If you’re looking for a local heating engineer, someone who can get to you quickly, and who’s also professional and affordable. We can help.
There are around 1.1 million gas jobs carried out each year illegally, by tradesman not skilled enough to handle the work.
In this article, we’ll help you find a suitable, trusted central heating specialist. Read on to find out how to identify a trustworthy heating specialist, along with some tips on how to spot a rogue trader.
A Big Must – Check the professional’s registration on the Gas Safe Register.
This is important, and you should check this before inviting any specialist into your home. Even if the professional is suggested by a family member or friend, it is always advised to check them out at Gas Safe. If the professional is not registered, he or she is not qualified to work on any boiler or heating appliance in your home.
Knowing the details of the engineer will help you to find out his qualification even before his arrival. Contact Gas Safe to check the Register. You will need a 7-digit license number of your booked specialist to check his registration. This 7-digit number is present on his ID card, and most reputable installers will also display their Gas Safe number on their website.
Even if you don’t have this 7-digit number, don’t worry! All registered central heating specialist carry their Gas Safe ID card. So, never hesitate to check their ID card when they arrive at your home.
The engineer is a central heating specialist, but is he qualified to do your job?
On the engineer’s ID card, you will see his photo, expiry date, and on the back of the card there are tasks mentioned for which he is qualified. Check what type of work he is qualified to do before allowing him to repair your boiler or appliances. On the ID card, you can find appliances listed such as, gas boiler, water heater, cooker and so on. Make sure your chosen professional has the correct appliances listed, that match your specific job.
Recommendations from friends and family
Although a recommendation can’t always be your final decision to hire an engineer, you can always consider suggestions. So, ask friends and loved ones about the local professionals they’ve worked with recently. Once you have details of some specialists, give them a call and let them know your issue.
According to their ID card, ask for their job list in order to ensure that they can handle your work efficiently. Also, ask them for their Gas Safe number. Once you get the number you can check their registration with Gas Safe to be sure you are hiring a trustworthy and experienced professional.
Rely on reliable directories
You can find many reliable sources from directories and can note down the contact details of specialists. But yes, there are many untrustworthy sources too.
Always consider the recommendations of friends and family first, but if they are unable to provide any information about a specialist, then find a reliable online directory such as Checkatrade, where you can check real customer reviews and pictures of previous work carried out by a local heating engineer or heating company.
You can easily find a qualified engineer near your area, such as West Sussex, by doing a quick online search for ‘central heating installation West Sussex’, for example, and seeing which reliable directories show up in the search results.
Warnings regarding rogue traders
Below are some of the common activities which can often point to a rogue trader:
- Advertise as being able to undertake all other tasks such as electrical work, building work, plumbing work, kitchen and bathroom fitting.
- Many unskilled professionals carry the Gas Safe Logo. They can use this logo on their advertising material, paperwork and even on their vehicle. But a logo never indicates that they’re qualified. The best way to know their eligibility is to ask for their Gas Safe Number or call the Gas Safe Register as discussed above.
- Rogue traders often use over technical jargon to confuse you.
- They may demand cash before the work is done and often charge more than they quoted.
West Sussex Heating- A Leading Heating Company in West Sussex
Our vastly experienced central heating specialist can take care of all your heating needs, keeping your home warm and cosy all year through.
We’re Gas Safe Registered and fully insured for all heating work carried out in your home.
Contact our heating company in West Sussex today for a free fixed price quote.
