British Gas repair - can I expect more?

Biggles

I've never seen the point in boiler cover; the monthly fee, paid year after year, mounts up to the cost of several new boilers. But a monthly fee plus a call-out charge that is what I pay for my annual service (normally the only time I ever see a gas engineer) is ridiculous.

Find a local independent and pay him for the work he does when he does it.

EssexExile

Biggles wrote: »

Find a local independent and pay him for the work he does when he does it.

The first time my boiler packed up I scoured the internet for help & came across a forum populated by "local independent" engineers. It pointed me in the right direction & I fixed it myself, but it left me wary of the independents because there were lots of posts along the lines "I've already replaced £500 worth of stuff & it still doesn't work". Since then I've used BG, they come quickly, their call out charge is less than my local "expert" & they've fixed it quickly on both occasions I've called them.

glasgowdan

bridgedino wrote: »

please do tell us what's involved?

They pop the casing off, test for any leaks or emissions and pressure test with a wee device, then pop the case back on. It is a 5 minute job, unless they actively draw it out to make the customer feel they're doing more.

Oh, and there's always the good chance they'll decide it's too old for them to service or it MAY be unsafe and leave you with it shut off and a note explaining why you need a new boiler.

I worked in the call centre for 2 years.

Biggles

EssexExile wrote: »

because there were lots of posts along the lines "I've already replaced £500 worth of stuff & it still doesn't work".

Well, I actually meant call a local independent firm, preferably recommended by a friend, to come and fix it, not read about it and do it yourself.

bridgedino

They pop the case off and use a thingy to check pressures...hmmmm well worth believing that you've the faintest idea on what any gas safe engineer will do. It'll take a full 5 mins just to get tools out and ready to commence work let alone be finished in 5 mins. Stick to your own job and leave the gas work to the engineers

You'll find that any annual safety inspection involves removing the outer case, then the combustion cover to check the condition of the burner, electrodes, case seals, heat pads, and looking for any signs of distress or damage. Then checking the burner pressure or gas rate and the flue gases.

All of which can be done in 20mins if all is well or 2hrs if there's remedial work to carry out.

Please refrain from making statements where you clearly haven't a clue about the subject.

glasgowdan

bridgedino wrote: »

They pop the case off and use a thingy to check pressures...hmmmm well worth believing that you've the faintest idea on what any gas safe engineer will do. It'll take a full 5 mins just to get tools out and ready to commence work let alone be finished in 5 mins. Stick to your own job and leave the gas work to the engineers

You'll find that any annual safety inspection involves removing the outer case, then the combustion cover to check the condition of the burner, electrodes, case seals, heat pads, and looking for any signs of distress or damage. Then checking the burner pressure or gas rate and the flue gases.

All of which can be done in 20mins if all is well or 2hrs if there's remedial work to carry out.

Please refrain from making statements where you clearly haven't a clue about the subject.

I'm correct though, just worded in a manner of my choosing! And what's being "serviced" exactly?

southcoastrgi

McKneff wrote: »

I had a new boiler installed last year for my warm air heating. Service by an independent, the original installer, £130 so £156,00 inc vat...

Service by British gas £79,30....Inc Vat

Pick the bones out a that

That won't be labour only I'm guess there was gaskets or seals in that price, most independents charge between £50 & £80 for a service

southcoastrgi

A subbie for BG (yes they use loads) get paid £20 for a service & are expected to do at least 10 a day, so ask yourself how much you are really going to get done on a service

missile

Biggles wrote: »

I've never seen the point in boiler cover; the monthly fee, paid year after year, mounts up to the cost of several new boilers. But a monthly fee plus a call-out charge that is what I pay for my annual service (normally the only time I ever see a gas engineer) is ridiculous.

Find a local independent and pay him for the work he does when he does it.

It would appear you have no idea how much "several new boilers" would cost :rotfl:

glasgowdan

Boiler cover won't cover a new boiler either. Perhaps biggles point should have been the years of boiler cover would have paid for several major repairs