Can you remind me when the servicing is due each year?
People do tend to forget when they last had their boiler serviced, so I will write or phone to remind you.
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I work full time and it is very difficult for me to get time off. Can you give me a timed appointment or do I need to hang around for you the whole day?
When you call me, I will be pleased to arrange a timed or Saturday morning appointment if you prefer.I work full time and it is very difficult for me to get time off. Can you give me a timed appointment or do I need to hang around for you the whole day?
When you call me, I will be pleased to arrange a timed or Saturday morning appointment if you prefer.
How long does a boiler service take?
From start to finish it takes approx 1 hour-it depends on what model of boiler you have got. The cost is standard though.
How can you tell if my boiler is working safely and economically after you have serviced it?
After some preliminary tests, I will strip your boiler down, clean out any dust build-up, check the operation of all the safety devices on the boiler, check and if necessary adjust the gas pressure-the final check is carried out using an electronic device called a combustion performance tester. Once I have completed the service on your boiler I will then check and test your whole central heating system, radiators & tanks even the ones in your loft! (some heating systems don’t have tanks!).
Is it true they put a smell in gas so we can tell if it leaks?
That is true. But the problem with a gas boiler leaking carbon monoxide is that there is NO smell.
My boiler seems to be working perfectly fine, so why should I bother getting it serviced?
When your boiler is working to provide you with heat & hot water, it is burning gas inside a precision made device which is dependant on- All the flue seals being sound, the air supply & ventilation being adequate, all the boiler safety devices functioning correctly, the correct gas pressure being present, the boiler being clean and all the components being intact. So although your boiler may seem to be working fine-it may in fact not be working in a safe condition!
Are you experienced in all makes and types of boiler and central heating?
Yes, since I left school I have been a boiler and central heating engineer, I started as an apprentice in 1981 with British Gas and stayed with them until October 2004.
Why would a person servicing or repairing my boiler need to be GAS SAFE registered?
GAS SAFE check the competency of gas service engineers by making sure they have passed both practical and theory exams relating to the installation and maintenance of gas appliances. By law any person working on gas appliances and pipework must be GAS SAFE registered.
Why should I have my boiler serviced each year?
For your boiler to work safely & economically, all boiler manufacturers recommend that the appliance is serviced each year by a competent person (GAS SAFE registered).
Gas Safety – Top 10 Tips
Gas Safety Tips from Thames Valley Boilercare
1. Always check that an engineer is Gas Safe registered.
It is against the law for anyone to do work on gas appliances in the United Kingdom, Isle of Man or Guernsey unless they are on the Gas Safe Register. Always check that an engineer is Gas Safe registered before you let them work in your home on the Gas Safe Register website or by calling 0800 408 5500.
2. Registered gas engineers will have a Gas Safe ID card.
The Gas Safe ID card looks like this:
There are different kinds of registration – for example, someone may be registered to work on your boiler or pipework, but they might not be qualified to install a gas fire. You can check what kind of work they are qualified to do on the back of their card.
3. It’s illegal for someone who works for a Gas Safe-registered business to do private work.
Hiring someone who normally works for a reputable firm, but is doing some extra work ‘on the side’ isn’t the good idea it might seem – it’s actually illegal.
4. Report anyone who you suspect of working on gas illegally.
If you think someone is working on gas illegally, report them to the Gas Safe Register and they will investigate their work.
5. Nominate your gas work for an inspection.
If you’ve had gas work done in the last six months, you can nominate it for a free gas safety inspection from Gas Safe to make sure it’s up to scratch.
6. If you move house, get your appliances tested.
If you move into a new home, don’t assume the appliances are safe – get everything checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
7. Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning – it could save your life:
- headaches
- dizziness
- nausea
- breathlessness
- collapse or loss of consciousness
- symptoms which disappear or get better when you leave home and come back when you return
- other people (and animals) experiencing the same symptoms at the same time
8. Know what to do if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning.
Know what to do if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning:
- get fresh air immediately – open the doors and windows
- turn off any gas appliances and turn the gas off at the meter
- extinguish naked flames
- leave the house
- see your doctor immediately or go to hospital – let them know that you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning
- call the Gas Emergency Helpline on 0800 111 999 if you think there’s any danger
9. Check for warning signs that your appliances may not be working properly.
Check for warning signs that your appliances may not be working properly:
- the flame on your gas cooker should be crisp and blue. Lazy yellow or orange flames mean you need to get your cooker checked
- you may see soot or black marks or staining around or on gas appliances
- your pilot lights may go out frequently
- you may see increased condensation inside your windows
10. Get an audible carbon monoxide alarm.
Get an audible carbon monoxide alarm. You can’t taste, smell or see carbon monoxide, so an alarm is a good way to protect yourself. Carbon monoxide alarms look like a smoke alarm and are easy to install and should cost under £20. Make sure the alarm you buy has a British or European approval mark on it, such as a Kitemark.
Gas Safe Registered
