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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)
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British Gas engineers on strike
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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.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
