They may be experts on non-ferrous metals but clearly lack the metal required to address the real problem; We have High Efficiency (HE) boilers, what we also need is High Efficiency public information.

Let me say now, I don’t have a marketing budget. The simple reason is I don’t need one. My principal objective is to stay solvent and I can do that easily without advertising. Consumers are understandably wary of being ripped off and providing commercial probity is observed, word soon gets around. Fortunately I also made sure my training was and remains generic. There is plenty of work either as midwife to High Efficiency boilers or nursing the many cast-iron geriatrics. Providing there are no continence problems the latter are a delight to serve and in no short supply. Do not of course forget a plentiful supply of plumbing.

I’ve nothing against the younger generation. Actually High Efficiency boilers could be said to be second generation. Eighty eight are already listed as obsolete at boilers.org.uk, Her Majesty’s Government (DEFRA) database. Nor do we discriminate against foreigners at Gas-News. As far as we know all are listed in our Directory which is as complete as we can make it. Call me a softy but I confess to a penchant for three year guarantees regardless of ethnic origin. That offers some protection against the risk of employing a delinquent.

Yet, have you noticed how the vociferous commentators remain tight-lipped on the current mandatory aspects of Part L requirements ? Curious that. They avoid the subject like the plague. So too do trade media editors with their impotent leaders. They at least should try to be more objective. How can Installers be expected to have confidence in an industry which is so blatantly selective in what it chooses to endorse ?

We obviously would not expect boiler manufacturers to spend money on promoting allied products in such a competitive environment but they do need to fully understand, as do magazine editors that if I sell a boiler, I am obliged by law to sell also something which most customers do not want. That is to say the idea of a complete system overview (England and Wales).

I am fortunately not known in the like-for-like market. The remainder, when presented with the unexpected Part L threat to the domestic purse, invariably invite me to carry out a thorough service, as happened again today. That customer incidentally has just moved to a new home and the euphoria which prompted thoughts of a new boiler did not extend to the total Part L required figure. Bear in mind Best Practice as we call it, is not in itself mandatory but the minimum required was enough to dampen enthusiasm.

There is no mention of pragmatism in the somewhat idealistic Part L, so don’t blame me. Besides I am the one at risk, not the boiler manufacturer. I have to self-certify therefore I make the decision about what is presented to the customer. In my case, all or a modest boiler service.

More work needs to be done urgently but not by me. I’ve done all the courses and paid all my fees so point me to the promised land someone because I can’t find it.