You may be worried about accidentally employing 'cowboy' central heating installers. The problem is, you will probably only find out when it is far too late; when the job is under way. The majority of these installers don't have real Public Liability Insurance. This means if any problems arise you will not be covered for damage to your home or people. Your own home insurancewill probably not cover you fully either depending on what has happened. We hear this from many people when we are called to put things right.
Here, we offer our own thoughts about this. It is from our perspective as a reputable central heating installer, but also from your perspective as a homeowner and purchaser of central heating related products.
Ask friends and associates to recommend a central heating installer. This is not a 100% guarantee but at least you will know that they have at least one happy customer!
Ask them about their qualifications
You may not always be told the truth if the person is unqualified. Gas Safe gas installers will show you a credit card sized identity card, and you can check their membership. There is an increasing problem in the industry with plumbers claiming they are Gas safe registered when they are dfinately not. If they fail to produce a Gas safe identity card when requested (complete with photograph of the member), then chances are they are not.
Be aware that the more generalised organisations are getting a bad reputation for having commission-paid recruiting agents (salesmen) who allow admission to just about anyone who is willing to pays the substantial membership fee.
Check they have valid public liability insurance. Insurance pays you if the tradesperson causes you loss due to their own negligence. Many tradespeople are not at all wealthy and would find it very difficult to meet a large claim if they were not insured. Many are not insured, and you could be the loser if your tradesman does not have it.
Take a look at our checklist below. If you are about to engage a central heating installer be aware of the points below
