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In my home (includes DIY) MoneySaving

Archives for December 2009

Help! Boiler won't light! (update: temporarily fixed)
We have a Glow worm Micron 60FF boiler, it's about 5 years old and has been working without problems until this evening. The pump is circulating water around the radiators but the boiler itself won't light. There are two lights, the reset light is flashing twice per second and the burner light once per second. The only…
Metal Dish Drainer... (do they rust?)
I think I might of done my money.... Today I bought a £10 Steel 2 layer (chrome plated) dish drainer because the plastic equivalent looked flimsy. Do they rust??
Miele vacuum cleaner - how do I open it up?!
I am trying to access the motor in my Miele vacuum cleaner (s5210) as it seems to have burnt out. However, opening up the vacuum cleaner is proving extremely difficult. I have found screws at the front (near handle) and the back (near the power switch and cord winder) along with under the filter. But even after unscrewing…
Fire Extinguishers for home
Not sure if this is the right forum but I would like to buy a fire extinguisher for home use. My question is whether this is allowed, or do I have to be qualified or certified in some way before buying and (possibly) using a fire extinguisher? Can I just buy one straight-away?
John Lewis Fridge Freezer help
Had a JL fridge freezer delivered today, followed instrictions exact and left for 4 hours before turning on. When turned on selected -18c for freezer and +5c for fridge as per manual. 3 hours later fridge at -18c 5 hours now passed since turn on and fridge has gone from +17c to +12c is this normal to take so long for…
Terms and Conditions - is it legal?
Hi there folks, and happy new year! I want some advice regarding a issue I am having with Swinton Home Emergency cover. Please bare with me explaining the story, and main points on legality I want to ask are at the bottom! Basically my boiler broke down, having the Swinton Home Emergency cover (which is managed by…
Posh or stori kitchens???
Hi Iv been quoted by a couple of independents for a posh or stori kitchen doors with carcasses from local suppliers. What do people think? I live in NI so wickes,howdens etc not avaliable and dont want ikea. Thanks
Central Heating System problems
I have been told by plumbers that my microbore pipes and radiators have furred up with age , different plumbers have given me different solutions , one says a complete new system , another says flush it out , but it may cause leaks , another says replace a couple of radiators to allow space for the heat to go through and…
New central heating + boiler cost
I am thinking of installing a new central heating system with condensing boiler or condensing conventional boiler (water tank in loft). I have approx 10-11 radiaters to fit plus change pipes. The property is around 100 yrs old (mid terrace) with large rooms and high ceiling. Now can you experts tell me how much it will all…
Tips for knocking off plaster
Hi WE are having a damp proof course, put in on Wed and to save on costs, we have offered to take off the render down to the brick work, but how do you do this? is it had without damaging the bricks. Is it going to take a long time? any tips on how to do it? Many thanks
Textured wall paper - paint or peel?
Hi all, Would you strip thick textured wall paper (patterns) or paint over it? The wall paper looks dated (victorian). There is no sign of peeling/dampness and the wall paper seems to be stuck solid. Don't know if I should remove the paper and deal with the consequences (re-plaster/fill) or just paint over it in a neuteral…
Noisy neighbours
We live in apartments,the flat above us is rented out and we have complained numerous times about there excessive noise.We spoke to the owner of the flat and she has warned them about there behaviour.They are now getting ready for a party and we are dreading it,my wife is up for work at 4.45am tomorrow and we know it's…
cat flap in new rented property
I'm really stuck, I would love a cat, but feel that it should have its own entrance /exit in the form of a cat flap. Problem being that I live in a brand new rented property. Now I haven't asked about pets yet and the answer may well be a flat no, but if I can't figure out a way of putting in a cat flap I won't bother…
Fridge Help!
Afternoon all Hope I'm in the right place for Help! My Fridge has started freezing :eek: haven't altered the temperature but I now have frost on the back inside the fridge and ice crystals on some things and frozen edges on others. Any ideas? how can I stop everything being frozen? can I leave the door open? I'm just…
Habitat sofas - Are they any good?
Hi, I've seen a sofa that I like from Habitat, which is this one: http://www.habitat.co.uk/fcp/product/browse/3-seat-sofa/10001635 I know Habitat have traditionally had a good reputation for good quality in the past, but are the sofas still any good? Cheers
Does anyone have advice on a back boiler?
In our sitting room there is an open fire with a back boiler. We rarely light the fire because of the back boiler! The problem is that once the fire gets going, hot water pours from a pipe above our upstairs bedroom window; gallons of hot, steaming water are pumped into the garden - what a waste. The pump for the system is…
Unfair customs charge by royal mail Advice needed
In November I bought a herbal remedy on line from the USA. The company concerned ships it all over the world. It cost 51.90 + 16.45 to ship, making a total of 68.35. I have been waiting for it to arrive and today I got a card from the Royal Mail saying there was a customs charge of £12.29 before I could collect it. I have…
New Sofa - MSE style
I thought I would share with you my rather successful 'new sofa'. I have a very old Ikea sofa which the cover is marked, stained and shabby. Its not removable. The sofa is now all saggy in addition. So a new sofa is needed but we cant afford one. I noticed in Ikea that they sell a sofa cover which seemed approximately the…
Replace boiler only or entire CH system ?
We've got a Baxi back boiler in the fireplace which we'd like replaced with something more modern and efficient, but the central heating is on a one pipe system. Is it worth just replacing the boiler or should the entire system and radiators etc be done at the same time ? Any idea of the difference in costs if both are…
silicone sealant removal from acyrlic bath
Please can anyone help??? I need to remove sealant from around a bath we bought second hand for our son. Any old fashioned or hard graft would be useful rather than having to go out and buy something ;)

