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

Regulator Ofgem is forcing energy companies to provide their customers with an annual statement and explanation of energy prices.

Under the new rules just announced by energy regulator Ofgem, they are prepared to take the suppliers to the Competition Commission if they fail to agree to the proposals.

But even before the regulations come into force, consumer groups are reminding consumers that they can do much more themselves to keep costs down.

First amongst the recommendations is to buy a new boiler with the latest technology. Unless people have a boiler less than three years old, a replacement is one of the best ways of saving money on heating bills. People should strive for a condensing boiler, which is over 90% efficient, compared to many older models which struggle to get a 60% rating. Research has shown that almost one in three boilers have never been serviced (risking death from carbon monoxide poisoning, as well as a bigger bill). And with the heating and hot water accounting for some 60% of the average home’s energy usage, a modern boiler should not be overlooked as the best way of saving money. Boilers should also be fitted with the latest controls and the rooms should be equipped with the latest thermostats, meaning that temperature control can be properly regulated throughout the property.

Second on the advice front is to get the best tariff. Loyalty to one supplier is now old hat and savvy customers move around in an attempt to get the best deals possible. Evenso, over 30% of households will never have switched energy suppliers. And the big suppliers will usually change their tariffs at least twice a year, meaning that one good deal might not last more than six months. Customers are advised to consult comparison websites and understand that the best deals are from those companies that offer dual fuel tariffs (electricity and gas from the same company).

Thirdly, don’t waste the heat you produce, or the electricity you buy. If you haven’t got it already, consider loft insulation, cavity wall insulation and double glazing. One, or all three, can make dramatic difference to heating bills. Don’t leave electrical items on stand-by overnight. Switching such items off completely can nearly save you 10% of your electricity every year.

Fourthly, both read and understand your meter and your bill. Suppliers do make mistakes and so nothing should be taken for granted. Claim refunds if you think a mistake has been made. Also, by watching your consumption, it will more easily help your understanding of how much your house actually costs to heat and operate.

Fifthly, when it comes to your paying, opt for Direct Debit, or paperless billing. Currently, most suppliers offer discounts for both methods, mainly because it helps their cashflow and money management. But take advantage whilst you can.

So, don’t wait for Ofgem to force the energy companies into helping you see what you are actually paying for. Be aware now of where your precious money is going.

Guest Article by Neil Camp

The government scheme that is meant to guard consumers against fuel poverty has upped the level of money now available.

Grants of up to £2,700 have been available to households who opt for energy efficient initiatives such as the fitting of a new boiler, loft and wall insulation, and double glazing. That figure has now increased to £3,500 and for those households that are not on the national grid and have to rely on oil, or LPG, they can now apply for a grant up to £6,000. Also, grants for new carbon friendly technologies, such as air source heat pumps and thermal heating, will now be available.

But critics point out that the grants are not usually 100% and top-up fees are often payable by the householder. Furthermore, many people on the receiving end of work carried out say that much of it is below standard and over priced. Some 22,000 people who originally applied for a grant over the last three years have either pulled out of the scheme, or put their applications on hold, fearing that they would not be able to afford the top-up contributions.

The government has ear-marked a total of £959 million for the Warm Front scheme until April 2011, although there are many who see this as promised and not secure funding.

Guest Article by Neil Camp

Residential landlords are confused as to whether they can apply for a tax allowance should they wish to replace old boilers in their rental properties.

A number of professional bodies are voicing criticism over the current tax laws which they say are confusing. It comes down to whether all the costs (direct and related) of a boiler replacement in a residential property can be claimed as part of the ten per cent tax deduction which is allowed for improvements made to a rental property. The Revenue, claim the professional bodies, are not making matters clear and this is only having an adverse effect on landlords replacing new boilers for old.

New condensing boilers can be up to 40% more efficient than old boilers and, say the experts, if the landlords of private homes were encouraged to replace more through advantageous tax concessions, then it would greatly benefit the environment.

And what’s more, it might help curb a growing trend for landlords, in these harder economic times, to try and repair their old boilers themselves in order to put back their eventual replacement. A report from the Gas Safe Register concluded that landlords making DIY boiler repairs were on the increase and were putting tenants at risk. Landlords should be well aware, say the authorities, that only CORGI registered engineers are allowed, by law, to work on boilers, in order to try and reduce the number of deaths caused by carbon monoxide poisoning every year.

So, say the experts, good visible tax benefits will have the dual effect of helping the environment and tenant safety.

Guest Article by Neil Camp

It isn’t often that we get something free in this world however British Gas are offering a free heating and energy assessment to anyone who rings and makes an appointment. Obviously you have to be at least interested in buying either a new boiler or a new central heating system from British Gas to take advantage of the offer but it is a no obligation quote and you aren’t held to anything once the assessment is done.

The Assessment
The process is simple – you just ring up British Gas on 0845 074 5994 and make an appointment for a fully trained heating advisor to visit your property. Once they arrive they complete a full energy assessment of your property and of your existing central heating system to see where improvements can be made. Following the assessment, your personal heating advisor will calculate how much money you could be saving on your gas bills by having a new system fitted and they will also make a number of recommendations regarding which gas boiler and heating system to have installed. At the same time the heating advisor will explain the payment options available to you so you can make a decision without worrying about where you’ll find a few thousand pounds.

Following the Assessment
Obviously British Gas don’t expect you to make your mind up on the spur of the moment and so the no obligation quote they give you stays valid for a number of months. If you decide to take advantage of the quote then it is another simple phone call to book the installation date. However, if you decide against it then you haven’t lost anything and you won’t be continuously contacted by British Gas in a bid to change your mind.

Why take Advantage of this Offer?
The main reason as I see it is because it is absolutely free and even if you decide to ignore the quote and the heating advice that British Gas give you then at least you have found out how energy efficient your home is – or isn’t as the case may be. Plus because British Gas are such a reliable and well-known company you can trust them to be telling you the truth with regards to the efficiency of your heating system and the improvements that can be made, should you decide to have the work done.

So in conclusion, it doesn’t take a genius to see that the free no-obligation heating assessments being offered to all householders by British Gas are a top idea and that at the end of the day you have absolutely nothing to lose by taking advantage of the service. You might even find that with the variety of payment options and plans available you can actually afford to replace your boiler or your central heating system and start saving the money that British Gas say you can.

Guest Article by Clare Lynock