We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum. This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are - or become - political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.
We're aware that dates on the Forum are not currently showing correctly. Please bear with us while we get this fixed, and see Site feedback for updates.
Gas boiler service contracts
Comments
-
Hi all
I'm a Heating Engineer myself, and offer gas services (regardless of type) for £75, and that includes completely stripping the boiler down into as many component parts as possible, cleaning and then reassembling.
British Gas on the other hand simply do a gas analysis on the flue and if the readings are within tollerances (which they usually are) then that constitutes your service. Without taking the casing off, how can you tell if there is evidence of a leak starting, from something like the auto-air vent which can corrode other components rendering the boiler unservicable and unrepairable?
I know quite a few ex-British Gas employees, and they were expected to carry out 20 - 25 gas services a DAY!!! At the most, I can expect to achieve 3, maybe four if I'm lucky and they are all in close proximity.
Regarding boilers, yes, older Potterton boilers like Kingfishers were reliable when they were just a gas valve, thermocouple, burner and boiler thermostat - nothing really to go wrong. But boilers today are not the same as they were 10 - 20 years ago. Potterton have been left behind in terms of technology, and reliability. Majority of budget boilers on the market now are all the same internals, just different badges on the outside.
Customers need to be looking at lesser known brands such as the Avanta Remaha, or Viessmann Vitodens boilers - these are extremely well designed and constructed boilers. I have a Vitodens 200 in my home, and in my opionion it is the most advanced boiler you can buy - it even conducts it's own gas analysis (like a car would) and adjusts itself to maintain optimum efficiency!
Yes, more to go wrong, but you simply cannot buy a Kingfisher type boiler these days because they are so inefficient.0 -
christine_scott wrote: »Quote christine - Potterton boiler the best! I have had mine for 22 years and only had it services once (I know thats not what you do!) Just recently took out BG had so much flak from them I cancelled now looking for someone else to take over - Might try Homeserve - Anyone tried them
I used npower Homeserve his year and last: they do a 30-point check and the engineer who on both occasionscame did a really thorough job. Would use them again, In the Summer, they reduce their charges. This year they are charging £49.99 instead of the usual £72 for a service."Some say the cup is half empty, while others say it is half full. However, this is skirting around the issue. The real problem is that the cup is too big."0 -
BG have more than 50% of this market as and not to sound bias but I think we are the most comprehensive.
Engineers owe BG a loyalty in there service for free training so its not a case they all jump shift.
We are expensive but you must always check T&Cs to find what suits you day in day out I remind people what emergency cover is is it is just for emergencys that is why it is cheaper BG attend no emergencys with no unexpected bills.
Working for BGS the best deals are to be had with local paper discountsHis Heart Proved He Was A RedSuarez, SuarezWe Bought The Lad From AmsterdamWe Know He's Not a Chelsea Fan.Fernando Torres = El Judas0 -
Hi all
I know quite a few ex-British Gas employees, and they were expected to carry out 20 - 25 gas services a DAY!!!
Was that after they flew to the moon to service apollo 9 ? sorry statements like that is what you hear down the boozer.
as for potterton it Baxi BG install as a dealership was signed.
As far as Im aware Potterton are in Liquidation ?His Heart Proved He Was A RedSuarez, SuarezWe Bought The Lad From AmsterdamWe Know He's Not a Chelsea Fan.Fernando Torres = El Judas0 -
Gerrard_8_lfc wrote: ».
As far as Im aware Potterton are in Liquidation ?
Good morning: Baxi Group (which includes Potterton) is merging with Remeha...more here.
HTH
CanuckleheadAsk to see CIPHE (Chartered Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering)0 -
I work as a self employed, gas-safe registered engineer in Wiltshire, Berkshire and surrounding areas. I predominantly work on Boiler Servicing and Landlord Safety checks. A good boiler, regularly serviced should last you many years, servicing should cost you approx £60 per annum. A good engineer will provide you with free information to ensure you keep safe and make the best decision based on your individual circumstances.0
-
are you for real darkcyde?bg engineers doing 20-25 boiler services a day? even if your jobs are all next door to each other you could only do 10 at the most. if you are doing three a day you really need to get a move on. stripping boilers down to the bones and rebuilding them is an absolute waste of time (passing time probably to justify the price). bg engineers are highly trained experts and strip & clean as nessessary on an annual service visit.0
-
are you for real darkcyde?bg engineers doing 20-25 boiler services a day? even if your jobs are all next door to each other you could only do 10 at the most. if you are doing three a day you really need to get a move on. stripping boilers down to the bones and rebuilding them is an absolute waste of time (passing time probably to justify the price). bg engineers are highly trained experts and strip & clean as nessessary on an annual service visit.
Agreed!
I was with BG Homecare for years and only left because they were just getting too expensive and 'pushing' for me to get new boilers on the pretext that parts couldn't be obtained.
The servicing on most boilers is simple - not a single adjustment required on the two I have - and BG fitters fully serviced both to the manufacturers servicing schedule - which is essentially clean burners and visual checks.0 -
My concern with BG is that they are totally inflexible about the time that they will come to service. My partner and I both work and cannot ba at home between 8-6 Monday to Friday. As a result we are looking for an alternative. It seems from the forum that the best bet is: find a local service engineer (is it really that easy to find a reputable one?) and extend household cover for emergencies with the rest of the gas system. Would people agree?0
-
My concern with BG is that they are totally inflexible about the time that they will come to service. My partner and I both work and cannot ba at home between 8-6 Monday to Friday. As a result we are looking for an alternative. It seems from the forum that the best bet is: find a local service engineer (is it really that easy to find a reputable one?) and extend household cover for emergencies with the rest of the gas system. Would people agree?
There is no doubt that to 'self insure' is generally the cheapest option; but finding a reputable service engineer is not always easy - there are the fair share of rip off merchants - as with all tradesmen these days.
Is it really an 'emergency' if your CH doesn't work for a day or two while you try to get a fitter? A £10 plug in heater will keep you warm in a room, and boil water if you don't have an immersion heater.0
This discussion has been closed.
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

Categories
- All Categories
- 348.3K Banking & Borrowing
- 252.1K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 452.4K Spending & Discounts
- 240.9K Work, Benefits & Business
- 617.2K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 175.6K Life & Family
- 254.1K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16K Discuss & Feedback
- 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards