With winter soon upon us, and the central heating in overdrive, millions of gas boilers in homes around the UK are being pressed into constant use. Some domestic boilers might not have seen the skilful hands of a CORGI-registered engineer for years; a lack of regular service history leading to inefficient fuel burning and potentially higher running costs.
In tenanted accommodation an annual boiler service is, of course, a lawful requirement, and should be arranged by the landlord. But in private domestic residences no such laws exist. For one's own safety it is highly recommended that an annual boiler service, and indeed an annual service of other gas, electrical and plumbing installations, be carried out by a competent person. It inspires confidence in the equipment to perform, and instils peace of mind -- an assurance that you have done all in your power to prevent your equipment breaking down as the result of neglect.
Yet, serviced or not, your household appliances are not guaranteed to last forever. Wear and tear through regular use could lead to corrosion and breakage of parts -- something an annual service may not pick up. So come that dreaded day when you find your boiler lifeless, your gas cooker dead or an electrical installation in your home not working, what should you do? The answer is to be prepared and call the number on your Emergency Maintenance Contract.
Emergency Maintenance Contracts -- 24-hour emergency repair services
Likened to an emergency rescue service, Emergency Maintenance Contracts (EMCs) are an increasingly popular option for homeowners, landlords and tenants who need immediate assistance with a malfunctioned household appliance or installation breakdown. The contract provides 24-hour emergency repair services, and can be arranged to cover a comprehensive set of eventualities, right through from significant issues such as boiler failure and electrical supply problems, to help with a blocked toilet and dripping taps.
Contracts are bespoke, so are built around your needs, whatever they may be. To get you started you will normally choose from a number of base service levels. These can then be customised to varying degrees to establish an EMC that services your requirements. You can even use the contract to set up CORGI-registered service inspections of gas appliances, and put in place your annual service contracts -- a massive plus-point for landlords in their remit to ensure the safety of their tenants.
Before choosing an Emergency Maintenance Contract it is critical to assess how such a contract is supported. The UK's leading supplier of EMCs provide an efficient service right across the UK mainland, backed up by a network of 3,000 engineers on 24/7 standby. When an emergency call comes in they aim to get a qualified engineer to your property within four hours, day or night, anywhere in the country. It's a service you can really rely on for any emergency repair requirements covered under your contract for gas, electricity, plumbing, drainage and household appliances.
How much does it cost?
A lot less than you might think! Basic EMCs that afford 24/7 cover for your gas boiler start at as little as 50p per day. On top you can add CORGI-registered service inspections and a boiler annual service agreement for just £75.00 including VAT. For a more comprehensive level of service that includes one year's cover for heating, plumbing and electricity related emergency situations in domestic dwellings, you'll pay just 75p per day. What's more, there are no additional charges for call-outs. It's all included in the price.
If you are thinking of taking up an Emergency Maintenance Contract do consider that these agreements are not normally used to cover day-to-day property maintenance. Descaling / desludging of central heating pipes, or the regular replacement of parts through wear an tear -- tap and cistern washers to give an example -- are issues that you will need to deal with yourself. Likewise an EMC is not a replacement for your buildings and contents insurance. Your Emergency Maintenance Contract might act like an insurance policy, but it is only valid in emergency call-out situations.
Household disasters can strike at any time. If your local tradesmen are busy on other jobs they might not be able to help you for days, or even weeks. But, one call to your Emergency Maintenance Contract provider will get the problem fixed without delay, no matter what the season, or time of day (or night). It's a product very much worth having, if only for the peace of mind that it brings.
No comments:
Post a Comment