New research revealed that overlooking the boiler when moving home could cost new homeowners.
The study by HomeServe found that who ended up needing a repair after moving in paid an average of £2,227 to put it right.
According to the HomeOwner’s Alliance, September is one of the busiest times of the year to move. HomeServe’s findings showed that boiler servicing is one of the last jobs on the moving checklist. This is despite it being a main worry for prospective homeowners and being one of the first things to go wrong.
The research showed that 20% of prospective homeowners worry about the health or condition of their new boiler. More than a quarter said they’re not fully confident in their boiler going into the winter.
The data also revealed that movers don’t know much about their boilers. A total of 58% didn’t know when it was last serviced, 65% didn’t know its age, 75% didn’t know whether it’s covered by a warranty or service plan, 67% didn’t know it’s make or model, and 70% didn’t know how to use or adjust it.
Only 22% asked several questions about the boiler before moving in, and nine per cent asked none and now wish they had.
The findings revealed that 40% had a boiler or heating problem after moving into their current home. This rose to 50% of 18- to 34-year-olds. The most common issues included radiators not heating properly, low boiler pressure and no hot water, each reported by 11%. Nine per cent had no heating at all, eight per cent had a breakdown and another eight per cent found a leak.
Meanwhile, the data showed that movers are quicker to sort out their sofa than their boiler. A total of 44% bought new furniture and 37% redecorated within their first month of moving in, but 21% booked a boiler service.
Chris Houghton, home expert at HomeServe, said: “Moving home comes with a huge checklist, and the boiler is often at the bottom of it, if it makes the list at all.
“Two in five people experienced a boiler or heating issue after moving into their current home, and plenty more are living with a boiler they know almost nothing about. A service can take up to an hour and can help identify any issues before the winter months.
“Luckily, we’ve made a handy checklist that all new homeowners can use to get to know their boiler and help get ahead of any issues.”
HomeServe has recommended a checklist for new homeowners.
- Book a boiler service: Find out when the boiler was last serviced and get one booked in if it’s been over 12 months and where possible ensure there is a safety certificate demonstrating the checks and tests that were completed.
- Know the model: Find the make, model and manual, learn how the boiler works and register any warranty in your name.
- Consider a service plan: A service plan helps catch smaller faults early, before they become bigger problems.
- Test it early: Run the heating and hot water in the weeks prior to peak time of September, so problems show up while there’s still time to act.
- Find the filling loop: Know where the filling loop and pressure gauge are, and what normal pressure looks like.
- Ensure you receive the certificate of notification: This demonstrates that the boiler was installed in accordance with Building Regulations.