FREE boiler scheme AM I BEING CONNED?

fairydust30

I applied for the EIC free boiler scheme where those on low income and certain benefit can get a replacement boiler if theirs is old and unefficient etc.
I qualified after having the assessment has a technical survey - this is all being done by NPower - not my choice and I am not with them for my energy - after applying on one of the websites the job seemed to fall in their lap.
So last week I had the tech survey done - all ok - another cylinder back in the loft to replace an old gravity system, and a replacement condensing boiler being fitted in the same bedroom cupboard where the old one is. I asked about having a combi - was told 'no' they have to put back like for like. (they use Baxi boilers - don't know if they are any good?). New boiler would go back where old was and a y-plan fitted - I don't know what or why that's needed? My only issue was he said the waste pipe from the boiler couldn't just go outside as the gutter pipe went straight onto the floor onto block paving. Apparently what comes out of the waste is acidic and would ruin paving and they're not allowed anyway. Is this true? His suggestion was to drill through from one loft to another then down my bedroom wall and through into the bathroom to attach to bath waste?


Had another call recently to have another tech survey as all of a sudden the dude is not sure another cylinder would fit up my loft. Now, despite saying its not part of the scheme he's suggesting a combi boiler with all new radiators fitted which would mean all new pipework and trunking and floors up and everything. I asked about the need for new radiators - theres only a few that I would consider needing replacement but he said 'why not if you can'. He did the classic of calling his boss in front of me to confirm yes indeed if a combi was installed it would have to be all new radiators. When I start panicking about the work involved etc he reverts to previous suggestion of condensing boiler but saying that the cylinder would have to go in the cupboard as well and theres no room for movement on the waste pipe coming down my bedroom wall. At the end of it all I was really unsure but he was pushing for a decision then and there otherwise he'd have to write two tech surveys and it take him twice as long. I insisted on thinking time, took his number but he reiterated that it would suit him to come back later today once I had decided so he could get it in the office quick for them to price up. It would then be a Yes, Yes but Id need to contribute or a no.


Something doesn't feel right so I called my dad - who says steer clear of NPower and that it sounded like I was being fed a load of 'twoddle'. Now I don't know what to do because my boiler is 40+ years old, not currently working and I am a single working mum going through a divorce. Does anyone have an experience of NPower installing the free boiler scheme??? or can anyone offer any advise?

stator

I don't know about this but it's unlikely to be npower you are dealing with. The main thing is to completely ignore everything they tell you in person and get everything in writing. Do not allow them to pressure you into agreeing to anything. Ask for everything in writing. Take your time to read the T&C and if in doubt ask a friend to look over it too.

I'm skeptical that they would change your boiler for a combi and replace all your radiators for free! I would be very suspicous that they will want to charge you a lot for this work.

In terms of energy efficiency, fitting a new boiler like-for-like is going to be the most cost effective for them.

Maggiement

I have been contacted by company called countrywide consultants in Swansea offering free boiler and solid wall insulation all paid for through ECO scheme. I have paid for survey £299 but told that I willget that back with payment of£1250. Has anybody else dealt with this firm. Sounds bit dodgy to me and wondering if I have been conned

D_M_E

Fairydust30 - the only thing free under various government, energy companies and some local authority schemes is the boiler, if you are entitled to one. ANYTHING ELSE you have to pay for, so if they are replacing the radiators and/or anything else, you will have to pay for that part.


I suspect that what they are offering is a Green Deal, which is a loan and is paid off by paying extra on your energy bills. Also, if you own your property, then a lot of buyers are insisting that any Green Deal loan is paid off before any sale, which could potentially mean you have to find several thousand quid to pay it off when you sell.




Maggiement - I would be very suspicious of any company asking for so much money under the ECO (I guess you mean Energy Companies' Obligations) scheme - I think it should be free as part of the service.


Also, if your property was built after about 1990 then it should already have cavity wall insulation and will not be eligible for free insulation. I think you have lost your £299 but I cold be wrong.

fairydust30

Thanks D_M_E after googling a bit more that sounds about right. He came back today and I said if the combi with new radiators would mean having to make a contribution that I wouldn't be able to and he has reverted to the original plan of replacing the boiler with a condensing boiler. don't know how it all works with the funding but just seemed that they must be trying to fleece someone somehow. He had Npower tshirt and car.


Maggi - For the ECO scheme the survey should be free - I would be very wary of companies contacting YOU.
I applied for the boiler, had an assessment which then came out that I would qualify - next you then get a technical survey to decide what goes where and that's how they cost it up to make a decision.

SailorSam

My Mum got a new boiler under i think the Warmfront scheme but they closed down and these took over.

http://questionnaire.simplyaffordablewarmth.co.uk/#

If i remember right they allowed her £3k but it didn't cost that so the balance was left 'in the kitty' if she went back at any time.

SailorSam

Fairydust there's just been a story on Bbc 6pm news that the Govt is scrapping the 'Green Deal' grants system where people were given grants to insulate and impeove the heating in their homes.
Don't know if it's the same thing that you're hoping to get, maybe worth checking.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-gloucestershire-33638903

https://decc.blog.gov.uk/2015/07/23/changes-to-green-home-improvement-policies-announced-today/

D_M_E

The Green Deal is NOT and NEVER was a grant, it is, and ALWAYS HAS BEEN, a loan which MUST be repaid.