Help! Boiler has died, don't know where to turn

NickyNic

Hi guys,
I really need to pick your brains! My combi boiler has died a death, and as the parts are obsolete cn't be repaired. I've had 0800 repair out through our boiler cover from Scottish Power, and before they came I at least had heating, now I've no hot water or heating I have 2 small children, so need to try and get this resolved quickly but I just don't know where to turn. We have no savings, are on a DMPthrough stepchange. I'm on ESA and DLA and my husband works full time. I've tried the Energy Savings trust but they say to get an assesment for the affordable warmth schemes its as least a 3 week process. I really don't know where to start

Thanks in advance for reading this

Wywth

NickyNic wrote: »

Hi guys,
I really need to pick your brains! My combi boiler has died a death, and as the parts are obsolete cn't be repaired. I've had 0800 repair out through our boiler cover from Scottish Power, and before they came I at least had heating, now I've no hot water or heating I have 2 small children, so need to try and get this resolved quickly but I just don't know where to turn. We have no savings, are on a DMPthrough stepchange. I'm on ESA and DLA and my husband works full time. I've tried the Energy Savings trust but they say to get an assesment for the affordable warmth schemes its as least a 3 week process. I really don't know where to start

Thanks in advance for reading this

Is this your property, or a rented property?


If it's rented, it's the LL's job to resolve. That's what you pay rent for.

If you own the property, I would suggest you seek a second opinion from a recommended local gas safe registered engineer. They may be able to get your boiler working safely again using non-OEM parts if they cannot source OEM parts, and even if they can't, I am sure they will offer you a cheaper replacement boiler than any large utility supplier will charge you.

Ecodave

I would try to find companies that are involved in delivering boiler replacements through the Affordable Warmth criteria of the Energy Company Obligation. Register with them and then call them to explain your urgent situation. Ask for the contact details of the assessor that has/will be assigned to conduct your assessment and call them directly. Explain that as you are in need of it sorting urgently, that you will be registering with other companies as well if they can't get the ball moving quickly. They want your business remember.

I know Help-Link are involved in delivering boiler replacements and they have national coverage. If you don't have any luck, post which part of the country you are in and I will try and locate a regional operator.

macman

Make and model of your boiler, and the part required?
Most independents can source parts that the nationals cannot be bothered to.
If you have no savings, then you'd be better off saving the cash you're shelling out every month on boiler cover.

Joyful

When my children were younger and my central heating broke down I was without gas heating for 5 winter months. I put an electric heater in the main room when it was in use and one at the top of the stairs with the bedroom doors open an hour before the children went to bed. They then had an extra duvet and hot water bottle in each bed.

It was not ideal and we were cold when going into bathrooms,kitchens and hallways but it got us through the winter. We also had an extra layer or 2 of clothing on which also helped. You can pick up heaters for around £20 so I would suggest this as a starting point.

undaunted

I agree with macman & Wywth - shop around before you accept itr cant be repaired.

If you do need to get a new boiler perhaps you could apply for a crisis loan from dss?

Ecodave

undaunted wrote: »

I agree with macman & Wywth - shop around before you accept itr cant be repaired.

If you do need to get a new boiler perhaps you could apply for a crisis loan from dss?

Or what about getting one for free under the Affordable Warmth criteria of ECO? This is a money saving website, isn't it?:D