For landlords seeking the maximum return on their properties, letting agencies are advising they consider upgrading their properties’ heating systems to include condensing boilers with heating controls.

Landlords are now obliged to show prospective tenants the properties’ Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) which rates each flat, or house, according to their energy efficiency.

Letting agents are pointing out to their landlords that in a competitive market, with a lot of property around, a good EPC rating can make all the difference. Prospective tenants want to know that their money will not be wasted on properties which are expensive to heat and maintain.

Loft and cavity wall insulation can also play a key part, as well as double glazing. But a condensing boiler, which is over 90% efficient, will be a major plus point and will be recognised as such within the EPC report. Unlike old fashioned boilers, this modern design uses the heat from the main combustion process and the heat from the resulting exhaust gases. And its this ability to make use of all the heat generated that makes them up to 30% more efficient than other designs.

Such is their efficiency, that their installation is now mandatory and a part of the Building Regulations. There are exceptions, but this mainly comes down to the type of property in which a new boiler is to be fitted. For example, terrace cottages with back boilers might not have an external wall on which a condensing boiler with its different flue and drainage system can be fixed.

But this different flue (which requires a fan) and drainage system (which takes out fluid from the second heat process) that is necessary for a condensing boiler, does illustrate its only downside: it’s more expensive to buy and fit.

Although once installed, the boiler will make a quick return on the initial investment, especially in attracting tenants to rent a property.

Guest Article by Neil Camp

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