Menu
08/09/2009
Boiler Engineers 'In Hot Water'
A hidden camera investigation by Which? has found that some central heating boiler engineers are missing vital checks but charging customers for a full service.
The consumer champion invited ten engineers to service a boiler which had been given a minor fault that could be fixed in minutes, by simply tightening a part.
The pressure the gas was being used at by the boiler had also been altered to the wrong level.
One engineer failed to turn up, five (including a British Gas engineer) failed to check the pressure the gas was being used at by the boiler, and two didn't check if the boiler needed cleaning, which ensures it works efficiently.
To make matters worse, two of the engineers lied about checks they hadn't done, not knowing they were caught on camera.
Another engineer wrongly condemned the boiler and disconnected the gas, despite the fact it was safe. This advice would leave a customer without hot water and faced with a bill of up to £800 for a new boiler plus installation costs.
Just one out of the ten engineers carried out a thorough service with all the necessary checks, but at £120 he charged significantly more than any of the other engineers.
Which? has reported the three worst engineers to the Gas Safe Register and they are now under further investigation.
(CD/BMcc)
The consumer champion invited ten engineers to service a boiler which had been given a minor fault that could be fixed in minutes, by simply tightening a part.
The pressure the gas was being used at by the boiler had also been altered to the wrong level.
One engineer failed to turn up, five (including a British Gas engineer) failed to check the pressure the gas was being used at by the boiler, and two didn't check if the boiler needed cleaning, which ensures it works efficiently.
To make matters worse, two of the engineers lied about checks they hadn't done, not knowing they were caught on camera.
Another engineer wrongly condemned the boiler and disconnected the gas, despite the fact it was safe. This advice would leave a customer without hot water and faced with a bill of up to £800 for a new boiler plus installation costs.
Just one out of the ten engineers carried out a thorough service with all the necessary checks, but at £120 he charged significantly more than any of the other engineers.
Which? has reported the three worst engineers to the Gas Safe Register and they are now under further investigation.
(CD/BMcc)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 February 2012
FSA Secures €77,000 For Victims Of Boiler Room Fraud
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has obtained a court order against Monobank Plc (Monobank) which paves the way for €77,000 (approximately £64,000) of redress to be paid to victims of a boiler room scam.
FSA Secures €77,000 For Victims Of Boiler Room Fraud
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has obtained a court order against Monobank Plc (Monobank) which paves the way for €77,000 (approximately £64,000) of redress to be paid to victims of a boiler room scam.
11 August 2004
Identities of Lincolnshire murder victims released
Lincolnshire police have released the identities of the couple who were murdered in Trusthorpe last Sunday. The two victims have been named as John Stirland, 55, and Joan Stirland, 53. Mr and Mrs Stirland had lived in Trusthorpe for six months after moving on from the Nottinghamshire area.
Identities of Lincolnshire murder victims released
Lincolnshire police have released the identities of the couple who were murdered in Trusthorpe last Sunday. The two victims have been named as John Stirland, 55, and Joan Stirland, 53. Mr and Mrs Stirland had lived in Trusthorpe for six months after moving on from the Nottinghamshire area.
04 September 2014
EDF To Close Four Nuclear Reactors
Four nuclear reactors at Heysham 1 and Hartlepool power stations are to shut down to allow a detailed programme of boiler inspections to take place, EDF Energy has announced. The action was taken after the discovery of a crack on a component known as a boiler spine at Heysham 1.
EDF To Close Four Nuclear Reactors
Four nuclear reactors at Heysham 1 and Hartlepool power stations are to shut down to allow a detailed programme of boiler inspections to take place, EDF Energy has announced. The action was taken after the discovery of a crack on a component known as a boiler spine at Heysham 1.
04 October 2007
Explosion In Dublin Factory
Two people have reportedly been injured in an explosion at a confectionery factory in north Dublin. The explosion happened at the Dunhills Confectionery plant on McKee Avenue in Finglas around 7am on Thursday morning.
Explosion In Dublin Factory
Two people have reportedly been injured in an explosion at a confectionery factory in north Dublin. The explosion happened at the Dunhills Confectionery plant on McKee Avenue in Finglas around 7am on Thursday morning.
12 December 2005
British Gas engineers on strike
Around 6,000 British gas engineers have gone on strike, in a row over pensions. The strike, by members of the GMB union, was prompted over plans to close the firm’s final salary scheme to new employees from April 2006. Five 24-hour walkouts are planned to take place, with further strikes planned for December 19 and 21 and January 6 and 9.
British Gas engineers on strike
Around 6,000 British gas engineers have gone on strike, in a row over pensions. The strike, by members of the GMB union, was prompted over plans to close the firm’s final salary scheme to new employees from April 2006. Five 24-hour walkouts are planned to take place, with further strikes planned for December 19 and 21 and January 6 and 9.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Dry with some late sunshine to end the day. Clear spells through the first part of the night but low cloud feeding in from the north later giving some mist or fog patches. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
