Letters

Intouch Please send your letters, which may be edited, to editorial@registeredgasengineer.co.uk.

Advice on querying EPC assessments

With regard to Martin Garside’s letter “Time to update the EPC”, I undertook additional training as a domestic energy assessor (DEA) and I’m qualified to carry out Energy Performance Certificate work as well as Gas Safe work.

I was puzzled that his DEA stated that his solar panels counted as mains electric water heating as I would have thought solar panels would have a more positive effect on his EPC rating.

As with gas work, to be a DEA one has to be registered with a regulating body. But unlike gas work, there is more than one of these. I’ve spoken to the technical department of my regulating body for DEAs about this matter. They stated that without more in-depth information they couldn’t offer an opinion, so they advised that Martin should contact his DEA’s regulating body should he wish to query the assessment. He’ll be able to find out which regulating body it is at the bottom of his EPC. James Johnston

Not-so-smart devices

While I’m fully in favour of smart devices that save gas and money, optimising comfort and energy for the end user, what about the installer?

So many times I’ve fitted an expensive device, only for it not to work – most of the time caused by the internet service providers (ISPs) seeing the devices as a virus and blocking its passage.

We are gas and heating installers and should not have to start getting out customers’ laptops to start rummaging around the admin of their ISP to change channels, open gateways, etc. This should be down to the smart device manufacturers.

If they’re producing a product, it should be their responsibility to ensure that every ISP is aware of its existence and make sure it’s allowed to operate first go. We do not get paid for doing their job and can sometimes spend all day trying to get these to work.

I’ve personally had two experiences whereby the devices simply would not work and, after three months of trying by myself and the manufacturer, they were removed and ACL Wisers fitted in their stead. This cost me days of unpaid time and customers untold grief.

I’d like to see a better effort from all smart device manufacturers to ensure a smooth transition with their devices and the ISPs, giving us a better chance of getting them to work first time, giving end users immediate control and ultimately allowing us to get paid for the work. Stevie Smith

5

YEAR

WARRANTY

On Demand Heat

Instant DHW

Energy Efficient