New boiler but on a debt management plan :(

mightyroberto

Hi this is my first post so please be kind

I've been on a debt management plan for 2 years and all is working out very well. I have learned to live without credit and live within my means, however it seams as winter is fast approaching i am about to reach a major hurdle. Our boiler of 10 years has all but died and needs replacing. All the suppliers I have contacted have stated that I could have a new boiler fitted 'subject to status', now considering my status (i assume they mean credit status) is currently in a longterm vegetative state, i.e. non existant, I have no clue as to how I go about getting a new boiler. I have 4 young children and do not want them to go cold this winter. My current Gas supplier is British Gas.

I apologise if this subject is addressed elsewhere, i have gone through the forum best I can and found nothing related to my plight.

Can anyone help

Thanks!

KimYeovil

As long as you have an electricity supply no-one will have to go cold. Electric heaters are available from less than £20.

If you can not get credit from the tradesmen for a new boiler this year then start saving now to buy one next year or the year after.

inmypocketnottheirs

Do you qualify for a grant from Warm Front? If you receive working family tax credits I think you may be eligble. Worth a google?

Joyful

Depending on where you live there is help available. I am assuming you own your property ( otherwise your Landlord would be liable). Call British gas and ask for the correct info. If person the you speak to is unaware ask to be put through to the Insulation dept who will have the details of help available.

LolaCola_2

I am in exactly the same position as yourself. My old back boiler has packed in just in time for winter . I've got 3 kids to keep warm too but don't qualify for any grants etc Its a very old boiler and i know it needs replacing but its going to cost me thousands as need pipes redoing and new rads etc. I am also on a DMP so credit isn't an option. I have electric oil filled radiators (They have a couple in argos on offer just now.) and I've got timers for them and they have thermostats to try and keep the cost down. Its a worry but i'm trying to save as much money as possible to try and get it replaced next year or even further on depending on how long it takes to save. I'm looking at ways to make money like selling stuff on ebay/car boot. Other things i've done are made some door curtains, draught excluders etc to try and retain as much heat in the house as possible. I was hoping to find that 113 million euro ticket but alas no

jcorbygas

Why are you certain you need a new back boiler/fire? We maintain many very old back boiler systems and parts are still available.
Can you not find a qualified, experienced GasSafe registered engineer to have a look and give you a price to repair.
What is it thats not working?

LolaCola_2

jcorbygas wrote: »

Why are you certain you need a new back boiler/fire? We maintain many very old back boiler systems and parts are still available.
Can you not find a qualified, experienced GasSafe registered engineer to have a look and give you a price to repair.
What is it thats not working?

Hi, sorry for taking so long to reply but i haven't been back on the forums since then. Thank you for this info. I had been led to believe, obviously incorrectly, that old back boilers should be replaced and that parts were no longer available for them. The system was in the house when i bought it a couple of years ago. This set me panicking it couldn't be repaired and that i'd need to fork out for a new one:eek:. I'm going to take your advice and get a gassafe engineer to take a look at it first in the hope that it can be repaired. I've done a bit more googling and you're right there seem to still be a lot of old back boilers in use. Its definitely going to help us if it can be fixed.

DVardysShadow

LolaCola wrote: »

... I had been led to believe, obviously incorrectly, that old back boilers should be replaced and that parts were no longer available for them.

You have probably been told that by someone who wants to sell you a new boiler. If you posted the make and model of your boiler here - or probably better on the DIY forum, you would probably have someone tell you how easy it is to get parts - and if the boiler is giving you issues, what you need done to fix it.

Remember to strike whoever told you that your boiler needed replacing off the list of people to replace it when the time comes.

christabell

Have you thought of contacting the DWP for a CRISIS LOAN ????? They may be able to help you.

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/specialist-guides/technical-guidance/sb16-a-guide-to-the-social/crisis-loans/#whocancl

Or check here.
http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Easy-ways-to-stop-wasting-energy/Frequently-Asked-Questions

Perhaps warmfront can help...
http://www.warmfront.co.uk/do-i-qualify.htm

Good Luck

payless

Is central heating now considered a basic need ?