I previously wrote about a problem we had selling our flat when British Gas categorised the boiler system as “at risk” because of the concealed flue. We thought we would have to install inspection hatches, so managed to get hold of plans showing the route of the flue. I showed these to a British Gas engineer. He said:
- A concealed flue should be classified as “not to current standards” rather than “at risk”. He even called the office to check the policy on this.
- My colleague has been over-zealous by issuing an “at-risk” warning, our guidelines are to warn customers that concealed flues are “not to current standards”.
- The housing association should not have any trouble selling a property with a “not to current standards” warning. Nearly every property I visit is “not to current standards” for one reason or another.
- I have never seen a property with flue inspection hatches; I think this would be overkill.
- I recommend using carbon monoxide detectors.
He has given us paperwork to that effect, and the housing association are happy.
I think the lesson here is plenty of people are confused about concealed flues, so make sure that the people advising you have got their stories straight.