Can you convert electric radiators to gas in a flat?

[Innishh]

It’s SoF, 1st floor - if so how much would it cost?

probably not easily.
also check your lease if that would be allowed.

Is there an existing gas supply to the building itself?

Do you have a gas supply, e.g. for the cooker? You would need to install a boiler (is there space?) then you would need pipes and radiators. Even in a flat I’m not sure you would see much change out of £5-6k

Lots of flats are electric heating because there's no gas supply to the building.

Very likely to be the case - in which case, the building freeholder would have to pay for utilities company to build out gas pipes to the property, and all that goes with that.

Pipes would then need to be put into each into, with boiler.

Probably a no go unfortunately

Is there gas in the building? If not, you might need permission of the other Leaseholders, and it is likely to be expensive. If others want gas it might be worthwhile. However ypu are going to think about flues, venting etc.
You might do better to investigate replacement electric heaters. There seem to be improved ones around.

all electric heaters have the same efficiency, there are no 'improved' ones. There are more sophisticated controls - e.g. better timers, but that's it.

It’s SoF and I have seen online photos of other flats in the block with proper radiators - so assume gas supply. Yes there is room for a boiler - seems like a costly, disruptive and complex job? Would it be costly to replace the electric heaters? And what are the downsides of them - are they expensive to run / ineffective? Are even good ones off putting to a buyer? Would it be better to bite the bullet and replace with gas for resale?

If you haven't bought it yet, I would ask the question about gas supply to the seller, either via Estate Agent or the Solicitor.
I vaguely remember being able to ask a gas supplier if there was a supply to the building or street ages ago. I can't remember how I did it though.

what is Sof?

how many floors high is the building? And how old?

Does it already have a gas boiler?

Forget "assume"

Does the flat have a gas supply?

Does SoF mean 'Share of Freehold'?

If so, you need to find out from the others if there is gas in the building.

If there if, you can have your flat connected to it.. you'll need a boiler, a meter, new pipework and radiators.

Seems like a big spend - do you have hot water & heating problems with your electric system?

Yes share of freehold - it’s 2 stories - this flat is on the 1st/top floor. I believe there is gas to the building as other flats have GCH. No idea what the hot water is like as have only viewed the flat to buy today.

Sorry PigletJohn - didn’t get the “assume” comment. All I have seen (from photos of another flat for rent) is that there look to be standard radiators as opposed to the electric ones in this flat.

You can get amazing radiators which are electric. Flats rarely have gas but you'd need to have a solicitor check all this out before you buy.

Is it putting you off buying, OP?

If it's on sale at the moment, it should have an energy efficiency rating.. it is good?

If the flat is 1st floor with good double glazing, that will help with heating, check out the water heating cylinder thoroughly - that's where I've always had slight problems in heating enough water for regular long showers etc.

Well the current electric ones look shocking and it needs a total refurb anyway...no idea if they work. This is the EPC. No idea if it’s any good? Didn’t know that many flats are all electric anyway?

I've had flats that are electric and those that are gas.

I prefer gas as I think it's cheaper and more efficient but it's not a deal breaker for me if the flat is otherwise what I'm looking for.

If it's a renovation purchase anyway and it bothers you, , ask the agents if there is gas to the general building, and factor the conversion into you offer.

Modern electric heaters can be very cost effective. Top floor you will benefit from the heat from the other flats. There is a reason why it hasn't been done already so probably not worth it.

Why don't you ask to see the flat that is up for rent? O reven view the details on line.

I changed from electric to gas heating this summer.

One bed, top floor flat. Electric heaters and two water tanks removed, new combi boiler installed with flue out through slate roof, 3 new radiators, one heated towel rail, and replumbing of a washing machine cost £2,780.

All the other 5 flats in the close did already have gas, but that didn’t make any difference to the cost. £1,333 to have the gas supply put in. Scottish Gas provided gas meter free of charge as I’m their customer, for now.

" posterInnishh Sun 17-Nov-19 17:24:25
It’s SoF and I have seen online photos of other flats in the block with proper radiators - so assume gas supply. "

This is why I said "forget assume"

You have to find out for sure.

What an agent or salesman tells you is not contractually binding and cannot be relied on.

Energy from electricity costs more than four times as much as energy from gas. No matter how modern and stylish the electric heaters.

I wouldn't buy a home with electric heating and HW.