A heating engineer is a professional who is trained in the installation, repair, and maintenance of heating systems. They’re experts at their trade and are well versed in the latest equipment and gases used in heating systems. Heating engineers work with boilers, furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps and other mechanical elements to improve efficiency or troubleshoot when something goes wrong.
Things to consider when looking for heating engineer
- Certification
There are 13 different heating qualifications available, with the highest being the V.A.A.E. (Very Accurate Appraisal of Equipment). Some other popular qualifications include the CEHF (Certified Energy Handlers) or the MCA (Multi-Chamber Assistant) exam. The real question is what’s most important to you? If it’s certification, disregard any others. But if you’re just looking for a job and not a career, consider getting a certificate from one of the many awards with quicker hiring outcomes like Best Buy and Certified in Excellence from Best Buy.
- Experience
When considering if a heating engineer is right for you it’s important to ask how long they have been working in their field. Ideally, you’d be looking at someone with at least 20 years of experience, as this shows that they have the relevant knowledge and skill set to do the job well.
- Cost
The cost of a heating engineer varies greatly depending on the field and whether you’re working with an HVAC company or a heating contractor. Another factor to consider is how long they will be doing your project, as this also can affect the price tag.
- Tools/Equipment
A good heating engineer should have access to all the tools they need during any job – whether that be specialist equipment or even everyday items like a screwdriver or hammer. Heating contractors often have dozens of different tools and equipment, so check out their stock before signing off on their services.
- Installation
Check if the heating engineer has experience in installation, as they’ll be able to do it correctly and correctly the first time round. This is especially important if you need heating installations done that can affect your HVAC system.
- Quality
A good heating engineer will maintain the same level of quality for all jobs – whether it’s large or small. They should stand by their work and ensure that things work as they should from start to finish. It can be easy to spot a bad heating engineer as they’ll come up with a lot of excuses or miss small details, which could make a job take longer than it really needs to.
- References
You should be able to check the references of any heating engineer before signing off on their services. Many companies should be able to provide you with a list of references, so make sure you check them out and speak to some past customers.
- Insurance
As with many trades, it’s always a good idea to work with someone who is insured. They’re covered in case something goes wrong and can help you in your time of need. Look for any evidence of insurance as part of their credentials or history in the industry. If they can’t provide this, do not proceed with hiring them for your jobs.