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

macman

But at least it's a short term solution to an immediate problem.
OP has not been back again, so I doubt we shall ever know.
There's a definite correlation between those who commence their posts along the lines of 'urgent help needed, absolutely desperate!', and once some further info is requested, are never heard of again...
Though in this case the OP is not a newbie, so we may yet get some feedback.
Warmfront will not be an option in the short term due to the waiting lists, so the best hope is to find an RGI who knows the boiler.

Ich_2

We've had the same from BG, the gas regulations are NOT retrospective so if it met standards when installed it should still be OK to use. The BG guy that came out to us more or less admitted that they are not allowed to work on anything that doesn't meet the latest regs for liability purposes (and to sell you a new system).
We frequently see this at work with reposts of electrical faults from what are obviously not electricians but have a set script to work around.

amonaghan

We just got a grant for a new boiler - not sure what area you are in, but this is where we went http://www.heepgrant.org as it was linked from our local council web site.

undaunted

Have you tried http://www.charisgrants.com/ / BG Energy Trust for help?

You could also try contacting your local Lions club, rotary or round table etc & asking whether they could help you with a donation.

Good luck

shop-to-drop

Actually it is warming up now so you could manage for quite a while just heating water with a kettle especially as your kids are small so they won't take too much water. We managed like this during the really cold winter two years ago for a few months while we saved up and found someone who would repair rather than replace as we were initially told like yourselves. It is almost spring so you should be able to manage without heating. However, it doesn't sound like you will be in a better situation in a few months so probably not much point in doing this. Will selling up and renting put you in a better financial position?

laurel7172

Owning a house is expensive, unfortunately, but not THAT expensive. Definitely get some local quotes-ring around and ask if anyone thinks they might be able to fix an XYZ 123 model.

I'm not too sure myself which are Gas Safe regs and building regs and whether building regs are compulsory on a new boiler fit. When I was getting quotes last year there was definitely a wide range of opinion as to how much work actually needed to be done. My quotes (for a four bedroom house), all from Gas Safe engineers, came in between £1600 and £2400, so £5000 definitely sounds high. But that doesn't help unless you can get hold of the £1600.

I don't suppose you have any family who wouldn't want to see your little ones without heating? Otherwise, it looks like it really might be the kettle and fanheater, whatever they cost to run. Not having money (or access to credit) costs money. It's not always fair, but it's how it is.

cas444

Our boiler is ideal classic. It's about 20 years old.

cas444

It's having a one pipe system that makes it impossible just to fit a new boiler without doing other work apparently

Canucklehead

cas444 wrote: »

Our boiler is ideal classic. It's about 20 years old.

Hi: which version of the Ideal Classic? Photos would clarify the siutation.

Canucklehead

unclebulgaria

cas444 wrote: »

It's having a one pipe system that makes it impossible just to fit a new boiler without doing other work apparently

If I remember correctly having a one pipe system doesn't stop you having a new boiler. I've contacted boiler manufacturers before about this situation and they've all said its not impossible.