Installing central heating?

rachelc93

I’ve just moved into a 2 bed flat which is heated with electric room heaters. The bills are astronomical and the property does have a gas supply which I don’t think has ever been used. I have the gas company coming next week to see if the supply is live or not. I’m considering installing central heating or possibly even storage heaters. Quotes for central heating have been around £4500 including boiler, radiators, pipe work etc. I will ideally be selling or renting it out in 2-3 years so am wondering if it will be worth installing central heating- it will definitely make a huge difference to bills. I am open to any other suggestions or advice, thanks!

jefaz07

Add to that the cost of a new gas supply too. 

I’d be inclined to think it will be dead. 

MalMonroe

A few years ago I moved into a flat that had storage heaters. There were no instructions, I'd never used storage heaters before and they were too clever for me. They never seemed to heat up at all. They didn't work properly but the bills were still high.

We now have gas central heating which is, of course, much cheaper to run.   

If you're going to live there for a while, you will benefit from the gas central heating and then if you sell or rent out then the next people will benefit. In my experience, all-electric properties are not popular and if people can buy or rent a gas heated home instead, they will.

Even though it seems like a lot, the initial outlay will be more than worth it in the end.

I'd also try to get a better quote than that, too because I don't think it should cost that much to install central heating in a two bedroomed flat.

tacpot12

It should add value and make the property more saleable.

Gerry1

Yes, gas CH is a no brainer.

Lower bills while you're in residence, increased property value, quicker and easier to sell.  Many people won't even view an all-electric property.

Before long it will be even more attractive when new builds can't have a gas boiler installed.

Brewer20

£4.6k sounds excessive for a 2 bed flat, how many other separate rooms to heat? 

rachelc93

Brewer20 said:

£4.6k sounds excessive for a 2 bed flat, how many other separate rooms to heat? 

That would be 5 radiators. This was just one quote from an online company I have two local guys calling tomorrow so hopefully they will be a bit more reasonable! 

dogshome

Wait till your local gas network gives the cost of piping gas to your flat and do your sums from there, also talk to the lease owner about the gas flue having to go through an outside wall of the flat

rachelc93

dogshome said:

Wait till your local gas network gives the cost of piping gas to your flat and do your sums from there, also talk to the lease owner about the gas flue having to go through an outside wall of the flat

Thanks! Have been in touch with the freeholder so fingers crossed they give me permission for it.