Frequent
Questions
What is the job of a heating engineer?
A heating engineer deals with the heating of your space. Heating engineers design, install, service, repair and maintain the fittings, fixtures, and pipe work used in order to heat your building.
Heating engineers will usually be regulated by a governing body, in the instance of gas heating engineers that body is GasSafeRegister. Anybody working on gas in the UK must hold a GasSafe registration. Ours is 41203 and has been since the inception of the council of registered gas installers (CORGI).
When to call a heating engineer?
If you are looking for someone to help you with your heating system, you should reach out to a heating engineer. If you’ve got to book a boiler service or boiler repair, a heating engineer is the right person to call.
Is a heating engineer the same as a plumber?
While a heating engineer focuses on heating systems and works with boilers, radiators, thermostats and hot water systems. A plumber works on water appliances such as taps, sinks, dishwashers, showers, toilets and drainage.
Do I need a heating engineer or a plumber?
Heating engineers will take care of your home’s or business’s heating system. If you have an issue with your boiler, radiators, thermostat or hot water system you should call a heating engineer. When working with gas-fired appliances, heating engineers must be Gas Safe registered, and hold OFTEC certification when working on oil boilers.
On the other hand, when you need a professional to deal with appliances that involve water, (such as dishwashers, taps or toilets) you need a plumber.
Can I install more efficient or smart controls to my existing heating system?
Of course. Technology moves quickly, only a few years ago the idea of controlling every aspect of your home from a mobile device would’ve seemed futuristic but now it’s the norm. Optimised smart control schemes can make a huge difference to usage patterns and fuel consumption.
The good news is, most existing systems are able to integrate such control schemes without complete replacement. Better still, when you do come to replace your boiler or entire system your new control scheme will be ready to accept your new efficient system.
How long do boilers last?
A good quality central heating boiler, correctly maintained should give in excess of 10 years of reliable service.
What does having a new boiler involve?
This will vary depending on what type of system you are having installed and the type you already have installed in your house. Combination boilers have been in use for a good number of years now and if yours is ageing and needs replacement with an efficient newer model the replacement procedure can be very painless, with minimal downtime or disruption. Often completed in two days or less.
If you are changing from one type of system to another this can take longer but a carefully planned installation should still minimise downtime and disruption. Call us to discuss how we can upgrade your system for greater comfort and efficiency with minimal hassle.
Can I relocate my boiler?
Absolutely, with space at a premium in many properties, people often choose to locate their boiler and hot water systems in otherwise unused spaces. This can be part of a garage, outbuilding, loft space or even as simple as beneath your staircase. Modern appliances are inherently safe and often require little ventilation so your siting options are often limited by only your imagination.
What happens if I don’t service my boiler?
Like any complex machinery your boiler requires ongoing maintenance. You wouldn’t expect a car to operate properly without having it regularly serviced and a boiler is no different. Combine this with the requirement of a complete service history for any warranty support, servicing represents very good value for money and peace of mind.
How much would a new boiler cost?
There is a wide range of boilers available for different applications and to suit different requirements so it’s always best to discuss your new system with a qualified engineer. For a simple combination boiler replacement in a three bedroom house you could expect to pay in the region of £2500. This would increase with the complexity of the installation or size requirement.
How often should a boiler be serviced in the UK?
Annually. Manufacturers recommend annual servicing for gas fired boilers and will only honour warranty work on that basis. In rented accommodation, gas appliances need to be checked for safety annually also, we recommend appliances are fully serviced in conjunction with these checks.