Electric heating for flat 23 August 2022 at 8:47AM edited 23 August 2022 at 8:50AM in Green & ethical MoneySaving 3 replies 127 views

2nd_time_buyer

We have a one bedroom flat in a 1950s block that we let our. It is 45 square meters and on the second floor (i.e. 3rd level). It currently has a gas boiler for the hot water and a gas hob. Heating is via a couple of oil filled radiators. 

I would like to reduce the heating costs for the tenant and ideally get the EPC rating to C (it is currently D).

To be fair the tenant says she very rarely has to put the heating on as it has cavity wall insulation and flats above and below. 

I was thinking maybe an all in one heat-pump/AC. But I am not sure whether I would need to get permission for the two 160mm holes.  Also, I am not sure what the EPC rating would be(?)

E.g. https://www.airconcentre.co.uk/products/powrmatic-vision-3-1-all-in-one-dc-inverter-air-conditioner-and-heat-pump-3-1kw-vis3-1dw

I am reluctant to put a combi boiler in just because it feels like a backward step. Likewise storage heaters.

I guess they could just use the gas hob as a heater. However, that sounds decidedly dodgy.

Any thoughts suggestions?

Exiled_Tyke

Gas hobs should never be used for heating as they give out carbon monoxide. For cooking that's generally ok but for long periods of time heating a room there will be a build up of gas.   

As an aside, I replaced my gas hob last year with an induction. The efficiency is so great that it is no more expensive to run than the old gas hob. The downside is that I don't get the benefit for the hob warming the kitchen for me in winter.  

Personally I can't see investing in an ASHP being cost effective, particularly if the heating is used so little.    I put one of these in my first home: 

https://www.flames.co.uk/wall-heaters.html

Very cost effective for small rooms.  Sadly not a step in the 'green' direction though. 

70sbudgie

You might find this interesting. 
https://es.catapult.org.uk/case-study/electrification-of-heat-2000s-flat-heat-pump-installation/

It was the only case study that covered a flat and it was a ground floor flat.

I've noticed that there are a lot more case studies since I last looked.

2nd_time_buyer

Thanks for that, very useful. I am going to raise the possibility of installing a split air to air heat pump on a side facing wall with the management committee. It is share of freehold, so if there is general agreement hopefully it could happen.