By Ken Millbank
Having a new heating system installed? Whether it’s at your home, business or you’re working on behalf of a client, it’s crucial to find the right heating engineer.
And just as importantly, you need to both have a clear idea of the project – from the overall goals to the smaller details. Heating systems can be complicated, especially if you’re having a custom or non-conventional setup. The end result needs to be efficient, suitable for the space and able to meet the needs of you and your family.
So while you’re researching and getting quotes from heating companies, let’s take a look at some of the key questions you need to be asking.
Are You Gas Safe Registered?
This sounds like an obvious one, but it’s easy to assume that an engineer is on the Gas Safe Register without actually checking. If the engineer will be working on a boiler installation or anything to do with gas, it’s a legal requirement in the UK that they are on the Register. This means they have the required training and expertise to carry out the installation competently and safely.
So, don’t be afraid to ask for their Gas Safe registration number, and check it on the Gas Safe Register website.
Do You Have Public Liability Insurance?
If an accident or incident should occur during installation works, it could cause damage to property, an injury or result in another kind of claim. This is why all heating companies (and other trades and contractors too) should have adequate public liability insurance cover. And if they employ other workers, they should have employers’ liability insurance too.
How Long Will The Installation Process Take, and When Can You Start?
It’s a good idea to have a chat about the schedule for the work, so you know what to expect. And don’t forget to ask about a potential start date. You may be delighted with the quote and keen to get started, but the heating engineer doesn’t have availability until six months later.
Will There Be Any Disruption to Heating, Electricity or Water?
So that you can plan ahead, you need to know what kind of access you’ll have to heating, hot and cold running water, and electricity during the project. The engineer may not be able to give you precise information on this, but they can give you an idea of what disruption to expect.
Who Will Be Responsible For Waste Disposal During The Work – You or The Heating Engineer?
It’s easy to assume that the heating company will hire a skip and handle the disposal of any waste, but it only takes a second to ask and find out. After all, you don’t want to be left with a pile of waste at the end of the project.
Will The Work Involve Any Structural or Significant Cosmetic Changes to My Property?
Do any changes need to be made to walls or floors? Will carpets and floorboards need to come up, and will paintwork or wallpaper be damaged? These are all questions to ask before work gets started.
How Do You Take Payment?
It can sometimes be awkward to talk about money, but it’s important that you’re both on the same page when it comes to the issue of payment. The last thing you want is an unexpectedly large bill, or a disagreement with the company over payment.
So at the outset, it’s a good idea to ask what payment methods the engineer or company will accept, and agree on a schedule for payment. This may involve paying an initial deposit, followed by installments and then the final balance when work is complete.
What Warranties or Guarantees Will I Receive?
You need to find out the details of warranties for any installed appliances (i.e. boilers) along with the heating company’s own guarantees for the work. This includes info on what is and isn’t covered, how long these guarantees last for and how to claim on any policy.
What Happens With Aftercare?
How will post-installation issues be handled, and how long will the heating engineer provide aftercare support? You don’t want to be left high and dry if there’s an issue when the project is complete.
