New boiler installation - what you need for valid warranty

Warmingup

Most boiler manufacturers are now requiring a Benchmark Checklist to be completed by the installer. Without it, the warranty is void.

I only found out about this when my new boiler documents were handed over. Guess what? the installer has

not completed the checklist. Now wondering if I should not pay him until he's done it.

The Benchmark scheme is voluntary for the installer (they have to pay £35pa to belong to the scheme). It is

supposed to weed out cowboy installers, but to me it looks more like a way for manufacturers to avoid

warranty responsibilities. I don't see how it can help consumers if they don't find out about the scheme until

after installation. Anyway, I'm now on collision course with the installer, and no idea what my rights are.

I am willing to pay the installer for his work, but reluctant to pay full price for work that can't be warrantied. Any suggestions please?

fluffnutter

Have you expressed your concerns, pointed out the lack of checklist invalidates your warranty and asked him to complete it?

Have you asked the manufacturer whether they'll accept a checklist soon after installation from a different engineer who is part of the scheme? If they will, it might be possible to get someone else to confirm that your boiler has been correctly installed thus enabling you to meet the conditions of your warranty.

Warmingup

fluffnutter wrote: »

Have you expressed your concerns, pointed out the lack of checklist invalidates your warranty and asked him to complete it?

Have you asked the manufacturer whether they'll accept a checklist soon after installation from a different engineer who is part of the scheme? If they will, it might be possible to get someone else to confirm that your boiler has been correctly installed thus enabling you to meet the conditions of your warranty.

Thanks for reply. Haven't asked him yet, but it's clear he should have done it before handing over the documents. Also, his credentials indicate that he should know about the Benchmark scheme.

fluffnutter

Warmingup wrote: »

Thanks for reply. Haven't asked him yet, but it's clear he should have done it before handing over the documents. Also, his credentials indicate that he should know about the Benchmark scheme.

Let's hope that all he needs is a gentle reminder...

Warmingup

Found this on the internet:

7 June 2011
Glen Dimplex has warned installers to check the small print of boiler warranties before purchase.

Managing director Colin Gardner has issued a statement saying: “Every year around 1.6 million people need to replace their gas boiler and a genuine extended warranty not only provides valuable peace of mind for homeowners, it also enables installers to profit from a ‘fit and forget’ solution.
“Extended warranties are now common place in the boiler market and, with no risk and no worries for up to five full years, it’s a great incentive to purchase a particular boiler.
“However, as with many pie-crust promises, the devil lies in the detail.
“Despite headlining with a five-year offer, the sad reality is that the warranty is sometimes actually only made up of a three-year guarantee on parts and just two years on labour. And, considering that the price of the boiler may have been over inflated in the first place, it’s totally misleading and confusing.”
Mr Gardner went on to say that manufacturers should be “totally honest” about what is included to demonstrate commitment to quality.
“It means that the manufacturer is prepared to forego any additional revenue that could be generated from after sales and spares, in a bid to create such reassurance,” he said.
Installers were also urged to check the terms and conditions attached to warranties, as some require membership to a loyalty scheme, while others require attendance at training courses or certain sales volumes to qualify."


Have checked the details of my Vaillant boiler warranty, and it offers



"During the first year from installation the warranty covers your boiler against manufacturing defects for both parts and labour." I don't think this is more than statutory right?

Vaillant don't say what is offered after the first year, but they do say you must have an approved service to quality.

Warmingup

16-Sep-11 19:41

The lads turned up unannounced today to complete the wallwork. I said "Are you not bothered with the warranty scheme, then - you haven't filled in the checklist". One of them says "Oh yes, we always do it". He looks at the others and then says "S'pose I'd better do it then". He did it, and I had to remind him that I (the customer) have to sign it as well. They were supposed to remove in advance a sticker from the rear of some unit, and place it on the checklist document. They hadn't done this - now too late, so no sticker where it should be. He said the documentation would be sufficient to identify the unit - but my guess is it will be enough to invalidate the warranty, given my posting above about how stringent the conditions are. Just as well that my statutory rights are probably stronger than those offered by the warranty for the first year!