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HOW TO GET QUOTATIONS

It is advisable to get several quotes before deciding to go ahead and have a boiler/system fitted.  Before you contact anybody you must decide what you want from your system. If left to the installer, chances are he’ll put in what is easiest for him, and not necessarily what is best for you. So it pays to do your homework first, the more effort you put in now, the more money and inconvenience you could save later.

A central heating system is only as good as the controls that are fitted, so it is often worth paying more for the installation to get good controls. These will also reduce fuel bills and extend the life of the system.

If you’ve been advised to get a new boiler by a heating engineer it is still worth getting a second opinion, as in all walks of life opinions will vary. If your boiler is very old, has an open flue or has been leaking for some time, then chances are you would be better off changing it for a more efficient one.

Make sure the installer can repair the appliance he is fitting and won’t pass you on to a third party for maintenance.  

See the "Chess 2002" before getting quotations

Ask family, friends or work mates: -

·        What type of system do they have?

·        How long has it been in?

·        How often has it broken down?

·        How much did it cost to repair?

·        What type of controls have they got?

·        What don't they like about there own system?

·        What are the fuel bills like (dependent on type & age of property)?

And ask yourself “What do I want”: -

·        Instant or stored Hot water?

·        Do you want mains pressure hot water (unvented cylinder)

·        How many different zones do I want to heat independently?

·        What type of controls do I want?

·        Do I want a more efficient boiler?  

·        Do I want an electric immersion heater as a backup?  

If you decide on a fully pumped system then decide what type of boiler should go with it and do you want an unvented cylinder. If you decide on a particular make of boiler or cylinder then get the manufacturer’s specification, either from the local supplier or from the web. Check carefully and choose one that meets your needs.

Once you’re armed with this information you can get some quotes, but make sure they all quote for the same specification: -

·        Make and model of boiler

·        Type of system, sizes of pipes (copper or plastic)

·        Type and volume of cylinder with or without secondary circulation

·        Type & make of controls

·        Sizes, position and make of radiators

You should also ask the following questions at the same time as obtaining the quotes: -

·        Will the system be fitted, flushed out and commissioned as per the manufacturer’s instructions?

·        Will corrosion inhibitor be put in the system, if so, which one? (Sentinel or Fernox)

·        Will the installer maintain the system even after the guarantee has expired?

·        Will the system be installed to the April 2002 Building regulations Part L?

·        Are they CORGI Registered (in the CH category? ) note CORGI registration only means they are safe to work on gas But they may not Necessarily have any appliance or CH system training other then the ACS  (which is compulsory)

·        Will they fill out and leave the "Bench Mark" Card as well as all the installation instructions

If they are not prepared to quote in this detail, then they will probably be putting in what is cheapest for them.

When they have given you the quote a reputable firm will leave you to think about it, but in any case never sign up on the first visit. Sit down once you have enough quotes to compare and discuss which you feel is reasonably priced and which you feel most confident in. Then phone them back when you have made your decision. Under no circumstance fall for the “one night offer” which is

" If you sign up now you will get a big discount and you will loose it if you don't sign up now"

If this happens show them the door because all they want is your money.

The worst type of quote goes like this: -

To fit a combination boiler with 7 radiators £xxxx.xx

As you can not possibly know what you are getting for your money.

Prices of different manufactures vary quite a lot, but there is no substitute for quality. The cheapest quote may not be the worst, and the most expensive is no guarantee of being the best.

LEGALLY YOU MUST BE CORGI REGISTERED TO WORK ON OR INSTALL A GAS APPLIANCE !!!!

Check by Clicking on the CORGI symbol below

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