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MSE News

Ofgem proposes new 'no standing charge' Price Cap – but Martin Lewis warns vulnerable customers need to be opted in or it won't work
Ofgem has today launched detailed proposals for a major shake up to its Energy Price Cap that dictates the price over 80% of homes in England, Scotland and Wales pay for their energy bills.
Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland to cut overdraft rates for millions but hike them for others – here's what's happening and full help
If you're a Lloyds, Halifax or Bank of Scotland current account holder, the interest rate you're charged for using your overdraft could change soon as part of a fees shake-up. The Lloyds Banking Group, which owns all three brands, says millions of its customers will pay less after the changes – but a "few" will pay more.
Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed with millions more eligible for the £150 top-up this winter – here's what we know
Around 2.7 million more low-income households, including 900,000 families with children, will become eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, as the Government has confirmed it will remove the existing 'hard to heat' eligibility criteria. The extension has only been confirmed for winter 2025/26, with further changes possible for future years.
Martin Lewis: At last a chance to fix Council Tax flaws impacting millions – debt collection, difficulty challenging your band, discounts and more
Major flaws in the Council Tax system in England could finally be fixed in future, as the Government has launched a wide-ranging consultation to review hideous debt collection practices, the difficulty of challenging your band, the overly complex and horribly-named Severe Mental Impairment discount and more. MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis, who has long campaigned on these issues, shares his response and analysis.
Energy complaints to be dealt with more quickly and Energy Ombudsman to get new powers under Government plans
If you have a complaint about your energy firm, it may be resolved more quickly in future, as the Government has announced a raft of proposals to strengthen consumer protections in the energy market. The planned changes include giving the Energy Ombudsman new powers to force firms to comply with its decisions – but it's still very early days. Here's what we know so far.
Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed with millions more eligible for the £150 top-up this winter – here's what we know
Around 2.7 million more households, including 900,000 families with children, will become eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, as the Government has confirmed it will remove the existing 'hard to heat' eligibility criteria. The extension has only been confirmed for winter 2025/26, with further changes possible for future years.
Base rate held at 4.25% – here's what it means and when it might be cut next
The Bank of England has held the base rate at 4.25%. Below we explain why, when it might be cut, plus what it means for your mortgage and savings.
Applied for South West Trains 'boundary fares' compensation? Act now to claim it
If you applied for compensation from South West Trains before the deadline in January 2025, you now need to provide your bank details to the claim administrator so it can be paid to you. Here's what you need to know.
Winter Fuel Payments to be reinstated for millions – Martin Lewis explains how it'll work, what it means and if it's an improvement
All State Pensioners in England and Wales will receive a Winter Fuel Payment this winter, though those who earn over £35,000 will see it clawed back through the tax system. It means nine million pensioners will get the £200 or £300 top-up. Here MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis shares his instant response and analysis, and we include answers to your key questions.

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