What Heating System is Best for a Rental Property?

Posted On Monday, 09 November 2020 21:28

Landlords letting out rental properties face their own unique set of needs and challenges, especially when it comes to choosing the most suitable heating system. This post will help you identify the best system for your purpose. 

The first consideration when choosing a heating system is the age-old debate of gas versus electric. Let’s break down the pros and cons.

Electric

Pros 

Maintenance

Electric radiators are extremely easy to install and maintain. 

Energy-efficient

Every ounce of energy used by an electric radiator is then converted into heat, meaning no waste at all. I found some good efficient options at Trade Radiators that I use for most situations.  

Versatility 

No two homes are the same, so no two heating systems should be the same. Electric radiators offer unparalleled choice when it comes to design and choice of styles, including heated towel racks for bathrooms. 

Style

Gone are the days of those unsightly portable heaters and bulky radiators. Today’s models are sleek, compact and attractive, enhancing interiors rather than tarnishing them.  

Functionality 

The most important element of any heating system is its function, something electric radiators guarantee thanks to their state-of-the-art design. 

Tenant satisfaction

Ensuring your tenant’s are comfortable isn’t just a choice, it’s imperative. Research has shown that heating system preferences tend to favour electric radiators as an easy-to-use, cost-effective method, so it only makes sense to follow suit.

Value 

It can often feel like landlords are walking the tightrope between affordability and quality. Electric systems offer the best of both worlds, as they guarantee a well-functioning system while cutting back on call out charges. 

Cons 

Initial investment 

The up-front costs of an electric system installation are slightly more expensive, though in the long-run you’ll save money on charges for repairs.

Gas

Pros

Cost savings 

On the surface, it appears that gas heating is cheaper than electric. In fact, one unit of mains gas is about 4p per kWh, while with electricity it’s about 15p. However, the real story is far less straightforward. Read on to see why. 

Cons 

Cumbersome

Boilers, pipework, parts - they all take up a lot of room, which isn’t ideal in the limited space of many rental properties, particularly acute in apartments and multi-family units.

Costly condensation claims 

Gas boilers rely on combustion to create heat, which results in byproducts like CO2 and water vapour i.e. wastage. It could even cause structural damage to your tenant’s property.

Less eco-friendly 

This one speaks for itself. Gas systems operate less efficiently than electric alternatives, causing 40% percent of the heat conducted to immediately escape from the flue.

Inefficient 

The older your gas boiler, the more likely it is to malfunction, and the more expensive it will be to resolve. Plumber fees are known to be somewhat expensive, and if they keep being called out to perform repairs it could result in costly call-out fees and unnecessary stress.

Savvy tenants are increasingly aware of the risks and benefits of gas and electric radiators, so it’s crucial to stay informed about industry best-practice. We hope this guide sheds some light on the most appropriate course of action when installing a heating system for your rental property. 

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