Air Source Heat Pumps vs mains gas + property valu

JamesScott

Hi
New to forum and subject

Just had quite a convincing presentation re air source heat pumps. Based on mains gas (decent tariff) consumption of £1000 per annum, we look to be moderately better off once subsidy, finance deal and changes in electricity and gas consumption are factored in....idea being we'll need no gas at all except for cooking. Projected (very draft) energy saving (after finance etc) £770ish over 7 years. Plus we'd save on not needing new combi (say £2500), plus British Gas insurance (£350 per year) etc, Looks like about £5770 saving in total

Is this realistic? I guess it would have to be if we convert entire heating system. But I've seen somewhere a downside of ASHPs being lower savings vs mains gas.

Am I missing something here? The ability to junk British gas is £2500-odd alone

Also, any indications on what installing one of these would do to property value (if anything)?

Cheers

matelodave

I've got an ASHP because I dont have mains gas. If I had gas, there'd be no contest.

An ASHP is fine if the system is designed properly from the beginning - pipe-work, radiators, hot water tank etc. Just bunging one onto an exitsing system is a recipe for disappoinment.

IMO if you've got mains gas then stay with it as it's probably cheaper to run and you are unlikely to get a return on your outlay on a heatpump system for a very long time (even longer if you've got to finance it as well)

Cardew

Absolutely agree with the above.

J_B

Your title mentions 'property value' but then you don't mention that in your message

I would suggest that mains gas heating (everyone has that so purchasers know all about it) would be a better selling point than ASH (folks may be scared of unknown technology?)

???

Davesnave

J_B wrote: »

Your title mentions 'property value' but then you don't mention that in your message

He does, in the last sentence.

However, I agree that it would put more people off the property than turn them on to it, so it wouldn't be likely to add value.

c13pep

I would disagree with the notion that an ASHP would put people off, as with most things if you can offer them proof of running costs etc. then as with other things about buying a house it should be looked at objectively. In my own case an estate agent told me that the energy saving technology installed would command a premium as compared to other nearby houses, not least because the, now required, EPC certificate reflects the running costs of a house.

Tiexen

JamesScott wrote: »

Hi
New to forum and subject

Just had quite a convincing presentation re air source heat pumps. Based on mains gas (decent tariff) consumption of £1000 per annum, we look to be moderately better off once subsidy, finance deal and changes in electricity and gas consumption are factored in....idea being we'll need no gas at all except for cooking. Projected (very draft) energy saving (after finance etc) £770ish over 7 years. Plus we'd save on not needing new combi (say £2500), plus British Gas insurance (£350 per year) etc, Looks like about £5770 saving in total

Is this realistic? I guess it would have to be if we convert entire heating system. But I've seen somewhere a downside of ASHPs being lower savings vs mains gas.

Am I missing something here? The ability to junk British gas is £2500-odd alone

Also, any indications on what installing one of these would do to property value (if anything)?

Cheers

Not connected with cost but with proper "Air Conditioning" you will be nice and cool in the summer.

c13pep

I should have added that in comparison to mains gas then there is no contest as mains gas is by far the cheapest option. Unfortunately I do not have mains gas and cannot get it (I live out in the sticks) but would jump at the chance were it ever to be offered

Davesnave

c13pep wrote: »

I would disagree with the notion that an ASHP would put people off, as with most things if you can offer them proof of running costs etc. then as with other things about buying a houseit should be looked at objectively.In my own case an estate agent told me that the energy saving technology installed would command a premium as compared to other nearby houses, not least because the, now required, EPC certificate reflects the running costs of a house.

You have more faith than I do in the objectivity of the public, the truthfulness of estate agents and the credence many people give to EPCs, but those things apart, your argument stacks up nicely.