A leading supplier to the private rental sector has backed the installation of ground source heat pumps, telling landlords that on balance they should consider installing them when gas boilers need wear out.
GK Plumbing has waded into the contentious topic following the Prime Minister’s recent plan to spend billions of pounds installing the technology into 600,000 homes by 2028.
Consensus on their appropriateness as an eco heating and hot water solution is far from assured despite the circa £5,000 grants available from the government – particularly as they still use electricity to drive the machinery – and the £10,000 to £18,000 that Which? recently said they cost to install.
Although ground source heat pumps are therefore more expensive to install than gas boilers, require access to a garden and use distinctly un-green hydrochlorofluorocarbons in their machinery, on balance Gareth Knell, founder of GK Plumbing (pictured) backs the technology for landlords.
Additional income
“Firstly, they require little maintenance,” he says. “So, the likelihood of receiving emergency call-outs in the middle of the night because the boiler has blown in the middle of winter are significantly reduced.
“If managed correctly, ground source heat pump technology also has the potential to generate an additional income for a landlord through the Renewable Heat Incentive.
“Also, they remove the risk of combustion, which can have a bearing on your building insurance. Lastly, ground source heat pump installation will also help you future proof your properties against coming legislation.
“There are pros and cons to every heating solution. But right now, ground source heat pumps do look to be one of the most efficient and cost-effective solutions for both homeowners and landlords of the future.”
Read more Tom Entwistle’s deep dive in the technology.
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