Choosing the right installer

Finding an installer

If you are installing a new boiler or having your existing boiler serviced, it is important that you use a Registered Gas Installer (RGI), who has the right qualifications for your job. RGIs are fully insured and trained on gas safety. You can find an RGI on the Register of Gas Installers of Ireland  (RGII) website.

Choosing the right installer for you

We recommend getting three quotes from RGIs. You can find a list of RGIs on the Register of Gas Installers of Ireland (RGII) website.

Ask to see the installer's ID card to make sure they are a legal installer, to keep you and your family safe. It is illegal for non-registered people to carry out gas work.

The installer should do a survey of your home, taking into consideration the number of hot water taps and radiators you have. Then they can work out which model and output of boiler will satisfy all your heating and hot water requirements. They should also carry out a system power flush, to clean out all the debris from the old system, before fitting the new boiler. They may recommend updating your heating controls and room thermostat, and adding thermostatic radiator valves. All these additions will make sure your heating system is as energy efficient as possible, and help to reduce your fuel bills.

Having your boiler serviced

If you are a homeowner or a landlord, you are responsible, under the Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006, for making sure that your natural gas appliances and installation pipework are safely maintained. You should have your boiler and other natural gas appliances serviced by an RGI once a year.

It is a requirement of the manufacturer's warranty to have your boiler serviced annually by an RGI. You can also arrange for your installer to carry out a safety inspection to make sure your gas appliances are working safely and are in good condition.

Conformance Certificate

When they finish your work, your RGI will give you a Declaration of Conformance Certificate confirming that the gas work done for you conforms to the correct standards and is safe to use. This is an important document, so please keep it in a safe place.

It is a legal requirement for people who carry out gas work to be registered

Since 2006, the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) has worked with the gas industry to put in place a regulatory system to supervise the work of gas installers with respect to safety. This new statutory-based regulatory system has replaced the previous voluntary register operated by Bord Gaìs.

The CER has appointed The Register of Gas Installers of Ireland (RGII) as The Gas Safety Supervisory Body (GSSB).

From 26 June 2009 it has been illegal for any person who is not a Registered Gas Installer (RGI) registered with the GSSB (RGII) to undertake "Gas Work". It is also a legal requirement for all RGIs to issue a Declaration of Conformance (completion certificate) for all "Gas Work" carried out.

The CER can prosecute people who are not registered and who carry out "Gas Work". More information about the scheme can be found here.