One of the most crucial aspects that homeowners often overlook when buying a house is the central heating system. Imagine moving into your dream house, but the heating system experiences a breakdown a few weeks later! A faulty or substandard heating system is not only disappointing but also costs you a fortune, in the long run, for regular repairs. However, such an occurrence can be avoided if you take your time to analyze the property’s central heating system. If you feel that you lack the necessary skills to do so, you can hire professional heating contractors instead. Here is a list of the central heat checks that you should make before buying a house.
Central Heating Checks to Make Before Buying a House
Your central heating check should include the following;
Fuel Type
First, ask the seller about the fuel type in use. Most central heating systems depend on gas or electricity to operate. In areas where there is limited or no gas supply, they are powered by heating oil or liquid petroleum gas (LPG). Besides, some older systems rely on coal or charcoal, while most modern ones utilize eco-friendly biomass. The cost of powering the heating system varies depending on the type of fuel used. You may consider asking the seller for the annual heating bills and even request updated invoice copies for clarification.
The Boiler
Second, do not just check whether the boiler is working; with the help of an engineer, you can also estimate its efficiency and age. A good indicator of age is the boiler’s mode of fixing. A floor-standing boiler may be at least 12 years old, meaning that it probably needs repairs. In most cases, spare parts for old boilers may currently not be available in the market. Wall-mounted boilers, on the other hand, are a modern heating system and an excellent choice for your dream property. A new boiler cost less than you may think and can add value to your home.
Radiators
The next check item is the radiators. Faulty radiators are likely to affect the entire heating system; therefore, ensure that you check them thoroughly. Both the old heavy radiators and the modern slim ones are prone to blockages caused by hard water. An expert heating contractor will help you check whether there are any cold spots, leaks, corrosions and whether there are energy-saving radiator thermostats. If you like the property, but the radiators are a little faulty, you can use this guide for simple DIY repair tips. You may also hire an expert in heating unit repair to ensure that repair is properly done.
Hot Water Tank
If the property’s central heating system get more pipes and uses a hot water storage tank, then your engineer should help you check its condition. The engineer should inspect whether there are any leakage joints, whether it has a working thermostat and the condition of the insulation jacket.
Combination Boiler
Additionally, enquire whether the heating system uses a combination boiler or not. Though most homeowners consider combination boilers useful in giving unlimited hot water supply, they have some drawbacks. These boilers allow only one hot water tap to run at a time and are slow in terms of water flow. If your family needs to use different hot water taps at the same time, this should not be your ideal boiler. The hot water storage tank will work well for you in such a case.
Oil Storage Tank
Lastly, it is vital to check the oil storage tank’s condition if the heating system uses fuel oil. Modern oil tanks are either made of plastic or steel, and they come in different sizes and shapes. Plastic tanks have a life span of between 10-15 years and are prone to their polymers becoming faulty after several years of use, creating the need for regular repairs. Additionally, plastic tanks can experience leakages if exposed to sunshine, and they may, therefore, need regular replacements. Also, check to see that the tank rests on a flag or concrete base for safety purposes.
What’s Next After the Checks
Suppose the heating checks of your dream house shows that the system is old fashioned and faulty. In that case, you may consider getting repairs and replacing invoices from a professional. Share the invoices with the seller and discuss the necessary steps to take. The seller may be willing to reduce the offer price or share the repair and replacement costs rather than lose a promising buyer. Always conduct heat checks to avoid unexpected disappointments in the future.
