Boilers & Energy: Things to Consider When You Move Home
The boiler is probably the last things on your mind when moving house.
But replacing the boiler could increase your home’s value by as much as £8,000. And if you’re moving into a house with a new boiler, expect your heating bills to be nice and low.
So when it’s time to move house, use this guide help you remember everything about the boiler, heating and energy.
Check the boiler before you buy
Ideally, you’ll be moving into a home with a new boiler (anything installed less than 4 years ago is a plus).
After all, you don’t want the first job in your new house to be replacing the boiler.
So, be sure to ask when the boiler was installed. And while you’re talking about the boiler, follow up with these questions:
- Who installed it?
- What type of boiler is it?
- When was it last serviced? (Get certificates to prove each service)
- Is it still under warranty?
- Do you have the Gas Safe certificate?
Taking the time to ask these questions will tell you how efficient it is and whether it’s reliable. It will also reveal when you’ll need a replacement.
You should mark down the date the next boiler service is due to ensure you don't forget about it.
Your vendor should be able to provide you with a ‘building regulations compliance’ certificate provided by the Gas Safe Register or OFTEC when the boiler was fitted. This will help you identify that it was fitted safely and in line with regulations.
Make sure you're covered
Ensuring that you are correctly covered for your new boiler and central heating is another important consideration.
Check with the company that provides your current cover for specific instructions on what you will need to do. If you don't currently have boiler insurance and you are moving to a property you will own it is a good idea to get cover. This will not only provide you with support if your boiler experiences issues or breaks down but will also give you peace of mind and one less thing to worry about.
Can I take my boiler to the new house?
In theory, this could be done. It isn’t the best idea though.
You’re much better off making sure that the house you’re moving into has a new condensing boiler. And that the property your selling has a reliable and efficient heating system. After all, a new boiler can increase the value of your home.
How much can a new boiler add to house value?
Replacing an old boiler with a new condensing boiler could add as much as £8,000 to the value of your home. According to research by GoCompare.
A new boiler is very attractive to potential buyers. It means they won’t have to worry about replacing it for a number of years and a more efficient boiler means lower heating bills.
So it’s well worthwhile. Especially when you think that you could only be paying between £1,000 and £3,500 to get a new boiler and installation.
My boiler’s condemned, can I sell my house?
Condemned boilers can be very dangerous. So if you’re living with a condemned boiler, you should get a replacement.
You can still sell your house if the boiler has been condemned. But this will knock quite a chunk off the value of your property. And you must make the buyer aware – not doing so is illegal.
Tell your energy supplier you’re moving
Once you know when you will be moving you should get in touch with your energy provider. They will be able to tell you what they need from you and when.
You should aim to do this at least two days before you move. But if you have any questions your energy provider should be happy to advise you much further in advance.
A part of this will be letting them know if you will be staying with them for your new property or switching to a different provider.
Take your final meter reading
On the last day in your current home you will need to take your meter readings and send them to your energy supplier. This will allow them to determine if you are in credit or debit on your account.
From here you can receive any money that you still have in your account (in credit) or pay off any money you owe the energy provider (in debit). You will likely receive this information once you have moved. Although this will vary by provider and the way you pay for your energy.
You should also keep a note of this final reading for your own records. Once you become the legal owner of your new home it's also worth taking the meter readings right away just in case you get billed for the previous tenant's usage.
