Can't afford to have condemned boiler replaced - am in despair

cas444

Just had a quote to get our condemned boiler fixed -£5000!

We have no spare money as we are in a DMP. We cannot get credit. Today we declined for a payplan by British Gas.

We don't qualify for low income grants.

We have two young children (4 and 1).

We have no hot water or heating. I don't know what to do.

caveat_emptor

Someone is having you on, £5000 is several times over the top, you could get a new boiler fitted for much less. Who gave you the quote, which boiler do you have and why is it condemned?

cas444

Boiler wouldn't fire so British Gas came and stripped it and discovered there is no backing plate behind the boiler. Apparently a recent regulation by Gas safe is that the boiler must be enclosed all the way round, apart from the bit where the flume comes out.

For this reason they have stuck a warning sticker on it saying it is unsafe and needs to be replaced, or they could put a backing plate on which would cost about £500. However there is no guarantee they could get the flume off and on again. And as the boiler is about 20 years old, the parts are obsolete. So if the flume broke or couldn't go back on, we would need a new boiler anyway.

To fit a new condensing boiler, we need to drain the sludge from the rads, which means removing them as they are a on a one pipe system. The rads would also need new valves fitted as they do not currently meant Gas Safe regulations.

We would also need a extension tank in the loft as our tank is so old, Gas Safe say they are no longer allowed to work with those sort of tanks.

On top of all that they need to run a pipe up through the ceiling into the spare room and out through the wall to get rid of the fumes etc the new condenser boiler would produce.

Even if we could get a cheaper quote, we can't raise any money. We are barely above neg equity due to the fall in house prices and buying at the wrong time.

I don't know what to do next. Surely it can't be right that two young children can live in a house with no heating?

Canucklehead

Hi.

If you could tell us the make and model of the boiler (as post #2)
it will get you more replies as to the best way forward.

Gas Safe has nothing to do with TRVs or any other rad valve. It's Part L building regs.

Gas Safe has nothing to do with feed and expansion tanks. If it's asbestos cement (that's the only reason I can think they won't touch it) it can be isolated, left in place and a new one fitted nearby.

I don't know why a new flue couldn't follow the same exit as your existing one, a plume kit can be fitted outside if needed.

GSR

Mr_Ted

You have been visited by a salesman by the sounds of it???

Speak to some neighbours and find a reliable local Heating Engineer to get the true picture!

In the meanwhile I suggest you get at the least some temporary heaters and use them wisely?

Cardew

Have they actually condemned the boiler, or just a note stuck on it?

Why did you call in BG?

How long have you been using the boiler?

macman

Get a local independent GSR RGI in who has a clue and isn't just trying to sell you a complete new system. The price you have been quoted is absurd.
Do you have a back up immersion heater?
You can use cheap panel heaters as temporary heating in the meantime.

SailorSam

Do you have insurance to cover the cost of repairs to your boiler, if so they should make a contribution towards your new one.

SailorSam

These are the conditions were you may get help from Warmfront with your heating.

You have a child under the age of 16 or are pregnant and have a maternity certificate MAT-B1, and be in receipt of one or more of the following benefits:
Income Support Council Tax Benefit Housing Benefit Income - related Employment & Support Allowance
Income-based Jobseekers Allowance Pension Credit

You receive one or more of the following benefits:
Working Tax Credit (with an income of less than £16,040, which must include a disability premium)
Disability Living Allowance
Child Tax Credit (with an income of less than £16,040)
Housing Benefit (which must include a disability premium)
Income Support (which must include a disability premium)
Council Tax Benefit (which must include a disability premium)
War Disablement Pension (which must include a mobility supplement or Constant Attendance Allowance)
Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (which must include Constant Attendance Allowance)
Attendance Allowance

Premier_2

cas444 wrote: »

Just had a quote to get our condemned boiler fixed -£5000!

We have no spare money as we are in a DMP. We cannot get credit. Today we declined for a payplan by British Gas.

We don't qualify for low income grants.

We have two young children (4 and 1).

We have no hot water or heating. I don't know what to do.

Kettle - £5.69

Heater - £9.00

Hot water and heating ... Done.

jalexa

Premier wrote: »

Kettle - £5.69

Hot water ... Done.

How many kettles to fill the bath and at what energy cost?:(