Hello all
I'm returning to DIYNOT after a long hiatus and lapsed account. As ever, I only come on here if I want to know something or (as in this case) to reaffirm a decision I am about to make.
I'm in the process of buying a one bedroom first floor flat, built c.1990. It's on E7 supply with storage heaters, no mains gas. I work away a lot so, when I'm not using it, I hope to be able to rent it out via Airbnb. I'm guessing, on average, it will be occupied 4-5 days of the week.
It has been recently refurbished by the landlord:
- Kitchen units replaced, new sink, and space for a washing machine (but no plumbing yet).
- New toilet and basin, with bath removed and replaced by a shower cubicle with new 7 kW Mira unit.
- New carpets and vinyl throughout, walls repainted... you get the idea.
The original 1980s/1990s storage heaters are still in place, and the hot water cylinder is a Fortic type, also presumably original.
The hot water tank dominates a built-in cupboard in the bedroom, and seems awfully excessive given there is no longer a bath. This cupboard could be put to use as a wardrobe, or possibly a secure storage for when I'm not there.
View media item 106883
I'm not going to open the debate about ditching the storage heaters and getting rid of the E7 tariff, but I am questioning the wisdom of having such a large hot water tank, especially as the flat may be unoccupied for approx. 35% of the time.
So, to the question(s):
1) Would a 15 litre under sink water heater be a "better" [more economic] solution?
2) Could one heater be used to supply the kitchen sink and bathroom basin?
3) Would fitting an instant hot water heater jeopardise the EPC rating?
I appreciate 1) is a "piece of string" type of question, but if there's a solid energy consumption reason for you to say "don't do it", then I'm all ears. But I'm also prepared for the initial outlay on this if it means I don't have to fork out for an additional wardrobe or other storage unit.
Any advice and opinions gratefully received.
Many thanks
NB
I'm returning to DIYNOT after a long hiatus and lapsed account. As ever, I only come on here if I want to know something or (as in this case) to reaffirm a decision I am about to make.
I'm in the process of buying a one bedroom first floor flat, built c.1990. It's on E7 supply with storage heaters, no mains gas. I work away a lot so, when I'm not using it, I hope to be able to rent it out via Airbnb. I'm guessing, on average, it will be occupied 4-5 days of the week.
It has been recently refurbished by the landlord:
- Kitchen units replaced, new sink, and space for a washing machine (but no plumbing yet).
- New toilet and basin, with bath removed and replaced by a shower cubicle with new 7 kW Mira unit.
- New carpets and vinyl throughout, walls repainted... you get the idea.
The original 1980s/1990s storage heaters are still in place, and the hot water cylinder is a Fortic type, also presumably original.
The hot water tank dominates a built-in cupboard in the bedroom, and seems awfully excessive given there is no longer a bath. This cupboard could be put to use as a wardrobe, or possibly a secure storage for when I'm not there.
View media item 106883
I'm not going to open the debate about ditching the storage heaters and getting rid of the E7 tariff, but I am questioning the wisdom of having such a large hot water tank, especially as the flat may be unoccupied for approx. 35% of the time.
So, to the question(s):
1) Would a 15 litre under sink water heater be a "better" [more economic] solution?
2) Could one heater be used to supply the kitchen sink and bathroom basin?
3) Would fitting an instant hot water heater jeopardise the EPC rating?
I appreciate 1) is a "piece of string" type of question, but if there's a solid energy consumption reason for you to say "don't do it", then I'm all ears. But I'm also prepared for the initial outlay on this if it means I don't have to fork out for an additional wardrobe or other storage unit.
Any advice and opinions gratefully received.
Many thanks
NB