What to look for when selecting a boiler repair company
This article is designed as a general guide for homeowners.
If your boiler is on the blink or has stopped working completely, it’s advised that you contact a boiler repair company who can come out to assess and fix the issue as soon as possible. However, finding a qualified and trustworthy professional may be tricky. Professionals understand the dangers involved in gas boiler repair and are trained to anticipate problems as they arise. This is why it’s so important to use a Gas Safe registered heating engineer instead of fixing the problem yourself or using a sub-standard heating engineer who isn’t registered with any bodies or schemes. Read on to find out how to select a boiler repair company.
Who fixes boilers?
You may be wondering whether there’s a difference between a plumber and a heating engineer - aren’t they the same thing?
Well, plumbers can do a number of things, such as installing bathrooms, appliances, drainage, hot and cold feeds and more. Plumbers can also install gas appliances, such as a boiler, if they’re on the Gas Safe register. This is important, as being on the register enables them to deal with gas and not just water. A heating engineer is someone who specialises in heating systems. They will likely have worked in domestic and commercial buildings, installing a range of heating systems.
Either a plumber or heating engineer can take a look at your boiler, but you should always check that they’re Gas Safe registered before having any work undertaken.
Finding a gas boiler repair company
Now that you understand the importance of selecting an engineer who’s on the Gas Safe register, it’s time to find a suitable boiler repair company who can get your home warm and toasty again in no time.
In the UK we have a lot of choice when it comes down to selecting a boiler repair company. Although the Gas Safe register is the first place you should visit for gas boiler repair engineers, there are many different companies to choose from. Picking the right one can be tricky because no one wants to go through the nightmare of dealing with a poor installation. So should you pick a well-known national company or an independent local firm?
National vs. local repair companies
Large organisations already have credibility and trust, which is why many people choose them when looking for a residential boiler repair company. They often have many heating engineers on their books, so they’ll be able to find the right engineer for your needs. The downside is that you may pay more for your boiler repair bill.
Another option is to consider using a local gas boiler repair company. The upside is that you’re likely to pay less for repair of your heating system, but are they trustworthy?
Fortunately these days there are a number of websites where you can read reviews beforehand to get a good idea of the gas boiler repair companies service level. Another option is to ask friends or family members if they are local to you. Getting word of mouth recommendations from people can be a good approach to take.
What to look for in a boiler repair company
Whether you choose a national or local repair company, there are some things that you must check before hiring them or allowing them to complete any work.
1. Years in operation
A good and reputable boiler repair company that has been in business for a long time will likely be good, otherwise they probably wouldn’t still be functioning. Generally, they have a solid customer base that is loyal to them (businesses that have bad customer experience rarely hold onto their customers). It also suggests that they’ve been making repairs for a long time and have plenty of experience. So if they’ve been in operation for a few years, that’s definitely a tick in the right box.
2. Manufacturer preference
Most boiler repair companies may have a manufacturer preference. When this is the case, it’s likely that they regularly install said manufacturer’s boilers and means that you can trust them. They work closely with the company so that they can provide the very best support for gas boiler repairs. If they’re an expert in a particular make of boiler, this could save you money in parts and labour time, too.
3. Customer care and support
One of the most important aspects of selecting a boiler repair company is their customer care.
Nowadays, it’s very easy to find reviews via sites such as Trustpilot and Checkatrade, and you should take the time to do this and find out what other customers have said. Reviews can also be found on Facebook pages and even their website.
It may also be a good idea to directly ask the engineer or company for references from their previous customers. That way you’ll get an objective viewpoint from people who have experienced the gas boiler repair company firsthand.
4. Ask the engineer what they plan to do
Although you might not have much of an idea of how a boiler works, a good gas engineer should be able to explain what the issue is and how they plan to fix it.
5. Proof of insurance
A reputable company should have liability insurance. This means that if an engineer were to cause damage to your property accidentally, the damages could be covered.
6. Professional qualifications and accreditations
You should check that the engineer is Gas Safe Registered and ask to see their card, this will prove that they have the right qualifications. Equally you may wish to find out if they are members of any professional bodies such as the The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) which will keep them in touch with the latest innovations in the industry.
To find a list of Viessmann engineers in your area who are all Gas Safe registered, use our find an installer tool.
Final thought
Once any recommended work has been carried out and your boiler is up and running again, we suggest asking for a completed, signed and written report from your gas boiler service engineer. Boiler repair companies can sometimes overlook this aspect, but it’s an important piece of documentation that shows exactly what work was carried out, when and by whom.