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  • We are considering buying a really nice upstairs flat built in 1964. You can see the EPC rating for the property here: https://find-energy-certificate.service.gov.uk/energy-certificate/0370-2854-8410-2224-2255

    The property listing, including floorplan, is here: https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/153370358#/?channel=RES_BUY

    It is unlikely that I will be able to install any type wet central heating system.

    Likewise, externally mounted heat pumps will almost certainly not be possible due to leaseholder agreements (that may not be strictly true but I think it's best to continue with the assumption it won't be possible).

    As such, this locks us into installing a new electric-based heating system.

    I envisage (however please suggest any alternatives) running a central hot water boiler for the bathroom and kitchen paired with modern electric heaters. I am not fussy – nor do I have the expertise to comment on the optimal option! – about the technology used for the heaters.

    I am also willing to invest in a smart home system (this is the part I'm most excited by), most likely controlled by Home Assistant. I won't go into too much detail as it's beyond the scope of this post but I anticipate using temperature sensors and HA's predictive weather reporting capability to control the system.

    The house has good double glazing but, as highlighted in the EPC report, it's not terribly well insulated elsewhere. I may be able to insulate the roof internally using foam-backed panels and the floor with something similar, but additional improvements are unlikely.

    Considering all of this and the EPC report, can I get a vibe check on:

    • Is this going to cost an absolute bomb to heat? It's a small-ish property and tech has moved on. Is it really going to be ruinous?
    • According to the EPC reports, at least one other property on the block has installed a gas boiler (though I couldn't see a flue anywhere). Would this be worth considering? I worry seeking agreement from the other leaseholders (required due to the management structure of this property) could be difficult/impossible

    To provide context, we really like this property – it's the right size for us, has a sizable garage and is in a great part of town, so it's a really difficult decision.

    As a total aside, if leaseholder reforms are brought in, I hope the right to insulate and heat your home with modern tech is made part of it. It seems mad that I even have to consider installing a sub-optimal system, but there you go

  • It’s currently heated by storage heaters.

    @lemonade – that’s a bit of an exaggeration. This is significantly cheaper than many equivalent places we’ve looked at in other parts of town (largely due to its suboptimal heating situation, hence my question). And as it happens, it works well for where we work and personal lives etc. Regardless, my question was about a heating system – not where we’re looking to buy ✌️

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