ASHP: Disconnecting gas from grid ahead of RHI

hdpete_2

Hi

I am in the process of building a large extension to a period house. The old house will be brought up to insulating standards the same as the new timber frame, with a target u value of 0.18.

I am contemplating going with an ASHP over the gas boiler as there's only £2k cost uplift (taking into account the 5% VAT on renewables) and other cost comparisons. This reduces further if I am able to qualify for the RHI and grants for ASHP (£850).

However, I believe that to qualify for phase 2 of the grant scheme and yet to be announced RHI payments, the property need to be off of mains gas.

At the moment the property has gas but it is terminated / capped at the meter. If I pay ~£800 for a disconnection in the road, would this be sufficient to qualify, do you think? Alternatively, I have to pay a similar amount to move the current meter box to make way for the new extension and I'd rather spend that money wisely.

I called the carbon trust to say that I wasn't sure if I had gas and they said that they weren't able to check.... does that mean that an RHI application wouldn't be able to check?

Any thoughts gratefully received.

albyota

Mmmm, not sure on that one..... the RHPP £850 (Plus Manufacturers £400 cashback) total £1,250 is initially for 'OFF GAS GRID' rural villages on Oil or LPG or direct electric, I wouldn't have thought 'having gas to house but disconnecting it', would be eligible. and I wouldn't pin any hopes on the RHI to be honest.....3p/kWh or so...keeps getting put back. however, don't let that put you off going down the heat pump route...just make sure you are actually going to make running cost savings over mains gas......I would say not....well not while gas is still relatively cheaper than electric even at a COP of 3 from a heat pump.

ilikecookies

Given that you have access to mains gas are you sure the calcs really stack up to go down the renewables route? Or do you want to go down the green route more for ethical reasons?

If you didn't have access to mains gas then I'd say go for it for a cost perspective given that it's a rebuild but given the higher capital outlay (and probably higher maintenance costs), uncertainties around RHI and dare I say it the mixed success that people have had with some forms of renewables I'm not sure I'd "risk it" for the main heating system.

I'd consider solar though for electricity and maybe the HW.

nande2000

I agree. You're bonkers to go for a heat pump when you have mains gas. Mains Gas is by far the cheapest fuel over the short and long term. Especially for older draftier houses withought UFH. Get a condensing gas boiler installed.