Which? backs F-gas certification
UK: The F-gas certification body REFCOM insists that Which? Trusted Trader will now only list refrigeration and air conditioning contractors who hold a REFCOM certificate.
The Which? Trusted Traders is an endorsement scheme run by Which?, part of the UK Consumers’ Association, that recognises reputable traders who successfully pass an assessment process carried out by trading standards professionals.
According to REFCOM, Which? has now altered the way it vets contractors and is using REFCOM certification to ensure quality and compliance.
Credit for the change is given to London-based contractor Airconco, a REFCOM F-Gas and Elite member company, that spent months lobbying Which? to change the way it assesses the competence of listed RAC businesses.
Hailing the move as a “fantastic result”, Airconco managing director Gary Woodward said: “We have been frustrated for a long time that some companies were promoting their air conditioning services on the Which? website, but were not qualified or had been de-registered by REFCOM.”
REFCOM head Graeme Fox added: “This is a big win against the cowboys, who are operating in the market and placing unfair pressure on good companies who do the right thing. Thanks to proactive REFCOM members like Gary Woodward, Which? will no longer allow sub-contracting businesses to advertise that they carry out air conditioning work if they are not properly registered and licensed to do so.
“Rogue operatives put the quality of services and products at risk, endanger lives and property, and undermine the UK’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Fox.
