Installing a boiler is just the start of a story — a new central heating system will need regular maintenance to keep a home warm for the next 10 to 15 years. In that time, it’ll need regular care and servicing to ensure it’s operating safely and at tip-top efficiency.
So how do we get this across to customers after we’ve finished with the installation?
Together we can help them recognise their brand new combi boiler as a vital part of the household, not just a white box hidden away in a cupboard.
We’ve put together these handy hints and tips for installers, to help you teach customers about the importance of taking care of their boiler, now and in the future.
Safety and Comfort: Boiler Servicing and Maintenance
Boiler maintenance is all about two key factors: keeping appliances running safely and efficiently.
When we talk about the importance of a healthy heating system with customers, the aim is never to leave people terrified of their boiler! It’s all about being clear and honest about what can happen if appliances are not properly cared for.
Understanding Potential Risks to Health
Boiler faults can lead to dangerous Carbon Monoxide (CO) leaks. This silent, invisible and odourless gas can make us feel dizzy, sick and tired if we breathe it in — and high levels of exposure can cause deaths.
Carbon monoxide can leak from boilers and other household appliances that burn fuel when they haven’t been installed, ventilated or maintained properly.
Talking to customers and helping them understand these risks is very important. Let them know that regular boiler servicing and maintenance is the best way to keep their appliances running safely.
Cutting Down on Household Costs
Boilers need to be kept well-maintained and should be serviced every year. Just like any household appliance, boilers need to be taken care of in order to work to their full potential. So, what could this mean for households?
For a start, it can leave them having to pay out more on increased energy bills if their boilers stop working as they should and become less efficient. The worst case scenario for customers’ finances is running the risk of paying out for a new boiler if problems aren’t caught quickly enough.
Staying Under Warranty
Every boiler warranty will normally include a clause saying they depend on the appliance being serviced regularly. To give your customers clarity, explain that this usually means they should be checked over once a year, to help make sure everything is working as it should.
Letting customers know about the links between their warranties and regular boiler servicing and maintenance can help provide much-needed peace of mind. No one wants to risk voiding their warranty and facing a big payout further down the line.
Speaking of warranties...
Sharing the Benefits of Having a Warranty
It’s really important that warranties on Ideal boilers are registered within 30 days of installation, making sure we can quickly and easily lend a hand whenever it’s needed.
It may be that you register the boiler warranty on behalf of a homeowner or landlord, but what if they’re confused or unsure about what the benefits of their warranty are?
Here’s a quick list of key benefits covered by most warranties:
- The boiler will be covered in case of a fault or breakdown
- You know repairs or a replacement will be provided as quickly as possible
- You have extra peace of mind for the length of the warranty
Because we’re so confident in the quality of our boiler ranges, we offer warranties of up to 12 years on models including the Vogue Max System and Vogue Max Combi when they are installed by a ‘Max’ Accredited installer.
Investing in a Carbon Monoxide Detector
Another way we can help customers is by letting them know the importance of carbon monoxide alarms. Protecting homes from the risk of exposure to high levels of CO, they are essential for any home with a fuel-burning boiler.
In fact, every home in Scotland will be legally required to have a Carbon Monoxide detector in their home from February 2021, if they use fuel-burning boilers, heaters or stoves.
If your customers are unsure where to install them, the experts at Which have said alarms should be placed at least one metre from the appliance and around 15cm from the ceiling.
Working Together for the Benefit of Customers
Installer opinions are a really important part of our customer care process. Our Installer First Policy is just part of our dedication to placing installers at the heart of our products and service.
By working together, we can make sure we’re offering the best possible central heatings solutions for our customers, and build strong, long-lasting relationships.
We regularly post installer-related tips, news and advice. Bookmark our Ideal Boilers blog to stay up to date with our newest posts and read all the latest boiler-related expert tips.
