Should I switch to gas

speed66

Hi, I am a first time poster and have read a lot on here but still confused. I have just bought an old holiday cottage which will also be let out. Just spent the first week there after insulation has been improved eg kingspan in eaves and wool in loft. I also replaced the old storage heaters with individual control electric rads which I think has been a big mistake from a cost perspective and after subsequently reading posts on here! My logic was that these are more controllable. However this week I was still cold at certain times and in certain rooms. I also have used around 500kw in a week being careful and 5kw wood burner for at least 6hrs. The outside temp was above average too. My issue is that if holiday makers are cold they are going to be using it flat out and could conceivably be using £50 per day in electricity. There is also a chance they leave it on after the let racking up costs before the cleaners go in. Nightmare!

I have subsequently discovered I can probably get mains gas linked to the property for circa £600 and then a combi system in for probably £3500?? I have the cash available but I am looking for advice on what to do. My gut feel is to bite bullet and get gas as I could probably get some control over the internet too and if I over specified the rads a more pleasant temperature. However before doing this and potentially making another costly mistake I wanted to get an expert view.

Many thanks for any input.

matelodave

Go for gas, especially if it's only going to cost £600 to have it laid on. Wish I had that option

macman

There will be the extra cost of annual servicing, gas safety cert etc. However if you are intending to let it outside the summer period (when heating will be required), then gas is probably going to pay in the long run compared to expensive single rate electric heating.

Cardew

Welcome to the forum.

I would agree with the posts above.

A cost/benefit appraisal depends on how many weeks per year you will be letting the property - especially in winter.

An alternative is to make tenants pay for all electricity consumed. I have seen even expensive 'up-market' holiday properties in UK adopt that policy for exactly the reasons you envisage.

Some tenants seem determined to get 'value for money' from their rent and will regulate temperature by opening windows rather than turn down heating.

In the long term gas will be the better bet and of course enhance the value of your property. £600 for a gas connection is a bargain.

Pincher

My worst landlord nightmare:

Call up the insurance company, the first thing they ask is
"Was the property occupied when the pipe burst?"
Then "I'm sorry, we don't cover unoccupied properties."
Wake up with a cold sweat.

It's the same for residential, but it's unlikely you don't live where you live. Second homes: you need to hire an Italian au pair with a sister to take turns to keep it occupied, Nigella.

speed66

Thanks for the help on the forum.

Just as an update, I took the plunge and decided to go for gas. Applied on Tuesday and National Grid have already been out to survey and confirmed today (Thursday) they will fit in 4 weeks time. I am very happy as they will dig up road with traffic management etc, install circa 40m of pipe, meter box and then make good all for a standard fee which is £410 plus VAT. Seems amazing to me. Just need to get a plumber sorted now!