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Free Boilers - is it a scam?

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Every month I get someone knocking on my door saying I can get free insulation and a boiler - sometimes its different companies other times its the same company again.

They say its a Government scheme and I don't have to pay.

I am on Pension Credit and I live in a 3 bed terraced house. My boiler is a combination boiler about 9 years old. The house does not have any cavity wall insulation.

I would like to get insulation fitted and the boiler though its working fine now I had to pay £200 to get it repaired earlier this year.

What do these companies do with your information? I am worried they could use it to steal my identity if I give them evidence of my pension credit.

Comments

  • jaybeetoo
    jaybeetoo Posts: 1,363 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    My advice is don't buy anything from the door. Talk to your own energy company.

    http://www.which.co.uk/energy/creating-an-energy-saving-home/guides/home-grants/energy-company-obligation-eco/
  • Lorian
    Lorian Posts: 6,233 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    It's the other thousands of pounds (sometimes inflated) for installation, pipework, cleaning etc that is the issue.
  • Is there a list of suppliers who I can contact and get quotes from?

    I found a website but they said I had to fill in my contact details and then they would arrange a supplier to call me. So I wouldn't know who they are beforehand.

    Has anyone had their boiler replaced under this scheme?
  • NYM
    NYM Posts: 4,066 Forumite
    Tenth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Photogenic Combo Breaker
    AlanBart wrote: »
    Is there a list of suppliers who I can contact and get quotes from?

    I found a website but they said I had to fill in my contact details and then they would arrange a supplier to call me. So I wouldn't know who they are beforehand.

    Has anyone had their boiler replaced under this scheme?


    Check to see if your current supplier is part of the scheme.

    Read this link ---> Boiler Grants.org.uk
  • NeilCr
    NeilCr Posts: 4,430 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Have you tried ringing your energy company and asking?
  • Murphybear
    Murphybear Posts: 7,974 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    AlanBart wrote: »
    Is there a list of suppliers who I can contact and get quotes from?

    I found a website but they said I had to fill in my contact details and then they would arrange a supplier to call me. So I wouldn't know who they are beforehand.

    Has anyone had their boiler replaced under this scheme?

    We got a new boiler when my OH was on Pension Credit, so in theory it's not a scam. We used a local firm.
  • My sister just got a free £3200 oil boiler installed and loft and cavity insulation at no cost to her. It isn't a scam but beware of any 'additional' work they claim might have to be done after they start installing which they want you to pay in cash which is a complaint I have heard from some.
    These are my own views and you should seek advice from your local Benefits Department or CAB.
  • densol_2
    densol_2 Posts: 1,189 Forumite
    Yep - I know someone who got a brand new Baxi boiler totally free ! They thought it was a scam - however it was organised by "Dyson heating" and N Power - absolutely nothing extra to pay. The boiler needs to be rated D or below as inefficient and not need loads of extra work to refit. From enquiry to fitting was around 2 months
    Stuck on the carousel in Disneyland's Fantasyland :D

    I live under a bridge in England
    Been a member for ten years.
    Retired in 2015 ( ill health ) Actuary for legal services.
  • Spendless
    Spendless Posts: 24,652 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    densol wrote: »
    Yep - I know someone who got a brand new Baxi boiler totally free ! They thought it was a scam - however it was organised by "Dyson heating" and N Power - absolutely nothing extra to pay. The boiler needs to be rated D or below as inefficient and not need loads of extra work to refit. From enquiry to fitting was around 2 months
    That was the situation when someone called at my Nan's house about it, around 10 years ago. She was also on pension credit. Her boiler had to be rated as inefficient for her to qualify for a new boiler. She didn't qualify as it was above that standard.
  • I had a new boiler fitted for free almost three years ago through the Warm Front Scheme, which was via Eon, my energy supplier.

    Unfortunately, Warm Front doesn't exist anymore, but I do understand it is still possible to get insulation, etc, through the major energy companies.
    "There are not enough superlatives in the English language to describe a 'Princess Coronation' locomotive in full cry. We shall never see their like again". O S Nock
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