Curious if there’s any reason why an engineer might not want to fit your boiler?
Many people who come to me tend to go about doing quite a bit of research online these days. Just like you’re doing now, in fact.
Whilst doing so, they may come across some cheap or budget boilers online, that look much more affordable than the price they’ve been quoted by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
But a lot of the time, it’s just not worth the risk – unless you know exactly what you’re looking for. Or perhaps you want to specify a boiler – or central heating system in general – that’s just not suited to your home. Be it old pipes, or the wrong sized output, there are many reasons why engineers may not want to fit it.
As an experienced engineer, I could tell you quite a few stories! But instead, I’m going to tell you why an engineer may not want to fit your boiler.
Why an engineer might not want to fit your boiler
Let’s start with buying a boiler online – it’s always a bit of a risk. However, saying that, you may have noticed that there are often some great-looking deals available. But are they all as good as they seem?
Well, let’s put it this way. If you know the exact technical specifications of boiler you need, and you’ve researched your brand, and buy from a reputable company, there’s probably less that could go wrong. However, your boiler will still have to be fitted by an accredited installer, and often boilers that are bought online are just that; standalone boilers.
This means that they won’t come with all the extra parts you’ll need (controls, flue, pipework, fittings etc.). Buying your boiler this way could also mean you’ll lose out on an extended guarantee. This is because accredited installers can only offer this if they provide the product themselves. In fact, because they can’t guarantee it, some may even refuse to fit it, full stop.
In the same way, the customer doesn’t always know best. We had a client recently who was a knowledgeable engineer and knew roughly what he wanted. We prepared a quote, and he said he wanted to go ahead with the work. He then sent an email detailing the way he wished us to carry out the work and wanted to specific which pipe and fittings he wished to use.
These weren’t the best choice for the job, and we had to call to explain we weren’t the best company to carry out the work. We encourage customers to have an input or opinions of the positions of the pipework and the location of the boiler, but we won’t fit something that won’t give you the best system as a result.
Why you’re better buying from an accredited installer
As I mentioned above, buying online can seem cheaper at first, but once you’ve factored in installation costs, parts and labour, you might not be saving much. And you could lose out on a guarantee of up to 10 years! Accredited installers may actually be able to offer you a better deal. You won’t know unless you ask, though!
They can also talk you through all your options, and give you the best possible advice. Another good reason to get your boiler from an accredited installer is that they may give you up to £400 cash back for your old boiler. And they’ll often register the guarantee for you, so you don’t have to worry!
Not forgetting the peace of mind an experienced engineer can give you. They can ensure you get the right boiler that’s suited to your home – instead of over-specifiying, or even worse, feeling cold in the depths of winter.
TIP: For a fuller picture, check out my blog ‘5 Benefits of Hiring a Worcester Bosch Accredited Installer’.
Advice from an experienced engineer
I always recommend going to an accredited installer when buying your new boiler. They can offer you a good deal that includes everything you need – from parts and labour, to smart controls and a magnetic central heating filter. Plus, you know that they’ve been through all the right training and have plenty of knowledge and expertise!
If you buy online, and then approach an accredited installer, they may refuse to install your new boiler. And you could lose out on your extended guarantee! So, if you can, take my advice and get 2 – 3 fixed price quotes from reliable installers, instead. That should give you the peace of mind that you’re getting a good deal.
There could be other issues that mean an engineer won’t want to fit your new boiler. For instance, you may want to connect it to an old one-pipe system; not recommended. Or, you may have old twin entry valves that will leak under pressure. These are occasions where I wouldn’t fit a new boiler unless the additional work was carried out.
One time, a customer wanted a boiler that was significantly over-specified for their property, and the brand they were looking at was very cheap and unreliable. It made sense not to carry out the work.
Conclusion
Thanks for reading. I hope this blog has helped explain why some installers may not want to fit your boiler. I’d tell anyone to seek out an accredited installer, and go from there. This is because they can often give you a better deal that includes everything you’ll need from your installation.
Do you have any specific questions about buying a boiler online? Leave me a comment below. I’m happy to help!
