Official Free Boilers and Insulation guide discussion

haz25a

I would strongly suggest that anyone wanting to find out more about this scheme contact the Energy Savings Trust (if you live in Scotland there is link to the Scottish website). Their website can be easily found and telephone number provided. They will give you accurate and unbiased information as they're not the ones selling anything.

I got a new boiler fitted under the "Affordable Warmth Scheme". Contacted Energy Savings Trust Scotland who took my details, eligibility is then confirmed by DWP and the Energy Savings Trust then refer your case to your chosen provider (in my case British Gas) . They will then contact you to do a survey on your home and advise you from there.

I'm not sure if there is a different scheme running in Scotland under the Scottish Government but I was told by EST I should NOT be asked to contribute financially in an way.

The telephone number for Energy Savings Trust can be found on the first post of this thread by clicking on the blue link. :-)

ka7e

We have an assessment/survey tomorrow with Dyson Energy Services, referred by EDF. My husband is in receipt of Pension Credit and our boiler was in situ when we moved here 27 years ago! Lady on the phone from Dyson said we should be entitled to a totally free boiler, although I'm not sure it will be straightforward. The current boiler is in the basement, vented into the original chimney system.

Our loft is converted so there is no room for more insulation and being pre-1900 build, we have no cavities to insulate.

I have seen mentioned above that maybe Dyson fit a type of boiler that is not totally reliable? I have done an internet search for local companies in the scheme and have drawn a blank. Would it be advisable to get BG to do a survey as well?

datlex

My landlord (housing association) put in a new combi boiler and new heating system with new radiators here and put external insulation. (It was part of a grant scheme they managed to get for our area) It has meant I have needed the heating a couple of degrees lower as the heat is not escaping through the walls. Also I have gained more space in the form of an extra cupboard where the water tank used to be.
It took a time to agree with them the date and time to come round, however they were in for just one day and caused little disturbance.

Scottishmummy

Haz25a is right. The Energy Savings Trust are the people to go through. They go through the paperwork with you and get the DWP to confirm you are eligible then they will get in touch with which ever utilities company you want to do the job. It does not have to be the one you get your gas or electric from.

I am paying a bit extra only because we are having our radiators replaced too and under the scheme they only cover those in 'living' areas so that is livingroom, bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom and hall. As we also have a dining/office that is not covered we are paying for that extra radiator as there is no point in have a brand spanking new system with one 16 year old radiator. If the baby's cot had still been in there it would have been covered too.

We sent the cheque off last week so now awaiting a date for fitting. I was told the list of works gets sent to the installers every two weeks so even if we have just missed out on the current list we should still be done within the following two weeks.

ka7e

Assessment cancelled as we could not find deeds and subsequent check with Land Registry revealed no registration! Of course, 2 hours later the deeds surfaced. Back to square one.

frames1_uk

I have just had a full assessment by Help Link and I'm getting a new boiler fitted on Friday at no charge. I was surprised when the assessor said they only guarantee boiler for 2 years and that's ONLY if you get it serviced after the first year. I signed electronically so couldn't really see what I was signing, it was so quick, I'm a bit flummoxed now, he didn't even leave me any paperwork or anything to read.

Richie-from-the-Boro

frames1_uk wrote: »

I signed electronically so couldn't really see what I was signing, it was so quick, I'm a bit flummoxed now, he didn't even leave me any paperwork or anything to read.

- signed for exactly what ?
- with whom ?, this one ?
- take care !

frames1_uk

Richie-from-the-Boro wrote: »

- signed for exactly what ?
- with whom ?, this one ?
- take care !

yes with Help Link. Signed to agree that I wanted a free boiler fitting I guess. Just surprised the guy didn't leave me any paperwork.

What am I to beware of?

Richie-from-the-Boro

Yes with Help Link. Signed to agree that I wanted a free boiler fitting I guess. Just surprised the guy didn't leave me any paperwork.

What am I to beware of?

I signed electronically so couldn't really see what I was signing, it was so quick, I'm a bit flummoxed now, he didn't even leave me any paperwork or anything to read.

Signed to agree that I wanted a free boiler fitting I guess

- because you are guessing, hoping, but don't know
- because you said you had signed a legal document "online"
- and then said you "couldn't really see what I was signing"

I'm sure everything is ok, but you say an assessor came to your home, said you could have a free boiler, left no paperwork, and you signed for this online. I'm not sure you know exactly what you have signed for, and perhaps you should find out what you have signed for, before any 'cooling off' period expires. Best of luck frames1_uk.

frames1_uk

I didn't sign online, I signed his iPad that he uses for all the photos and calculations as to whether I qualified or had to make a contribution.

I called Help Link earlier on and explained I was concerned that I had no paperwork etc, the guy said they do all their work on ipads now and as soon as they say you've qualified for a free boiler, Help Link basically take a back seat and the installers will give me the paperwork associated with guarantees etc.

It's a straightforward boiler swap, off the wall and replacement on, same pipework, same controls, thermostat etc, so can't see there being too many problems to be made?

It's free, I'll take it