Could second homeowners need new boiler?

Article date : 01/03/2010

When buying a second home, one of the first steps new owners may wish to check is to modernise the existing central heating systems, to ensure they stay safe and benefit from the lowest possible energy bills.

With the latest Knight Frank research revealing the number of second homes in England stood at a record high of 245,384 in 2009, it could be said more people than ever are looking to invest in property.

However, there are a number of basic steps they may wish to take when they have bought their new house - including checking the age of the home's boiler.

A gas boiler which is over ten to 15 years old may no longer be working safely and could pose a significant risk to both the household and the building.

A boiler service from a member of the Gas Safe Register should identify if the appliances is in safe working order, although people may still wish to upgrade in order to reduce their bills.

It is advised that properties which stand empty for prolonged periods - such as a second home - leave their central heating systems running in winter to prevent pipes freezing.

With this in mind, a new boiler may see utility bills not rising significantly as a result.

Written by Jasper Cullen

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