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Selling a house with an old boiler
December 5, 2021

Selling a house with an old boiler


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This blog post discusses what to do when you're selling a house with an old boiler. This is a common situation for homeowners and can be very stressful. 

However, it's important to know that there are ways around this obstacle without having to spend money on replacement. You'll learn about the various options of how you can get rid of your old boiler and avoid any headaches during the process!

What Is An Old Boiler?

An old boiler is exactly what it sounds like: a fuel-burning heating system that's simply too old to be efficient.


It could have been installed when the house was built in the 1930s or even earlier, so it may have come with your home at some point. Unfortunately, there are no regulations in place for how long boilers must be maintained or replaced, so some people are stuck with theirs until it finally stops working.


A broken boiler is not only costly to fix, but it can also be dangerous. This is why many potential homebuyers prefer new boilers for their homes (i.e., they’re more efficient and cost-effective).



A combi boiler is an example of a new boiler. This kind of boiler heats water directly whereas the old systems heat water in the form of radiators, which are typically used to heat individual rooms rather than global spaces.


A gas boiler is another example of a new boiler. If you have an old gas boiler, your house likely needs some repairs for the safety standards. It could also be inefficient for meeting the needs of your home because there are many versions of gas-fired boilers.


gas safety certificate boiler serviced

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Can you sell a house without a working furnace?


Yes, you definitely can!

The good news is that you do not need to replace the old boiler (unless it stops working). You can find several options for getting rid of your current heating system and replacing it with an alternative solution. Keep reading to learn about them!


Option 1: Replacing Your Old Boiler

It may be possible to remove your old boiler and replace it with a new one. This process can be extremely costly, but if you already have the budget for it, this may be a good option for you.


Option 2: Using a Gas-Fired Boiler or Radiant Floor Heating System to Provide Heat in Your Home

Gas-fired boilers have been known to emit harmful chemicals such as nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide. That's why they weren't considered safe for homes with children, the elderly, and pets (even if you had the windows open).

Radiant floor heating systems can be used to make your home cozy without forcing you into an expensive furnace replacement.


Option 3: Using Electric Furnace

Electric Furnaces is a modern, safe alternative to gas-fired boilers. They're almost 100 percent efficient and require very little maintenance. Potential buyers prefer new furnaces because it makes a property more attractive. This is an especially popular option for those with a small budget and a big house they wish to heat. Home buyers can also benefit because it could potentially encourage them to make the offer.


boiler installation faulty boiler

Should I replace furnace before selling house?


Again, this depends on your budget. If you can afford to replace the old furnace with a new one, then it may be worth doing so. There are plenty of benefits to installing a new furnace, such as comfort and safety.



However, if you're on a tight budget, it might be better to focus your efforts on other parts of the home that potential buyers will find attractive. Focusing on selling the house for top dollar is the way forward!


boiler breakdown

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When should you replace a furnace?

It depends on you. If your furnace is old, it might be time for a replacement. However, if you can't afford one or simply don't want to invest in a new system at the moment, there are plenty of other options for heating your home.


The best time to replace a furnace is usually when it dies. However, some people choose to replace their old system with something smaller and more efficient. There are pros and cons to doing this, so you must do your research first.



The annual service of your furnace is also important. Some people choose to do this themselves, but it is always best to hire a professional to ensure everything is working properly.


How much does it cost to replace a furnace?

It can vary greatly, depending on the size and type of furnace you choose for your home. A smaller unit that heats just one room is typically cheaper than a bigger system that can heat an entire house.

As with anything else in life: the better quality and more energy-efficient your furnace are, the more it will cost to purchase. However, spending extra money on a new furnace can save you money in the long run because of its efficiency.


boiler servicing selling price

Does a new furnace increase home value?

It depends on the other features of the property. For example, if your home is relatively old, installing a new furnace could help to bring it up to speed with modern standards.


However, if your house is already considered "future-proof," it may not be worth paying for a new furnace. This will depend greatly on how much you can afford to invest in your home, as well as what you hope to achieve.


If you want the most value for your buck, then replacing your old furnace with a new one would be ideal. Most home buyers are drawn to homes that offer comfort, safety, and energy efficiency, so this might be the way to go if you want top dollar.


home as is asking price

Selling A House With An Old Boiler: Final Thoughts


If you’re a homeowner with an old boiler, it might be time to replace the thing. Old boilers are notorious for breaking down and not working properly when they get older.


They also use more gas than new models which can lead to higher energy bills and other problems like carbon monoxide leaks or toxic fumes in your home. A newer model will save you money on fuel costs over its lifetime and help keep your family safe from these hazards!



So what does this mean? It means that if you plan on selling your house soon (or anytime within 10 years), replacing the boiler before the listing is a good idea because of all the benefits we’ve mentioned here today. We hope this article has been useful to you!


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