Official Free Boilers and Insulation guide discussion

pitry

BG told us that our house doesn't have cavity walls over the phone, refused to book a survey and told us our one layer of insulation is already above the qualifying level.

House built in 1954, just moved in, gas boiler pre-80s under the fitted kitchen for the heating and electric boiler for the hot water taps upstairs, lots of windows and quite open space. Great house kept really well by the old lady who lived there, but I think it is going to be a very cold winter for us!
Now, where did I put my jumpers...... :snow_grin

Jokes aside, anyone else having trouble with British Gas and how can they say that the house does not have cavity walls?
Thanks

kforshaw

pitry wrote: »

Jokes aside, anyone else having trouble with British Gas and how can they say that the house does not have cavity walls?
Thanks

When was your house built? Cavity walls?
Before 1932 Unlikely
1932 – 1982 Highly likely
After 1982 Almost certain

barryb1

I have today sent of my third application form in three weeks for a free British Gas insulation survey. I was cynical about the promised contact within three days but would have expected a response by now.
If British Gas are going to make these offers they should keep to their word or extend the promised contact time. The company's service standards have never been good, so why demonstrate it so obviously?

maggiann

I asked for a survey which we had yesterday, and work is due to start on Monday, so far so good. I have just phoned regarding the £50 voucher, but because I used the phone number on a letter we received, and not the number on MSE website, we are not eligible!. Nothing I said made any difference, so, is the offer a special secret, not happy at all.

killick_becki

barryb1 wrote: »

I have today sent of my third application form in three weeks for a free British Gas insulation survey. I was cynical about the promised contact within three days but would have expected a response by now.
If British Gas are going to make these offers they should keep to their word or extend the promised contact time. The company's service standards have never been good, so why demonstrate it so obviously?

I filled in the form and got 4 "missed calls" but each time the phone rang for 1 ring. I'm guessing they aren't really trying to call people.
After the first 2 times I just rang the number above the form. This was really quick and had to wait less than 1 minute for them to answer the phone. As it is a freephone number it was at no cost to me and I rang at a convenient time for me too.

I'd just bite the bullet and give them a call.

redokuma

Used the link see if I could get the free insulation,and British Gas phoned me about 4 or 5 days later.As soon as I told them my house was built after 1990 I was told British Gas deem any house built after 1990 to already be energy efficient

mick999

Last year I rang one of these companies that do these schemes, but they told me that as I only have a water heater (It heats my tap water only and not any radiators) that I wasn't entitled to one.
I was wondering if anyone knows any different to this. Thanks.

wearetherams

My girlfriend has been involved with the scheme since April. She has had 3 companies come out and review her Boiler and has been given the all clear. However, the latest company Fusion Heating based in Rotheram.

They have now asked her to pay £500 towards this? No reason has been given? Also, with the delay we are concerned the Monday appointment will not be kept and/or she will have to pay more?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

aberant

julesp600 wrote: »

Dear me. I am so cross. We applied for a free boiler, EDF came out, checked all the paperwork, quite happy. We get DLA, carers allowance, child tax credit etc.

Got a call from "Dodd Group" - installers I believe. They wanted more paperwork, sent it through, they now say we aren't entitled. Problem is, tax credits show last years earnings. The other half was made redundant in June (got the P45) to show it but the tax credits show what he earned last year. What is that about?!!!!!

So, even though we got about £8000 into our house a year, if we are lucky, we don't qualify until next year?!

Hopefully not too late for this user - I had a similar issue. Firstly, you can get the Tax Credits office to assess you on your current year's income (if reduced by more than £2500 this year) if you've not already done that. If you have done it, then you are eligible as the eligibility is based on the "relevant income" and not the actual income of the house. For example you can deduct the cost of childcare vouchers from your income for tax credit purposes and if that dropped you below the £15k income threshold you become eligible. It took 2 months of fighting with Dyson but I got there in the end.

Savealittlebit

I wonder if anyone has any experience of the following or could offer any pointers -
I applied for the eco scheme via the energy helpline; they confirmed I meet the financial eligibility critera and forwarded my application for a new boiler (am already not eligible for insulation because I live one-up n a solid walled black or flats) to EDF my energy supplier. I got a call from them today saying I would not be eligible because my boiler (30-odd years old, I'm sure!) is a Baxi Bermuda back boiler and they don't consider them in the scheme. Very frustrating, much newer boilers seem to be being replaced when they wont touch mine which is out of the ark!

I'm a bit at a loss as after the system broke down a few months ago, I was told it was dangerous and had to sign a waiver from the gas safe guy saying although he wouldnt condemn it, I was taking responsibility for it being dangerous with the release of carbon monoxide. Obviously it has it been on since while going through this process.

Does anyone know if any of the big six WILL replace a back boiler? Don't mind whether like-for-like or with a condenser, as long as it will give heat and hot water!

I called up n power next and they are sending out an assessor in a week followed by a three week wait to see what they say. The lady wouldn't give any indication of whether back boilers were eligible. So concerned as it takes so long (I know others have waited longer) and could easily be back at square one with a four month old baby and autumn on the way.

So if anyone has any experience of a similar situation or knows which companies either WILL or CERTAINLY WON'T help I'd be grateful; I'll know who not to waste my time with then! :-)
Also do you know if I can apply to more than one of them at the same time (just using whoever -if anyone- agrees quickest?)
Or know of any other organisations where I might be able to access help?

Also, the n power person said their assessor will want to see loads of my financial details and will PHOTOGRAPH every page of my DWP award letter for tax credits. She wouldn't arrange visit without agreeing. Does that seem fishy to anyone or is it common practice? Thanks in advance for any advice.