The Importance of a Boiler Installation Certificate
Getting a boiler installation certificate is something that you should consider if you are planning on installing a new boiler in your home. This is because there are certain requirements that you must meet, and there are penalties for not doing so.
Installing a new boiler
Installing a boiler in your home is an expensive investment. It’s important to find the best deal. You should consider many factors, such as type and brand.
Your installation cost will be affected by the type of boiler that you select. A high-efficiency boiler can help you save as much as 30% annually on your heating bills. It may also help to check out incentives for gas-fired condensing boilers.
You will want to use a registered Gas Safe engineer to install your new boiler. A registered Gas Safe engineer will be able isolate the boiler from the water supply, and turn off the gas at your meter.
Be sure to have all the necessary licenses and coverage before you start. You should also do a heat loss calculation. This will tell you how much energy your boiler uses.
The cost of installing a new boiler will vary greatly depending on your location. Large cities tend to have the highest prices. Smaller towns and rural areas have lower labour and fitting costs.
Rental properties: Requirements
You must make sure that your boiler installation certificate and heating system are current, regardless of whether you live in a rental home or are a landlord. In addition, you must be aware of the legal requirements for gas appliances.
Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations requires that every rented property has a Gas Safety Certificate. This certificate is issued by Gas Safe engineers. Within 28 days after completion, the certificate must be presented to the tenant.
It is also worth noting that the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) must be in place before a tenancy begins. This requirement can be enforced by your local authority.
Every 12 months, the gas safety record must be checked. You can renew your gas safety record if it is expired. If you don’t, you may face a fine of up to six months imprisonment.
You should also take steps to maintain your gas appliances and pipes. You should ensure that all gas connections are secure and that the boiler is regularly serviced. This will help prevent costly problems.
Existing gas installations: Requirements
Whether you are installing a new gas-fired boiler or re-rating an existing one, there are specific requirements for existing gas installations. Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have to complete an inspection before the installation can begin.
The inspection process can vary from one jurisdiction to another, but it usually includes a visual examination. An inspector will inspect the boiler to make sure it is safe and correctly installed. This is important, as a faulty installation can lead to a gas leak, which can cause fires. Gas leak reports must also be submitted by the installer. An inspection can be done before or during construction, as well as after any pressure tests.
If you are installing a new boiler, you will need to obtain a certificate of approval for the installation. The utility company will file this document. If you have a gas meter, you will need to get a certificate of approval from your supplier.
Penalties for unregistered installers
Having a gas boiler installed without a registered boiler certificate is a criminal offence. You and your property could be at serious risk. Getting your boiler registered with the Gas Safe Register is easy. Register online, or post your registration.
Since 2014, the Health and Safety Executive have been targeting boiler-installers who are not registered. In February, the HSE pursued four prosecutions for violations of the gas safety regulations. In one case, a Middlesex plumber was found guilty of putting a household at risk.
The penalties for unregistered boiler installers can range from six months’ imprisonment to 180 hours of community service. If you have a gas boiler that was installed by an unregistered installer, you are liable for any costs incurred due to the unregistered installation.