CCCA members expected to exercise integrity

CLIMATE CONTROL COMPANIES ASSOCIATION (CCCA) NOTES THAT THERE HAVE BEEN RECENT INCIDENTS REPORTED IN CHRISTCHURCH WHERE IT IS ALLEGED THAT ELDERLY PEOPLE HAVE BEEN BULLIED INTO HAVING THEIR HEAT PUMPS CLEANED WHEN IT IS NOT NEEDED.

The Chair of CCCA Matthew Darby stated that CCCA members are expected to exercise integrity in their customer relationships, and CCCA vehemently opposes selling inappropriate services.

Apart from always getting several quotes from different suppliers and installers there are some basic questions consumers should ask when buying, or having a domestic heating system serviced:

Buying a heat pump:
• Is the system right for my house?
Not all houses need the same type of system. It depends whether it is a new or old building, how weather tight the house is, how big the house is, its layout and location, and the type of insulation installed.

• Is the installer trade qualified?
There are unqualified people installing heating and air conditioning systems. There currently are no legal requirements for installers to be trade qualified, so customers should be wary and ensure the installer they use can prove they are capable and competent.

• Is the installer fully approved by the manufacturers of the equipment?
Reputable manufacturers only approve installers who have attended their training courses. They should have details of approved installers on their web site.

• Is the equipment MEPs rated?
The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) requires heat pumps and other equipment to be MEPs rated to ensure they meet energy efficiency requirements. This guarantees the equipment meets international standards and is economical to run.

• Is the installer and manufacturer a member of The Institute of Refrigeration, Heating and Air Conditioning Engineers (IRHACE) or CCCA?
CCCA membership is voluntary, and members share the organisation’s values of high installation standards and good customer service. Individual service engineers should be members of IRHACE which also supports a code of conduct.

Having my heat pump serviced:
• Who will service and guarantee the system?
Manufacturers may not guarantee equipment installed, or service by unqualified installers. Conflict between the manufacturer, installer and subsequent servicing companies may lead to future issues with guarantees.

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