When moving house, what do I need to consider about the boiler?

At Swale Heating we understand that purchasing a new home is an expensive investment and ensuring that the boiler in the property is in full working order will ensure you don’t have to invest further to replace the boiler. But what should you look for?

Here, we have written a ‘moving house checklist’ so you know what to do when checking the boiler.

1) Make sure the boiler has been recently serviced and has a Gas Safety Certificate

As a potential buyer, you have the right to request a professional boiler service to ensure that it is working well. Ensure this has been undertaken by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

If the seller hasn’t had a Gas Safety Certificate in the past 12 months, it’s best to get one of these. The Gas Safety Certificate should state the boiler’s efficiency which will reflect its running costs.

2) Ask about the make and model

Asking about the make and model of the boiler is beneficial as you’ll be able to see how old it is and how efficient it is. Remember, the older the boiler, the less efficient it is.

Here are the three main types of boiler:

• Combi boilers – The most common type of boiler, a combi boiler provides heating and hot water from one unit. They are usually hung on a wall and require little space.
• Heat only boilers – comprised of three parts: boiler; hot water storage cylinder and cold-water storage tank.
• System boilers – comprised of two parts: boiler and a separate hot water tank.

You’ll also need to find out which type of fuel the boiler uses so you can gauge its efficiency and cost of running.

If you’d like to find out a little more about the brand of the boiler give our ‘The best boiler brands on the market’ a read for a breakdown of the most popular brands on the market.

3) Do the usual boiler checks

Don’t be afraid to ask to see the boiler when viewing a property. Here’s what to look for:

• Are there any signs of rust?
• Can you see any damp patches around the boiler?
• Are there any signs of previous leaks?
• Does the boiler look very old?

If there are signs of age or rust etc, this could be a red flag, in which case, a boiler service would be advisable.

4) Ask if there’s a boiler warranty

Some boilers may have a warranty or some form of guarantee. These range from two to five years and can even last up to ten years. In our ‘What is a boiler warranty and do I need one’ blog we explain the importance of boiler warranty and the difference between warranty, cover and guarantee.

If there isn’t a warranty, you can always purchase a boiler cover or service plan which will help cover the costs of an engineer call out, labour and parts. An annual boiler service ensures you avoid unexpected repairs and breakdowns in the future. At Swale Heating we offer a range of plans from an annual service plan to fully comprehensive cover, we have a plan to suit every boiler. View our boiler service and cover plans here.

Your home insurance may also include home emergency cover which could help if your boiler has malfunctioned.

5) Ask where the water tank and stop cock are

If you do decide to buy, and an emergency occurs once you’re moved in, you’ll need to turn off the water supply to the boiler quickly. It’s best to know where these things are so you’re prepared.

6) Give the radiators a check

To ensure that the entire central heating system is running smoothly, it’s best to check the radiators. Here are some questions to consider:

• Do they heat up quickly?
• Can you feel any cold spots? If you can, this could suggest a blockage.
• Have they been fitted with a smart thermostat? This could save you money if so.
• Is there a leaking radiator?
• Can you see any corrosion?

We hope that this checklist will help when you’re viewing potential properties. If your new home is in need of a new boiler, Swale Heating have a variety of options available for you to get a quote for your new boiler installation. We use only the best boiler brands on the market. From Worcester Bosch to Vaillant, you can trust that your new boiler is of the highest standard.

If you’d like a quick quote, you can use our online quote tool to give you an idea of the price of your new boiler installation. Or you can give the sales team a call on 0800 731 33 44 and they can arrange for a surveyor to visit your property and provide you with expert advice and recommendations.