People are naturally swayed when it comes to looking around for a new home by aesthetics and may miss out on key systems which, such as the boiler. But a new boiler costs thousands of pounds – so make sure you check the state it is in before investing, or you could find yourself out of pocket and often without heating. Here’s what you need to know.
Ask About the Boiler’s Age
The initial question is what the age of the boiler is. Maintenance: A majority of the modern boilers typically serve you for a decade to 15 years without requiring any repair or maintenance. Then, figure replacement costs into your budget if the current boiler is around this age or older. If the seller is unsure, request documentation indicating when it was installed. For Cheltenham Boiler Service, contact https://www.combi-man.com
Check the Service History
Request to see service records showing scheduled professional maintenance. The lack of paperwork can indicate neglect, and neglected boilers eventually die too early from expensive ailments.
If the property is purpose-built or a new purchase, you must have an in-date Gas Safety Certificate (less than 12 months old) from your seller.
Identify the Boiler Type
Finding out if it is a combi, system or regular boiler will help you to determine its relevance for your property. Although great for a small house, combi boilers can be relatively compact and provide instant hot water on demand, a feature of weakness in much larger homes with multiple bathrooms. Conventional — Also needs a cylinder and tanks to store hot water, which requires more room but is usually best for large homes / families.
Look for Warning Signs
When viewing, look for any telltale signs of problems with or around the boiler. Inspect the water heater for signs of leaks, such as pools of water on or around your unit which would indicate a leaky pipe nearby. Pay attention to strange sounds: banging, whistling or gurgling can reveal serious problems.
Check radiators throughout the house. If you notice cold spots, leaks or radiators not heating up, this can sometimes be an indication that something is wrong with the system.
Request a Boiler Survey
If you are about to buy then perhaps pay for a Gas Safe registered engineer to examine the boiler before buying. This rather minimal investment can save thousands on what would otherwise be a very expensive issue. A surveyor’s report should comment on the boiler, but a specialist heating engineer offers an in-depth assessment.
Check the Boiler Warranty
Certain new boilers can have warranties of 10 years or more. If the boiler is more recent, check to see if the warranty can be transferred over to you as the new homeowner. Which could offer good protection against something breaking in unexpected ways.
Factor Costs Into Negotiations
Use boiler age and condition to your advantage, provided that it is old or poorly maintained.
