Wondering how you can use your boiler quote to find the right installer?
If you’re worried about choosing the right installer, you’re not alone. Choosing a new boiler can be stressful, and it can often be tough knowing who to trust.
The good news is that you can use your boiler quote to find the right engineer (or company) for the job. Especially if you’re getting 2 – 3 fixed price quotes like I recommend! In fact, don’t do this without it.
Below, I’ve highlighted five ways you can use your boiler quote to ensure you’re getting the right deal.
1. Check all the details are correct and match up
Gotten your three fixed price quotes? Good. Take your time comparing them all. This will help you ensure the company you select is a) recommending roughly the same as everyone else and b) you’re definitely getting a good price.
In order to do this correctly, you need to check everything they’ve quoted, including:
- The size/output of boiler (there’s quite a difference between a 34kW and a 38kW for example)
- The type and brand of boiler (combi, regular or system – is it the same model? Is someone offering you a compact version? Why?)
- The length of guarantee you’ll get (some may offer a 10-year guarantee, whereas others may only give you a five or eight years)
- Whether they’re including a magnetic central heating filter as standard? (It should be part of your deal)
- Whether they’re going to cleanse the system
- Whether they’ve included good, economical controls such as a programmable room thermostat
If they’ve said different things to other companies, ask why. If a company is reputable and trustworthy, they’ll explain certain decisions in their quote. But if you’re ever uncertain about anything, they should always take the time to answer you. If they won’t? Tell them goodbye.
TIP: Read my blog post ‘8 Things to Do Before Accepting an Edinburgh Boiler Company Quote’ for more information.
2. Are they going to register your all your guarantees for you?
Think of when you get a new phone. You have to log in, get all the details, find the serial number etc. This is something you don’t want to have to worry about that when you buy a new boiler and/or controls. You probably wouldn’t even know where to look!
That’s why it’s important to check that your chosen boiler installer will do everything, so that you don’t have to worry. If this isn’t detailed on your quote, always ask your installer if they’ll do this for you. And that you’ll receive all the paperwork through the post.
TIP: This also includes your smart controls or programmable thermostat.
3. Will they take away all your rubbish and clean up after themselves?
Again, very important. If your chosen boiler company are going to be installing a new boiler and taking away the old one, there’s going to be a lot of mess. And the last thing you should have to worry about it hiring a rubbish contractor.
It should be included in your quote that the company will take away all of the rubbish, scrap your old boiler and clean up after themselves. They should also ensure everything that can be is properly recycled – not just dumped by the side of the road. This helps ensure you’re choosing a green, responsible company.
4. Are you getting the right boiler for your home?
Remember how I mentioned above that a 34kW boiler is very different from a 38kW? Well, you’ll need to ensure you’re getting the correct boiler for your house – and that you’re not being under or overspecified. Your engineer should measure your heat loss, and explain how this is worked out.
Ask one or two people to go over flow rates and specifications for you, so you can understand the output of boiler you need. Then, check your boiler quotes thoroughly to ensure you’ll be getting what you need.
5. Will they cleanse and flush the system?
This absolutely has to be included in your quote. This is because ALL companies have to do this. It’s also recommended that they install a magnetic central heating filter – as this is something most manufacturers vouch for. It’ll help protect your boiler in the long-run.
If this is unclear on your quote, or any of those things are missing, always ask.
Advice from an experienced engineer
Along with everything I’ve mentioned above, always ensure you get your boiler quote in writing. Not over the phone, or – God forbid – in a text message. (And I’ve seen some companies do this!) – Getting everything detailed in writing not only protect you, it also protects your installer.
I’ve been to a few jobs recently where I’ve given a quote, and then the person came back to me saying they’ve had another quote £400 cheaper. The reason that they’re calling me back is because they like what I’ve said, but someone else is very, very cheap. But when you look between the lines, they’ve been offered a different brand, lower guarantee, and they’re wary of the how cheap it is.
At this point, they’re usually wondering if I can do anything about the price. To which I always say, don’t trust it if it’s too cheap. I get more jobs because I give honest, truthful information. One guy wanted a good price, and I ended up giving him a discount, but told him I can’t do any better or I’d have to start taking shortcuts.
I’ve got to make a profit, most companies can’t do things for nothing. But taking shortcuts will backfire in the long-run.
If you’re still on the fence, never be pressurised into making a decision. Say a company tells you they’ll only do this deal for tonight, or if you ‘sign up now’, I don’t believe that. If you were to call on Monday, would they really tell you ‘no’? Most reputable companies won’t use high-pressure tactics, so err on the side of caution.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! How to use your boiler quote to ensure you’re getting the right installer for the job! Just pay attention to some of the tips above, and you’ll know what to look out for. I want to help you ensure you get the best deal, which is why I’m here to help.
Anything else you want to know about choosing a boiler installer? Leave me a question in the comments. I’m always happy to hear from you – and I promise to respond.
