Buying a new boiler can be similar to going to the dentist: expensive and a little scary – especially when it comes to being taken for a ride by less-than-honest fitters. As you might have noticed when buying from builders and plumbers, not knowing the lingo (or the products) makes you vulnerable to some pretty dodgy dealings. When buying a replacement heating system for your home, you should always ask for multiple quotes. While comparing prices, also keep an eye out for these common red flags and do the relevant checks before signing any paperwork.
- Red flag: Ghost Survey
If a salesman will happily give you a fixed-price quotation over the phone or by email, without visiting your house, alarm bells should ring. This person will never see your house, so how do they know whether the water pressure is too low or the flue location is tricky? If they don’t physically inspect your house, there could be a list of unexpected extra costs for the work on installation day. For reputable Boiler Replacement Cheltenham, visit //www.blu-fish.co.uk/gas-heating-services-cheltenham/new-boilers-cheltenham/
- Red flag: Discount
While no one will look a gift horse in the mouth, if you’re quoted almost a grand more than someone else for what seems to be exactly the same boiler installation, something’s up. It’s easy to cut corners when supplying and fitting a replacement, such as not doing a chemical system flush, using unbranded valves instead of ones from proper manufacturers or not registering the boiler to invalidate the warranty.
- Red flag: Trust Me Mate
An easy way for your prospective installer to sound convincing and seem like ‘your mate’ is to say things like: ‘I’ve replaced loads of that old boiler model, I’m sure yours is the same size.’ Sounds legit – but is it? You need to know why the guy thinks he’s right, because he should be measuring up properly, not taking shortcuts. The installer should be working out your requirements based on your home’s specifications, including the number of radiators, the thickness of your insulation, your hot water usage and so on.
- Red flag: Can’t provide a Gas Safe registration number
The person turning up to install your boiler has got to be Gas Safe registered. Even if they are, they need to prove it. The fitter will not have any legitimate reason not to give you their unique registration number. You should verify that number on the official register. If they become evasive or seem confused, you need to get out.
- Red flag: Today Only
‘OK, if you act now, it will cost you £500 less than anyone else will charge but you have to make your mind up today otherwise it will go up by 30 per cent!’ Run for the hills. Nobody who is serious about installing your new boiler – who has all the appropriate certification, equipment and insurance – will behave this way.
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