The battery gets exhausted quite quickly as I'd doesn't go below 20% for the 3.5k it cost as I needed a hybrid inverter also, not sure it is worth the extra investment, a bigger PV array and more battery storage may help if you want to move off grid, simply not cost effective, more a gimmick for those seeking a lower carbon foot print. The other property not quite finished will be installing an Eddi similar to iboost. I have a smaller installation and during the day its pushing 1.5kw to the grid so again should heat a 160l water tank nicely during the summer months.

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