The Law and Radiator Thermostats

[billington]

Could some of the lads clarify for me, where we stand as fitters when we change cylinders and controls? Is it a must by law that we change the poor old ladys rad valves to T.R.Vs who can just about afford to pay for the cylinder change, because some of the leaflets that ive recieved from the Energy saving Trust etc does not explain fully. I know it comes under Basic and Best practise that we do change these, but do you know of any information that i can pass on to joe pupblic that highlghts this fact.

 

[ArtfulBodger]

As far as I know, it's now compulsary under part "L" to upgrade all controls when "carrying out work".

How many customers would stand for it though? none that I know of.

"Change your room stat madam?, certainly, I room stat, 6 TRV's, 1 new factory lagged cylinder - £700 all in"

 

[oilman]

Just don't worry, it may be compulsory, but it's not notifiable and if that git Prescott wants to do anything about it, I'll ruffle his wife's hairdo.

 

[billington]

Well thanks for your input, but i think this law will only make the none compliant fitters richer while others have to walk away if you abide by the law. I'd like to scalp her.

 

[corgigazza]

Asked the corgi this question and the answer was
As long as the engineer gives 2 quotes one for upgrading part L one for not , if the householder acepts the lower quote then the engineer has done all that he can to persuade the customer to upgrade and any come back is down to householder.(ie selling house )

 

[Paul Barker]

Customer can apply to council for exhemption, but if ALL your customers start applying for exhemption they won't keep on allowing it.

The dogs also said similar, "you can advise them to upgrade but if they won't you've done your bit".

I had a recent case where rads were laughingly undersized, absolutely no point in trv's they would never cut in, so I didn't put them on.

 

[blahblah]

Changing a cylinder being a controlled service you, the installer have to self certify. If you don't don't upgrade and certify you automatically join the ranks of the big hat and spurs brigade. Everyone who does it lets the rest down. Corgi don't really care because its not a gas issue and isnt making them money. I'll now put on my asbestos suit and await the flaming wrath!

 

[ChrisR]

I think you'll find it in the building regs which are online at odpm. "Best Practise" is always to change everything asap but there are minima - like trv's in bedrooms only when upgrading. Part L

 

[oilman]

......... I'd like to scalp her.

I'd rather do something rude, she's really good looking, and I'm in with a chance. After all, she obviously isn't to choosy.

 

[blahblah]

I think you'll find it in the building regs which are online at odpm. "Best Practise" is always to change everything asap but there are minima - like trv's in bedrooms only when upgrading. Part L

Chris, my reading of it is that only the trv's have an option, ie the at least the bedrooms, but best practice' bit. I thought the stats etc were a must. Am I wrong there?

 

[PEDANTICVINDICTIVEMAN]

I only bother with part L with boiler swaps and CH, cylinder replacements I dont bother upsetting the customer, just rip off the benchmark sticker or make sure it is fitted at the back, bollllckks to doing two quotes unless fat arrssse prescott is paying me extra for the time printer ink and paper, NOBODYS watching anyway.