Ask Google your boiler problems?

Ask Google your boiler problems?

 

Energy customers can now use Google voice devices to access Boiler Support system to help resolve common boiler issues - Boiler Support will help customers troubleshoot from the comfort of their own home, reducing the need for engineer call outs. British Gas on average receive around 1.3 million calls during these winter months, so this new access to guidance via your smartphone or Google device could be useful for some small, easy to fix problems and could slightly reduce the influx of calls. The troubleshoot has been designed with the help of Gas Engineers so that the advise given is accurate and effective - "Ok Google, talk to Boiler Support" could be of use but also may cause more harm than good...

 

 

Concerns:

 

This seems very useful in certain scenarios, however, this could also raise some very serious safety concerns. Gas is very temperamental and boilers are complex appliances that can be extremely dangerous - so the first question asked of this technology is whether it's safe. British Gas who are part of the creation of this tool, stress that customers will only be guided through straightforward instructions that won't damage the boiler. Meaning that the troubleshoot will only advise you on easy to fix problems and will most likely recommend that you call a Gas Safe Registered Engineer if the problem requires professional assistance. However, people may not understand what they are talking about and in turn may be given advise by the system that is not needed, therefore causing further issues. Furthermore, those that are most in need during this time of year, namely the elderly most likely don't use the internet and for sure will not have a Google Nest device - so they will be calling providers such as British Gas as per usual.

 

Gas training:

 

Here at Able Skills we have been providing Gas courses for over 10+ years, we know what we are talking about, if you are looking to gain some hands-on comprehensive skills and knowledge then there is no better place to become qualified! The industry needs new and capable Gas Engineers and you could be next. Our New Entrant Gas Training Package 2 is the most all-inclusive package for new entrants and will give you all of the knowledge, practical skills and further understanding that you will need to begin working on-site. There are three aspects of this course; 7-weeks of hands-on training, portfolio completion and an ACS assessment!

 

How do I become Gas Safe Registered?

 

Remember that by law to carry out any kind of gas work you must be registered with the Gas Safe Register! It is much easier than you think and can be done online for an application fee of £365 which will save you a pretty penny if caught carrying out illegal gas work! To apply you will need to have completed a recognised competency test either an NVQ or an ACS! (ACS is included in our New Entrant Gas Training Package 2)

An ACS  assessment will need to be completed before you are eligible for Gas Safe registration and this is a requirement for all operatives involved in the installation, maintenance and servicing of domestic gas appliances and pipe-work installations. Also, every Gas Safe registered business renews their registration on an annual basis and updates their qualifications every 5 years, meaning you will need to refresh your memory on gas safety every 5-years!

Apply here -www.gassaferegister.co.uk/

 

Want some more information?

 

If you would like some more information about the Gas courses that we run here at Able Skills then simply call us on 01322 280 202. Otherwise, if you would prefer to speak to a member of staff in person then feel free to come into our office between the hours of 8:30 - 16:30 we will answer any questions, provide guidance and even show you around our facility so that you can get a feel for the environment that you will be working within.

Find us at:

K5, Riverside Industrial Estate, Riverside Way, Dartford DA1 5BS