Glow Green
Homepage These days it seems that there is an app for everything, so it should come as no surprise that there are apps on the market that can help you with boiler fault finding.
In fact, Ideal boilers currently come with such an app, designed to work specifically with their boilers using the same data that the company itself receives about its appliances.
However, there have been some concerns about how consumers and homeowners might use the app, and some questions as to whether the app should be available to them at all.
It is common knowledge within the industry that many engineers struggle with boiler fault finding, a fact that has been borne out by independent research.
Many attempts have been made to ease this part of the job for the professional, and the latest boiler fault finding apps could be of some use.
A valuable part of using boiler fault finding apps is that it cuts down on time spent on the phone to manufacturers, saving both time and money.
In addition to this, the presence of boiler fault finding apps can allow an engineer to be better prepared for a job when he carries out boiler servicing.
Having an easy to use app that provides the right information on likely faults allows an engineer to arrive at a job with the parts and tools needed to complete the work straight away. This solves the problem of engineers having to do multiple visits, keeping customers happy and engineers free to move on to the next job.
All of this sounds great, but there are some problems with boiler fault finding apps that should be addressed:
There is a significant concern over how consumers might use a boiler fault finding app.
In particular, some have worried that consumers might attempt to fix faults themselves, which is universally and unequivocally a terrible idea.
All work on any boiler absolutely must be performed by a Gas Safe Registered Engineer.
It must be made clear to consumers that boiler fault finding apps are intended to be used by a qualified professional as a tool to assist in diagnosis.
That being said, there is still some value for the consumer in using these apps for educational purposes. Homeowners should, after all, be encouraged to learn about their heating system and the industry in conjunction with the government have been pushing for better information for consumers for a while now.
Consumers and homeowners should be aware that boiler fault finding apps do not negate the need for a professional, but they can be very informative – even fun! They should feel free to play around, to learn about their boiler through the app and to use it to satisfy their curiosity.
Apps may be the future tools of the qualified professional working with boilers, allowing them to be more prepared, better informed and increasingly productive going forward.