Gas maintenance contract - worth it?

Catbells

HI
Like many here I'm trying to cut back SENSIBLY. I pay £42 a month for a British Gas Homeserve contract for which I get 2 boilers serviced annually and any problems related to radiators etc sorted - just had a new radiator and a new room control fitted plus a new part on one of the boilers. Is there a cheaper way to make sure my boilers are serviced? I suspect not but would be glad of any comments/experiences/ suggestions.

Also British Gas said I MAY need a system flush and quoted £700. This seems very high. Are there any other people who would do this job for considerably less? Thanks.

Cardew

There are loads of threads on gas maintenance contracts and what appears to be BG's latest fashion 'system power flushing'.

Rather than repeat all the points, I suggest you search for some threads.

I am with BG for gas and electricity(I also have two CH systems) and am with their Energy Extra 50 scheme. I pay £2 a month and have priority call out with any repair to CH system, sewers and electrics costing £99.

They also service boilers for £50.

smjxm09

You could self insure and put away £42 into a dedicated savings account. Most people would make a saving that way as they do a fixed price boiler repair including parts and labour for under £200 if you live outside London

smjxm09

Cardew wrote: »

I am with BG for gas and electricity(I also have two CH systems) and am with their Energy Extra 50 scheme. I pay £2 a month and have priority call out with any repair to CH system, sewers and electrics costing £99.

They also service boilers for £50.

I think that BG don't actually service the boiler but just do a safety check.

Cardew

smjxm09 wrote: »

I think that BG don't actually service the boiler but just do a safety check.

Not so.

They service it according to the manufacturer's service schedule.

For many boilers this servicing is very simple and involves cleaning the burners and checks.

I have the full servicing schedule for both boilers at my property and there is not a single adjustment, or replacement of any part, required on either.

This gives the details of the EnergyExtra50

EnergyExtra 50 - £2 a month

• class=included>one-off repairs for your gas central heating systems, plumbing & drains and home electrical wiring included
• guaranteed same or next day latest engineer visit for central heating repairs when you have either no heat or hot water and same or next day latest repairs for plumbing and drains and home electrical wiring
• each completed repair and any related faults costs £99 (unrelated faults will be charged separately)
• optional Boiler Service for only £50
• unlimited call-outs

1£2 per month is the introductory price until 1 January 2011 for sign-ups before 31 December 2009, after which date you will revert to the standard price


[/QUOTE]
1. Costs £3 a month from 1 Jan 2011

You have to be a BG dual fuel customer for this service.

smjxm09

Got a link as I can't find this option on their website.

What I did find was this about their boiler service:

Gas pressure check to ensure the boiler is operating at the correct gas pressure
A flue test to ensure there are no unsafe emissions from your boiler
Inspect your boiler and controls to make sure they are operating safely
Leave a HomeCare® checklist with you with information about boiler safety
Visually inspect the boiler to check for corrosion and leaks

I don't call that a service just an inspection

Catbells

smjxm09 wrote: »

You could self insure and put away £42 into a dedicated savings account. Most people would make a saving that way as they do a fixed price boiler repair including parts and labour for under £200 if you live outside London

Thanks smj. Your suggestion is attractive but please tell me what a dedicated savings account is. Also when you say they do a fixed price boiler repair are you referring to British Gas? If so I'd have to check as I live in London. Thanks.

Catbells

smjxm09 wrote: »

I think that BG don't actually service the boiler but just do a safety check.

Yes, will double check to find out exactly what is included in the service. The upside is that they'll come out double quick and are reliable to fix any problem.

bundly

I've lived in this house 10 years and the previous one 3 years, inherited GCH boilers in both so no idea how old they were, never had a maintenance contract and neither ever went wrong.

Catbells

Cardew wrote: »

Not so.

They service it according to the manufacturer's service schedule.

For many boilers this servicing is very simple and involves cleaning the burners and checks.

I have the full servicing schedule for both boilers at my property and there is not a single adjustment, or replacement of any part, required on either.

This gives the details of the EnergyExtra50

• class=included>one-off repairs for your gas central heating systems, plumbing & drains and home electrical wiring included
• guaranteed same or next day latest engineer visit for central heating repairs when you have either no heat or hot water and same or next day latest repairs for plumbing and drains and home electrical wiring
• each completed repair and any related faults costs £99 (unrelated faults will be charged separately)
• optional Boiler Service for only £50
• unlimited call-outs

1£2 per month is the introductory price until 1 January 2011 for sign-ups before 31 December 2009, after which date you will revert to the standard price

1. Costs £3 a month from 1 Jan 2011

You have to be a BG dual fuel customer for this service.[/QUOTE]

I think I'm missing something here Cardew. How can £3 a month be justified to BG. And for such a service. Its pretty much identical to the Homeserve deal I have apart from the extra £50 boiler service which if paid annually still wouldn't exceed the annual total paid to Homeserve. I don't understand this.

Catbells

bundly wrote: »

I've lived in this house 10 years and the previous one 3 years, inherited GCH boilers in both so no idea how old they were, never had a maintenance contract and neither ever went wrong.

Maybe you are a lucky one! Don't speak too soon though...

My house is quite old (3 hundred years) and creaky and draughty even though we've had double glazing put in there's a draft from somewhere - maybe the old chimney - which makes a draft curtain balloon out sometimes. I pay £120 a month for my gas on a budget scheme with Atlantic and am SO careful as my bill for this quarter last year was £700. EEK