This year more than ever before, Gas Engineers are in high demand. Demand for housing is increasing, and more people are pursuing higher education – leading to a deficit in skilled, experienced Gas Engineers across the country. 

Are you interested in a lifelong career that guarantees employment, progression, and the opportunity to always learn something new? A Gas Engineer job may be for you. We’re hiring – apply here. 

It’s not always easy to know which professional you need for a domestic job. Plus, entrusting your central heating system to someone you don’t know can be nerve-wracking – being able to trust the tradesperson’s qualifications is an absolute must. 

Is a gas engineer the same as a plumber?

This is a common misconception. Even more confusing is throwing the term ‘Heating Engineer’ into the mix! Let’s clear up the differences:

• Gas Engineer
  Works with all kinds of gas appliances – from installation to servicing and repairs. Must be registered annually with the Gas Safe Register.
  
  
• Plumber
  Doesn’t work with boilers – experts in pipe-work, installation of potable (drinking) water systems, and maintenance/repair of sewage/drainage systems.
  
  
• Heating Engineer
  Often work alongside gas engineers. Qualified to work on all kinds of central heating appliances not involving gas. Usually the step taken before someone becomes a fully-qualified Gas Engineer. 

The term ‘Heating Engineer’ is nowadays often interchangeable with Gas Engineer, especially as many heating engineers have their Gas Safe License and relevant qualifications, or work with a range of appliances under other licenses (i.e. oil boilers, with an OFTEC license). 

Do I need a gas engineer or a plumber?

Gas engineers can repair, replace, service, and perform emergency diagnostics on the following:

• Radiators
• Central heating systems through vents
• Thermostats 
• Hot water cylinders
• Associated piping 
• Boilers

Make sure they’re Gas Safe registered by asking for their ID card and checking it matches the requirements we laid out in this handy blog post. If you have an oil boiler, check they’re OFTEC registered. 

Plumbers are experts in the domain of water-based appliances, not central heating. This includes toilets, dishwashers, sinks, and taps. 

Plumbers are qualified to:

• Maintain, repair and install drainage and sewage systems
• Diagnose and repair toilet issues like overflowing and non-flushes
• Fix and repair bathroom suites, as well as assist in installation
• Troubleshoot tap and pipe issues, e.g. dripping taps, blocked or burst pipes

Clearly, gas engineers and plumbers are very different specialists! Some Gas Engineers are qualified as plumbers, too – but you should always check the qualifications of a tradesperson claiming to be an all-rounder. Sometimes, a specialist is best. 

Can a gas engineer install my new boiler?

Gas Engineers are qualified to install and safety check your new boiler. At Harvey Heating Ltd, our boiler swaps and installation prices are guaranteed to be the best price for a 5-star level of quality and efficiency.

For gas and LPG boilers, the installer must be Gas Safe registered. Oil boiler installers must be registered with OFTEC. All of our engineers are Gas Safe and OFTEC registered, for your peace of mind.

What happens when Harvey Heating comes to install my new boiler?

We will make sure that your system complies with current building regulations, and provide you with safety check documentation to prove this. We’ll also recommend when you should book your next service – boilers should be serviced every 12 months to keep them running efficiently and safely. 

Pencil in your boiler swap today with Harvey Heating Ltd. Call 01748 812963 or use our contact form to book an appointment.