Boiler & Gas Services for Home Buyers

When taking over a new property as a private owner servicing the boiler should be considered as a major priority especially if there isn’t any history of recent servicing or inspection – look for a boiler benchmark log book for a history of gas safe registered engineers’ visits.Servicing a boiler or any gas appliance will ensure the appliance is operating correctly – safety and efficiency being top priority.If you are a tenant moving into a rental property, make sure you have a copy of the mandatory safety inspection report coving all gas appliances within the property.

It is recommended that each of the services (gas and electrical) be safety and operationally inspected as part of the home buying process especially if there isn’t a documented history of inspectionsOnce a property is purchased and issues arise then it’s often a case of an unforeseen and potential major expense that can take the shine off your “ideal” home.

Any room converted to use as sleeping accommodation should not hold a gas fire, gas space heater or gas water heater (over 14 kilowatts) unless room sealed.If the mentioned appliances are below 14 kilowatts, they must be either room sealed, or have an atmosphere sensing device. If a room contains one or more of these appliances, and has been used as a bedroom prior to 1998, a risk assessment must be carried out to determine whether it can still be used as a bedroom.

Whilst the EICR assesses the condition of the property’s ‘built in’ electrical system, a portable appliance test (PAT) covers the plug-in appliances, such as a television, or white goods. PAT tests should be carried out at least once a year.