If you’ve moved into a new home this autumn, spend an hour getting to know the heating before the first cold snap. Find the stopcock and the gas emergency control valve, check the boiler’s age and service history, learn how the controls work and book a boiler service if there’s no record of one in the last year. It’s much easier to sort small problems now than on a freezing night. We help new homeowners across Bristol and South Gloucestershire, from Bradley Stoke to Lyde Green.
Find the important valves first
Before anything goes wrong, know where to turn things off:
- The stopcock, which shuts off the mains water. It’s often under the kitchen sink, in a downstairs cloakroom or where the water pipe enters the house
- The gas emergency control valve, usually next to the gas meter. The handle is turned so it sits across the pipe to shut off the gas
- The boiler’s isolation switch, usually a fused spur on the wall nearby
Check the stopcock turns. Old ones can seize, and it’s better to find out now than during a leak.
Find out what boiler you have
Look for the make and model on the front of the boiler or on a label inside the flap. Then check the paperwork the seller left behind:
- When was the boiler fitted?
- Is there a record of an annual service?
- Is there a manufacturer’s warranty, and does it need registering in your name?
- Is there a benchmark checklist or installation certificate?
Many manufacturer warranties need the boiler to be serviced every year to stay valid. If the seller can’t show a recent service, treat it as overdue.
Learn how the controls work
Every home’s heating controls are slightly different. Spend a few minutes with the thermostat, timer and any radiator valves so you know how to:
- Set the heating times to match your routine
- Boost the heating or hot water for an hour
- Turn the heating to frost protection if you go away
If the controls are old or confusing, upgrading to clearer smart heating controls can make winter much easier.
Simple checks around the house
- Turn the heating on before you need it and feel each radiator once it’s warm
- Bleed any radiators that are cold at the top, then check the boiler pressure
- Look at the pressure gauge and note what’s normal for your system
- Check for a working carbon monoxide alarm near the boiler and any other fuel-burning appliances
- Look outside at the flue and condensate pipe so you know where they are, but don’t touch or alter the flue
Anything involving the boiler’s internal parts, gas pipework or flue is for a Gas Safe registered engineer.
New homes in Bristol and South Gloucestershire
Newer estates around Bradley Stoke, Emersons Green and Lyde Green often have combi or system boilers that are only a few years old, so warranty registration is worth checking. Older houses in the city may come with a mix of original pipework and newer parts added over the years, and the seller might not know the full history. In villages on the edge of the area, you may even find an oil or LPG boiler, which needs its own checks on the tank and fuel supply.
Frequently asked questions
Should I get the boiler serviced after moving house?
If there’s no record of a service in the last 12 months, yes. A service checks the boiler is working safely and gives you a clear starting point. It’s also a good chance to ask the engineer questions about your system, such as the right pressure, how the controls work and any parts that may need attention soon.
Can I transfer the boiler warranty to my name?
Many manufacturer warranties can be transferred to a new owner, but the process varies. Check the paperwork for the make and model, or contact the manufacturer directly. You may need proof of servicing, so ask the seller for any records. Register the change as soon as you can after moving in.
What should I do if I smell gas in my new home?
Open doors and windows, don’t use light switches or naked flames, turn off the gas at the emergency control valve if it’s safe to do so, and leave the property. Call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 straight away. They’re available 24 hours a day.
Settle into your new home with warm rooms
If you’ve just moved in and you’re not sure what state the heating is in, give us a call on 01275 400 687 or drop us a message and we’ll service the boiler and talk you through your new system.