5 important heating checks for oil households to avoid putting off buyers
With the busiest day to move house this year expected to be the last Friday in August, homeowners across the UK looking to sell their property are being urged not to ignore their heating system to avoid putting off potential buyers.
As many owners struggle to sell their properties in a sluggish market, OFTEC, a registration scheme for non-gas heating technicians, has published new advice to help households ensure their heating systems are in the best condition for a smooth sale.
It comes as a new data from Rightmove found that running costs and energy efficiency is having an increasing important impact on how people choose their next home.
The recommendations from OFTEC include:
1. Know your boiler’s history
The boiler should be serviced at least once a year to make sure it is working correctly and efficiently. If you haven’t had the system checked over, contact a GasSafe (for mains gas) or OFTEC (for oil or solid fuel) registered technician who is recognised as fully competent and will provide you with servicing reports. Incomplete servicing history, or using non-qualified technicians to carry out any work could make buyers more cautious.
2. How much does it cost to run?
Energy costs are often one of the most important factors people consider when buying a property so make sure you know the facts. For the 20% of rural homes in in the country off the gas grid, despite recent fluctuations in prices due to the conflict in the Middle East, historically oil is one of the cheapest forms of heating. Owners can also purchase oil during summer when prices typically fall and shop around for the best prices.
3. How smart are the heating controls?
Outdated heating controls could potentially put off buyers because they can make it more difficult to regulate the temperature, leading to higher energy consumption and fuel bills. Upgrading thermostats and radiator controls, which enable you to set different temperatures for each room, can be an additional selling point.
4. How old is the boiler?
Modern condensing boilers are more efficient, quieter and cheaper to run. If the boiler is over 15 years old, it may be worth replacing. Make sure you obtain the 'building regulations compliance’ certificate which identifies the age of the boiler and confirms it meets the required building regulations. This should be issued shortly after the boiler is installed.
5. Is your tank in good condition?
For the 1.5 million homes in the UK on oil heating, it’s important your tank is well maintained. During a routine service, an OFTEC technician will inspect the tank for any signs of damage or rust. Make sure you follow their guidance, such as not attempting to cover up the tank with close fencing, or allowing it to become overgrown with plants.
Malcolm Farrow, from OFTEC commented: “Summer is a popular time for house movers and, for those looking to sell, there’s a lot to organise. Whilst most of us remember to have a general spring clean and tidy up, the heating system is often forgotten about.
“However, it’s an important consideration because if it hasn’t been looked after and regularly serviced, it could put off potential buyers or lead to a reduced offer. Taking the time to check everything is in good working order and knowing the facts can make a big difference, especially as buyers today are eager to get the best deal.”