They wanted to double check before lashing out £ 2300.00p on a replacement warm air unit.

Their JT 19/25 Mk II Jan is somewhat dated but checking (serial number) with the manufacturer confirms what I already knew that the product will be supported for very many years to come. The comment regarding the need to replace the unit by the end of 2003 is of course complete porkies. That and the usual mendacious clap-trap about parts not being available.

I have been careful to get my facts correct. The comments were initially made to Mrs Customer and I asked her to tell me in her own words what she understood she was told. However Mr Customer told me he caught up with the same engineer at his Mother’s home and the engineer repeated his assertions.

No engineer has ever visited the roof space to check the asbestos flue connected to a ridge tile adaptor. Two years ago a visiting engineer used only Flue Gas Analysis (FGA). Mr Customer informs me he asked if he was not paying for annual service and the engineer is said to have replied that they are all using computers (Ed – FGA) now.

What I want to know is does their FGA check the heat exchanger for wee holes and stop dirt getting into the fan ? Two subsequent engineers have removed and cleaned the fan. The system has been upgraded over the years and is fully complete in all parts.

I have checked the usual main areas of concern, including the heat exchanger, flue pull and spillage test. A report will be sent confirming the status of the unit.

A thought has occurred to me. I wonder if “they” would consider FGA sufficient for Landlord’s Gas Safety Check purposes. Can’t have it both ways ? I tried my Tempest T50 just before I dropped it off at HRPC for re-calibration and was able to report a healthy 0.0006 C0/C02 ratio.

If anyone is in touch with the Producer of BBC Watchdog (Rogue Traders), I can suggest another name to investigate for the next series.