EPC work cost £8k and property is still a D! Missold air source heat pump

EPC work cost £8k and property is still a D! Missold air source heat pump

9:08 AM, 30th May 2023, About A year ago 69

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Hello, I had a heat source air pump salesman visit 3 properties. My case was very clear – I’m only doing the work if it’ll make the EPC move from a D to a C – otherwise its pointless. He said – 2 houses forget it. But on 1 house … it’ll be worth it.

So, I went ahead. It cost just over £8,000. The installation didn’t go smoothly. The tenant said they were left without heating over the weekend. The company said this was a lie.

However, the work got done. Upshot – the ‘needle’ had moved about 3 points. It’s still a D.

I made a complaint to the company. Initially, they were helpful – ‘Oh, the EPC person must have got it wrong’ … blah blah. I sent them all the documents they requested etc., and then no reply.

I then took this complaint to the HICS Consumer Protection Scheme who said that they’re denying ever saying the work will take the house to an EPC C. And to seek legal advice to take it further.

I’m so incensed, that I just want all landlords to be extremely wary of anyone approaching you regarding EPC work. GET IT IN WRITING that the EPC will be a C or above. Don’t make the mistake I did by trusting their word.

I did 2 solar panels last year (different company) completely different outcome.

Both houses are EPC C now. Not all ‘energy efficient installers’ are any good. Some are just salespeople. And they will be crawling out of the woodwork now. Buyer beware.

Thank you,

Lisa


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JaSam

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8:26 AM, 31st May 2023, About A year ago

EPCs are a blunt tool and flawed in many ways. Heat pumps being one of them. You might find these articles helpful...
https://www.elmhurstenergy.co.uk/blog/2022/07/04/why-does-my-epc-not-recommend-a-heat-pump/
https://www.yorkshireenergysystems.co.uk/epcandheatpumps/
Cut a long story short the RdSAP system needs a long overdue make over, which still hasn't happened in 2023!

David Marsden

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9:21 AM, 31st May 2023, About A year ago

Reply to the comment left by Martin Hicks at 30/05/2023 - 17:47
The new storage heaters don't need a second consumer unit. They can be installed with two supplies, on the same (existing) circuit, the one which charges overnight is on a timer so that it only charges on eco 7 cheap rate. The second is normal supply, for the ability to boost heat during day if the overnight charge has run out, and for the controls. So, you just need your supplier to change supply to eco 7 and you will get two rates. I have had high heat retention Dimplex Quantum heaters fitted in flats I rent. They were free, as tenants are on benefits. They do improve EPC rating, not quite as much as gas central heating though. However, if you don't have existing electric heaters, (I had old storage heaters), you may need a new circuit installed. You would need an electrician to advise you.
But an EPC assessor, if they are any good, should be able to run different scenarios through the software to find cheapest way to meet the rating you need. Start with the cheap stuff, changing to led bulbs, etc.

JeggNegg

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9:22 AM, 31st May 2023, About A year ago

Reply to the comment left by Wayne Church at 30/05/2023 - 19:14
someone mentioned to me many months ago, Heat Pumps although cheaper to run do require an annual 'service'. which also requires space around the unit to get access to carry out this service.
do you know if this is correct?
and what is the approx. annual cost?

thank you

David Marsden

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9:24 AM, 31st May 2023, About A year ago

Reply to the comment left by NikiSZD at 30/05/2023 - 14:49
See my reply to Martin Hicks' regarding storage heaters and EPC assessors.

Accommod8

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9:30 AM, 31st May 2023, About A year ago

I understand that can be about £200-£250 p/a typically for a 4 bedroom 130m sq. detached, so not an insignificant outlay over the years when adding in everything else per property.
Remember you can install a high efficiency condensing gas boiler such as Vitodens just before the deadline. You can't then be instructed to remove it, although perhaps the operating costs will significantly increase. I think that'll be way down the road.

Reluctant Landlord

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10:11 AM, 31st May 2023, About A year ago

all this goes to show that we are all fumbling in the dark not knowing really what to do for the best. Until the government decide on a decisive course of action to determine if cost saving for tenant OR CO2 emissions are priority (no you can't have two sets of 'ideals', its one or the other!) then we will keep coming back to the same issues and questions...
I am doing nothing till I see proper clarity.

JB

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11:12 AM, 31st May 2023, About A year ago

Reply to the comment left by DSR at 31/05/2023 - 10:11
In my opinion its best not to wait in case the criteria for a 'C' gets more rigorous. I'm doing everything thats free. ECO4 Plus can give you free loft insulation or cavity wall insulation. To be eligible you need either:

Council tax band A-D AND EPC rating D or E

OR

EPC D or E AND Tenant in receipt of a benefit.

I've booked my surveys in before they get too busy. My properties that have already reached 'C' in the last round of free inuslation are hopefully secure now for another 9 years as I renewed them last year.

JaSam

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11:30 AM, 31st May 2023, About A year ago

Reply to the comment left by JB at 31/05/2023 - 11:12
Just for clarity the scheme is called “ECO4” and Ofgem have good information on it. Note that it is the tenant’s application/eligibility not the Landlords that matters…

https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/environmental-and-social-schemes/energy-company-obligation-eco/energy-company-obligation-eco-support-improving-your-home/faqs-domestic-consumers-and-landlords

Accommod8

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12:02 PM, 31st May 2023, About A year ago

JB- Didn't know that our Council tax band A and EPC D BTL property would qualify under any scheme without tenant or family member on certain benefits, but knew it had to be tenant driven.
Interesting, assuming correct.

JB

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12:41 PM, 31st May 2023, About A year ago

Reply to the comment left by JaSam at 31/05/2023 - 11:30
I think thats the old scheme. One of the new schemes is ECO4 Plus which is still in the early stages

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