Ideally, when initially viewing a property you will have had a quick glance at the boiler, to gain an idea
of the current heating situation. Though if you have not yet had this opportunity, we would highly
recommend carrying out a thorough check of your boiler alongside the other components of your
central heating system as soon as you move into your new home using our guide below.
What you need to know
The Location
You will firstly need to identify the location of your boiler. If this is conventional, you will also need to
check on the water tank and stop cock.
The Type of Heating System
Most homes in the UK are fitted with combi boilers which do not require a storage tank or a water
cylinder. They provide instant hot water, though using more than one set of taps at once may cause a
reduced pressure through your home.
There are also systems which are known as ‘sealed’, these use a ‘system’ boiler which also requires
a water cylinder. They allow you to run numerous taps at once, however only a finite amount of hot
water will be obtainable before the cylinder needs to refill.
Conventional boilers, as mentioned above require a water cylinder but also a storage tank. Similarly
to in sealed systems, a finite amount of water is reachable until the supply needs to be refilled –
however these are usually found in larger properties as much more water can be accessed initially.
The Details
You will need to note down the make and model of your boiler in case there are any issues, or if you
would like to take out an insurance policy in future.
The Condition and Age
You can check on the condition of your boiler for identifying any areas of rusting, leakages, dampness
where the boiler is attached or dirt effecting the functioning of the buttons or dials.
The serial number will indicate the age of the boiler. It is advisable that you install a carbon monoxide detector in your home to ensure that it is running safely. The production of carbon monoxide emissions is more likely to occur with older models.
Is it Eco-Friendly?
In 2015, the European energy efficiency label was first introduced. It gave all modern boilers a rating
that measured efficiency, with the majority of new models scoring an ‘A’. As older boilers are more
likely to be inefficient, this would mean higher monthly bills for your heating. Replacing a boiler can be a costly expenditure, which could set you back around £2000 – this is why we recommend you should
check to see if you are eligible to qualify for a boiler grant when moving into your new home.
When was it Last Serviced?
It’s important that you find out when your boiler was last serviced. If it was in the last 12 months, there
isn’t a rush to book in another urgently. Though if the last service was a while ago, your boiler is an
older model, or if there is no history at all, you should book for this to be done as soon as possible
with a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Is your Boiler Covered Under Guarantee or Warranty?
You will need to have all the details of this should you encounter any problems. Though if any cover
has ran out, you may wish to purchase boiler insurance. This may be something already included in
your home insurance, so double check there first!
