Warm Front advice

jellymid

Thanks Call that Music. Your quote seems hugely excessive by comparison - My Mum will be getting a boiler, 8 radiators and a gas connection for an excess of £750. I have to agree and say that the whole system lacks transparency. Our second contractor was saying that they have put in 19 systems this week and they always use the same boilers. I suspect that they maybe work to such a high level of 'routine' that yours may be too out of the ordinary, hence the high quote. Perhaps it is just too much trouble for them.
You could do as I did and ask Warmfront to request another contractor to quote. You have to start the whole process again, but our second contractor was more helpful than the first, so it was well worth it. Given the amount of money, it would seem to be worth a try. Regarding Warmfront, I have had mixed experience. Two customer advisors were obviously bored and quick to give advice which on further questioning turned out to be untrue. However two others were very helpful and understanding, going to a lot of trouble. As for hijacking - no problems. If you are getting the help you need, fine. If not, try starting another thread.

Magaret Clare - Thanks for your feedback on the ISAR - that does reassure me, and we can look at getting Mum's taps sorted out beforehand.

Call_That_Music?!?

Yes, jelly, I think I'll try asking for another quote and also give a local guy a ring so that, as Margaret says, I'll know that I've covered everything. Thanks to you both

jellymid

Good luck call that music - let us know how you get on!

Jake'sGran

hochepooch wrote: »

hi just like to say a few things about warm front if your lucky to get the grant and the installer is a company called (iguana heating) be careful you get what you are entitled to inguana will fit boilers for the full cost of your grant but will not give any radiators even when your radiators might be leaky and very old. this is because warm front own iguana heating. other installers will fit boiler and five radiators for the cost of the same grant. I live in the cleveland area and this is happening all the time with Iguana heating.

Iguana did the work for our new boiler and radiators. The law regarding boiler types and flues has changed. Their gas fitter was excellent and worked so... hard. We have solid floors and the subject of digging part of it up just didn't arise. The things we were not happy about (it's a condensing boiler) were than the condensation has to be run off into an outside drain and the pipe hey must use by law is rather large in diameter and had to cross an outside step. The flu had to be put on an outside wall way from any room windows. This caused him extra work. I would have preferred a boiler like our old one but, if possible, condensing boilers have to be fit. All new builds have condensing boilers. Our fitter was at the house for a full week and travelled to Manchester from Liverpool every day. We did have one problem but they came back quickly and sorted it.

Jake'sGran

Hello Margaret, I do believe that if there are special circumstances for a warmfront client not being able to comply with having condensing boiler another type can be fitted. We had or old one for over 30 years and it was housed inside a cupboard in the kitchen meaning that it was not obtrusive unlike the new one.

Unfortunately, you have touched a nerve with your reference to hot water for the shower. Our shower is old too. It is electric and it works but the water on the lowest setting is too hot for me, and, the handwashbasin in the same downstairs bathroom delivers warm water after a wait of about 15 minutes. A district nurse who used to visit me said "if I phone when I'm at the end of the Close you can then turn on the tap on ready for me":rotfl:
These problems were the same prior to Warmfront.
Got to find a way to get them sorted.

mary43

I had previously had loft insulation and draft proofing through warm front and was delighted when they rang and asked if I'd like a new gas boiler. Ours was on the way out. They called to check it, agreed it needed replacing and within about 2 months the workmen called, fitted it in two days (was going to be one). Electrician called the third day and the job was finished. I too was told I could have an extra radiator but then told no that wasn't the case. Oh well, can't have everything I suppose. I'm just glad we've now got a boiler that doesn't rattle and clang and we have a warmer house than we've every had. All at no cost to ourselves.

eileenjo

I had a new condensing boiler fitted under the warmfront scheme four months ago. Great. Really hot water for the first time in years. Fab latest digital thermostat fitted in lounge.

Only problem was that man who fitted boiler left without finishing the pipework outside. I didn't even realise until the electrician arrived and told me. I have been phoning Iguana regularly, also had the Warmfront inspector here to inspect the work and he said he would chase them up. That was two months ago. Apparantly the pipe should go into the ground and it is just sticking out of the wall. I don't know what that means, whether it would cause any problems with my system or whether it is a detriment to the neighbours or just looks unsightly.

I sometimes get the fan of the boiler going off for a few minutes when the heating isn't even on - in the middle of the night. Not sure why.:rolleyes:

jellymid

Hi Sara

I have just come home from my Mum's as she has now had her central heating system fitted. I think she first applied in August, so not too bad a wait, and quite a lot of that time was waiting for the gas supply to be installed. I wouldn't say that it has been staightforward and sometimes we have regretted starting the whole business, but now, at last, she has a warm home. The whole system seems worryingly open to abuse and the warmfront staff are erratic to say the least. I am glad that we have stayed the course and delighted that she will be warm this winter, but there was so much that could have been done better. It feels like it's been a series of battles - and frankly my Mum's health has suffered as a result of it. As long as you remember that it will be worth it in the end - and are prepared to ring warmfront repeatedly until you get someone who knows what they are talking about (they do exist!) - you will get a warm home. That is what it is all about, good luck!

Al

renegade

Hello everybody

Just nipped into this forum to see if I could learn anything new, and I think I have!
This Warm Front is it Government assisted , is it national, or just regional because I have never heard of it.
Do they fit new boilers in Council owned houses
Who do I contact to get an assessment?
I have loft insulation and cavity wall but my boiler is inefficient and ancient and the Council wont put a new modern system in.:T

jellymid

Hi Renegade,
Try looking at www.warmfront.co.uk to see if you are eligible

Good luck,
Al