Updating post from Reddit.
Hi, not sure what to do here - we always try to be accommodating of our tenants requests and in this property we have recently replaced the cooker because apparently it was slow, are getting quotes for the heating system because they don’t like the storage heaters (might just buy 2x electric radiators that they’ve asked for), have bought them a dehumidifier and are considering buying another after they’ve asked, but they’ve also said there’s a draft from the front door that just isn’t fixable without replacing it
It’s a wooden door in good condition, it has a seal all around the edges and when I was there the draft really didn’t feel that bad. I haven’t got quotes yet but from ringing around it seems like it’ll cost around £1,500 to get it done. Should we?
I’d only replace the door if it was knackered or broken, you shouldn’t be going to the full expense of replacement without first seeing if there is a draft, and if there is replace the seals, re test the door after.
For the door, hold a lighter against the door seal and if it flickers a lot then yes there’s a draft.
Why go to the expense of replacing a full door first.
As an aside, it sounds like the tenants are taking advantage of you?
Replace all the draft strips around door first inexpensive and can save alot of hassle.
Not your question but be aware that replacing storage heaters (even crappy old ones) with electric radiators will negatively impact your EPC. Yes it’s stupid, but it’s the law.
Eventually your EPC will need to be a C rating so be careful you’re not wasting money here on something you’ll need to replace to get a suitable EPC for future tenants. New storage heaters will be easier for Tennants to use than older models and safer investment.
This is interesting what about IR radiators? I understand they are 30-50% more efficient so why on earth do epc not like this as surely the whole idea behind epc is making sure properties are warm and efficient.
Efficiency is far more complicated.
All non heatpump electric radiators are 100% efficient. They turn everything into heat. An IR one will cost more to run for a given amount of heat but as it heats you directly you feel warmer but the building fabric stays cold. If you are usually out and the building is OK cold then it's fine and you pay less. If not then it's just as bad, or you feel ok and can't understand why the place is mouldy.
Air/water heatpumps are about 3.5-4 times more efficient and air/air ones about 4 times more efficient if properly installed.
Storage heaters are no better than other electric heaters so you just gain from the Economy 7 tariff usage. They are hard to control and useless if you are mostly out though as they keep the building fabric warm during the day and when you get home from work unless well insulated it's gone cold again.
Current epc is based on cost of energy used. So gas is best rated, storage heaters can use cheap overnight rates so are better rated than other electric options, I believe all other electric heaters are poorly rated regardless of efficiency-do be mindful that some of the talk about efficiency is marketing nonsense.
I found this out when I replaced my barely insulated ancient immersion tank for a heavily insulated modern one and the rating didn’t change!
The system is flawed. I believe there’s a consultation on at the moment so hopefully things will improve a bit but be wary of making changes that might impact your epc.
FYI we did swap old wooden door for modern composite and it’s much warmer probably around the cost you mentioned.
But IR radiators are both cheaper to run and higher efficiency compared to storage heaters. I don't understand how they can rate them lower.
So in terms of an EPC
Storage heaters: 100% efficiency at 5.50 p/kWh
IR heaters: 100% efficiency at 13.19 p/kWh
Yes it’s very frustrating. I believe they are rated lower as with average usage they will be used when electricity is at its most expensive.
That is awful the whole epc rating needs fixing before forcing landlords to spend out big money. I head on here the other day where some landlord swapped to heat pump with the guidance and recommendation from the gov yet their epc dropped a level. This is getting rather ridiculous.
The heatpump thing is getting fixed in the next EPC revision and as proposed they'll also include a CO2 element so gas will go the other way somewhat. Makes it a pain to plan for.
Replace the seals before the door they are cheap.
As for £1500 that sounds expensive as the door is less than £500. Pay a window fitter to fit it as a foreigner and job done.
Check and improve the seals around the door if that is possible.
Get your tenant to put a draft excluder snake at the bottom of the door.
Draft excluder curtain may be another idea.
You may replace the entire door, and they may still find it drafty.
If you get a professional door company out, they will advise you on the seals they can fit to rectify the problem. There is no need to replace the door.
Get a composite front door, same price, seals like double glazing, looks like wood. 20-25 years of zero maintenance.