Why isn’t the government supporting landlords investing in heat pumps?

Why isn’t the government supporting landlords investing in heat pumps?

9:01 AM, 22nd November 2024, About a month ago 38

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Due to the skyrocketing costs of energy, two years ago we started replacing existing gas-fired boilers with air source heat pumps, solar panels to generate electricity, and battery storage. It cost a lot, and with only a £5,000 grant (now £7,500), it was a big investment.

The first house we did was a large Victorian property (built around 1925), with high ceilings, two bathrooms, and six tenants. It’s north-facing, and at the time, energy costs were at least £450 to £550 a month. After the installation, by March/April, the costs dropped to £180. Over the first year, we saw a 25% reduction, and even during winter months, energy costs never went over £450 and this was with heating and hot water running 24/7, which is the proper way to run heat pumps.

Since then, we’ve installed two more systems with the same results — lower costs, no noise (you can hardly notice it), and no help or advice from muppets like Miliband or the local council! Didn’t have to increase any costs to HMO tenants, where all bills are included.

Yes, we made money, but the downside is I paid more tax. Can’t win! Oh yes we did, hopefully making a better planet for our children and theirs? Why isn’t the government doing more to support landlords making these changes?

Thanks,

John


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Peter Collard

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10:41 AM, 22nd November 2024, About a month ago

I think I would have done the insulation and fitted a full set of boiler controls. Lot cheaper and probably same saving.

russell branch

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10:41 AM, 22nd November 2024, About a month ago

Very simple answer to your query the government do not want citizens to have independent means whether it be the small farmer, fisherman, small business owner or private landlord. We are witnessing attacks on all three sectors, leaving only private home ownership to be smashed. Understand that our government is the enemy of private ownership in any form.

Reluctant Landlord

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10:56 AM, 22nd November 2024, About a month ago

Why isn’t the government supporting landlords investing in heat pumps?

Because it's all a load of enviro bull and no government ever supports landlords.

Sam

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11:58 AM, 22nd November 2024, About a month ago

Very interesting article and comments.
Please could John contact me which I think can be done via P118

Freda Blogs

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12:25 PM, 22nd November 2024, About a month ago

Whilst there is a disconnect between the current EPC metric (energy costs) and their current objective (net Zero), combined with all the other LL legislative nonsense going on, many LLs will not/cannot entertain such improvements - potentially huge expenditure for minimum returns (most of which will be enjoyed by tenants rather than LLs (other than in HMOs of course, where the LL is the bill payer).

I am all in favour of climate saving measures, but I don't think this Milliband 'initiative' is well-conceived, and I certainly question whether the expenditure represents a good financial investment. I would like to see the government explore other energy alternatives where the climate and financial savings are measurable and demonstrable.

The sooner the government wakes up, wises up and grows up to recognise these issues, the better it will be for everyone in the PRS, both LLs and Tenants.

Lyndsey Jones

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13:24 PM, 22nd November 2024, About a month ago

I've considered external insulation on my 1930s build rentals but my insurance company & other brokers always ask if I have it, and if i don't, not to as it makes it more difficult to find insurers. Also new Worcester boilers are hydrogen ready which is hopefully the future. Heat pumps & solar batteries are impossible in a one bed self container flat in a house conversion.

Julian Lloyd

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14:26 PM, 22nd November 2024, About a month ago

Reply to the comment left by TheMaluka at 22/11/2024 - 10:18
There is currently no proven carbon capture scheme any where in the world. It’s not a thing.
Just plant some trees. Then don’t cut them down. Ever.

TheMaluka

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14:43 PM, 22nd November 2024, About a month ago

Reply to the comment left by Julian Lloyd at 22/11/2024 - 14:26
It may be too late, there may be too little rainfall in the Amazon basin to sustain replanted trees. There has been such deforestation that the local climate may have been irrevocably altered. But I agree, plant trees everywhere, after all they are an asset to the landscape in addition to removing Carbon Dioxide. As to not felling them, surely we need sustainably harvested wood for everyday living?

NewYorkie

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15:39 PM, 22nd November 2024, About a month ago

Reply to the comment left by Julian Lloyd at 22/11/2024 - 14:26
You may have hit on green Ed's ultimate plan for carbon capture. Tax the family farmers into selling off their land at knock-down prices to investors, who will receive tax breaks for planting it with trees. It could explain why wealthy tree 'farmers' were let off the hook in the budget.

GlanACC

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17:28 PM, 22nd November 2024, About a month ago

Solar panels - YES - battery - YES - loft insulation - YES .. none of these are really disruptive to install. Heat pump - NO, I would rather evict and sell than install one of these

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