Fitting a new boiler in your house is an important investment and something that shouldn’t be taken lightly. This is why it’s essential that you know everything there is to know about getting one installed and finding a reliable engineer to install it for you.
This can avoid future issues with your boiler.
You should also make sure that you ask them the right questions so you know who you’re actually dealing with and if they can be trusted.
In this article, we’re going to give you a few important questions you should ask engineers before installing your boiler.
Are You Accredited?
Before you hire anybody, you have to make sure that they have the proper accreditation. You should first check if they have their Gas Safe registration. You have the right to ask for their Gas Safe ID and they should be able to produce it. You should also be able to see on the back which type of work they are qualified for.
A Gas Safe accredited Bristol boiler company, an example can be seen through Plumbing Care Services, can not only provide an emergency boiler repair and perform boiler installations in Bristol, but they can do everything from fixing hot water issues with combi boilers and sorting out low-pressure issues on sealed system boilers.
When it comes to oil boilers, you should ask for the engineer’s OFTEC registration as well. OFTEC registered specialists have demonstrated their expertise with working on a variety of oil appliances and boilers. They can certify their own work without having to deal with the local building authority. You can verify the engineer’s registration through the OFTEC website.
Will the System be Power Flushed First?
That is a very important question that you should ask your engineer before they start. Power flushing allows you to remove any type of sludge or debris that might get stuck in your system. If the engineer installs your new boiler without performing a power flush first, this could mean that all the impurities and debris might end up damaging it. And not only that, but certain manufacturers will invalidate your warranty if your boiler was installed that way, even if it’s not always mentioned in the installation instructions.
Where Exactly will the Flue be Installed?
Knowing where the flue is installed is also very important so the condensation clouds don’t end up being a nuisance. Depending on where it is, you might have to invest in a plume kit, so you can redirect it. Gas Safe regulations dictate that the flue should be installed at a certain distance from windows, doors, air bricks, and any openings. This distance should be 300 mm minimum; however, it would be wise that you check with the manufacturer first.
Will the Boiler be Compliant with Boiler Plus Legislation?
New Boiler Plus regulations require new combination boiler systems to have some sort of energy-saving component. This may be in the form of load compensation, weather compensation, smart control with optimisation and automation, or a heat recovery system for flue gases.
What about the Magnetic Filter?
You should ask if the engineer will be installing a magnetic filter. While at first glance, they might seem a tad bit gimmicky, they do serve a purpose. Magnetic filters can catch metallic particles and debris that could easily get stuck in the thinner veined heat exchangers you often find on new boiler models. A nice filter will help keep your system clear and clean.
If you have the budget for it, then you should consider having a deaerator installed as well. Installing one on the flow will allow you to eliminate microbubbles from the system, which is one of the most common causes of corrosion. Fitting your return pipe with a filter and a deaerator on the flow will ensure that your system is running for a long time with minimal issues.
Has the Benchmark Page Been Completed?
Once you’ve found an engineer and the installation is completed, you have to make sure that the benchmark page on the manufacturer’s instruction book has been completed. The benchmark page is pretty much like a birth certificate for your boiler. You will use it to keep a servicing schedule and make sure that your warranty remains valid. You’d be surprised at how many times this portion is left blank. The manufacturer could decide to void your warranty if it is, so make sure that you do not neglect that part.
You could also call in a Gas Safe inspector completely free of charge once the installation is completed. They will check if everything was done properly and if there are any issues that should be addressed.
Conclusion
Choosing the right engineer is all about asking the right questions and making sure that they have the proper accreditation, expertise, and reputation. Make sure that you ask these questions if you search for recommended heating engineers in Bristol.
