Gas Boiler or Heat Pump?
1 year ago | 11 comments
Why isn’t the government supporting landlords investing in heat pumps?
9:01 AM, 22nd November 2024, 1 year ago
38
Due to the skyrocketing costs of energy, two years ago we started replacing existing gas-fired boilers with air source heat pumps, solar panels to generate electricity, and battery storage. It cost a lot, and with only a £5,000 grant (now £7,500), it was a big investment.
The first house we did was a large Victorian property (built around 1925), with high ceilings, two bathrooms, and six tenants. It’s north-facing, and at the time, energy costs were at least £450 to £550 a month. After the installation, by March/April, the costs dropped to £180. Over the first year, we saw a 25% reduction, and even during winter months, energy costs never went over £450 and this was with heating and hot water running 24/7, which is the proper way to run heat pumps.
Since then, we’ve installed two more systems with the same results — lower costs, no noise (you can hardly notice it), and no help or advice from muppets like Miliband or the local council! Didn’t have to increase any costs to HMO tenants, where all bills are included.
Yes, we made money, but the downside is I paid more tax. Can’t win! Oh yes we did, hopefully making a better planet for our children and theirs? Why isn’t the government doing more to support landlords making these changes?
Thanks,
John
Tags:
battery backup, council support, eco-friendly upgrades, energy costs, energy efficiency, Green Housing, heat pumps, HMO properties, Landlord Investment, property upgrades, renewable energy, solar panels
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Member Since September 2013 - Comments: 374
11:42 AM, 23rd November 2024, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by Lyndsey Jones at 22/11/2024 – 13:24
Sad to say, but hydrogen is never going to become a reality for domestic heating.
It’s a pity, as I rather like the idea myself.
Also, I fear that the way that the government will deal with the conundrum of the impossibility of installing heat pumps in certain properties will be to simply make it illegal to rent them out as a stroke of the pen.
They’ve got previous on this. Just consider what happened when they announced minimum room sizes.
Member Since March 2023 - Comments: 1506
11:49 AM, 23rd November 2024, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by Badger at 23/11/2024 – 11:42
I think they would struggle forcing heat pumps on landlords.
My daughter got a £7500 bung to have it fitted and £20k worth of remedial work – she had to have underfloor heating, new internal doors, new skirting boards, complete redecoration.
Its not the cost of the heat pump, its the other stuff you need to pay for AND would be very difficult to fit with the tenant in situ, so solution – evict the tenant and sell
Member Since October 2013 - Comments: 1642 - Articles: 3
12:12 PM, 23rd November 2024, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by GlanACC at 23/11/2024 – 11:49
Yes, sell to a homeowner, who will either choose to upgrade or, most likely, won’t.
It’s only landlords who are forced to comply with the ridiculous net zero nonsense.
Member Since May 2022 - Comments: 108
11:26 AM, 24th November 2024, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by Reluctant Landlord at 22/11/2024 – 10:56
Reluctant Landlord; You definitely haven’t notice the climate change!
Sam; how can we make contact via permission of property118?
Member Since March 2023 - Comments: 1506
12:21 PM, 24th November 2024, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by John Grefe at 24/11/2024 – 11:26
Whats climate change got to do with it
Member Since October 2013 - Comments: 1642 - Articles: 3
1:09 PM, 24th November 2024, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by John Grefe at 24/11/2024 – 11:26
We seem to have less snow in recent years, but overall, the UK weather isn’t much different to what it’s always been. Wet and miserable!
Member Since May 2022 - Comments: 108
6:02 PM, 24th November 2024, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by Lyndsey Jones at 22/11/2024 – 13:24
Lyndsey Jones : Unfortunately heat pumps isn’t a solution for all. Maybe district heating?
Member Since March 2024 - Comments: 281
6:57 PM, 24th November 2024, About 1 year ago
Some absolute horror stories around district heating systems, stupid costs, lengthy breakdowns, some hopeless committee headed by a poor man’s Miliband running the thing. No doubt those with modest heating needs end up subsidising those who think bedrooms heated to sauna temperatures are the norm and winter evening wear is shorts and T.
Member Since September 2013 - Comments: 374
7:16 PM, 24th November 2024, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by Keith Wellburn at 24/11/2024 – 18:57
Got it in one.
Member Since July 2015 - Comments: 7
12:48 AM, 25th November 2024, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by Keith Wellburn at 24/11/2024 – 18:57
I rented a flat in Germany 20 years ago which had district heating. The heat came from the district Muellverbrenner (rubbish incinerator) I’m not sure what happened to the exhaust gases.
The radiators all had little meters on them, clocking up temperature x time I guess. Every so often someone came round to read the radiator meters (so more heat = bigger bill)
I don’t remember it being overly expensive, and it was nice not having a boiler etc in the flat.