Solar Heating Systems

Solar Heating Installers: What to Look For

Improvements in solar heating technology, cheaper solar panels, and government incentive schemes have finally made solar powered heating an attractive and affordable option for many households in the UK. This is good news for the environment and people wanting to reduce their fuel bills, but it has also led to a rise in the number of solar heating installers setting up business; and some of them might not be as professional and trustworthy as their advertising suggests.

For example, a survey by the consumer organisation Which? found that 10 out of 14 companies approached gave misleading information about the benefits of installing a domestic solar thermal heating system.

If you want to learn more about solar heating, who should you approach for advice and information? And, if you decide to have solar heating in your home, how can you tell which is the best company to install it? Here are the key points to look for:

Qualifications

The main reason why it's important to check the qualifications of solar heating installers is to make sure they are competent to do the work correctly.

The solar thermal panels fitted on the outside of your home collect the sun's energy, but they then have to be connected to your home's hot water system, so a solar heating installer should also be a fully qualified plumber or heating engineer. And if your hot water is currently heated by gas, anyone working with it must be on the Gas Safe register.

Most plumbing and heating professionals will have several different qualifications, but some of the most common to look for are NVQ's, City & Guilds, and BPEC. In addition, you should ask if solar heating installers have been trained by the manufacturers of the solar system you have chosen.

Experience

Every home is different, and knowing which is the best solar thermal heating system to use in a particular situation, spotting potential problems and devising ways to avoid or overcome them, are all skills that a solar heating installer learns through hands-on experience. Ask how long they have been doing the job and if they can show you examples of previous installations.

Recommendations

The most reliable solar heating installers get a lot of their work through personal recommendations, so if friends or neighbours have had solar heating installed ask them what they thought of their installer. Any installer who is working hard to build up a good reputation will also be keen to show you checkable references from satisfied customers.

Aftercare

A properly installed solar heating system will work efficiently for many years and require little maintenance, but for your own peace of mind always choose an installation company that guarantees all its work.

About the Author

Ivor Bates is the director of Bates Heating and Plumbing Limited, a plumbing and heating company established in 2001 and covering all areas of London, Docklands and Essex. Bates Heating is CORGI registered and all engineers are fully qualified and specially selected for their experience and range of skills. A 24 hour emergency plumbing service is also offered. For more information visit http://www.londonplumbers.co.uk/ or telephone 020 8924 3558.

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