Boiler fault, new property

dennishopper

Thanks, it sounds like I’ve been over thinking it (hopefully).

Also good direction for changing the gas and electricity supplier, even though I don’t quote know my intended usage, everyone else seems cheaper than the current provider, Boost.

Gerry1

When shopping around for energy, remember to search the whole of the market, not just those that they can switch you to. Most commercial sites hide the best deals because they don't get a commission, so always look for the relevant button to click.

Many sites can be slow to update with the latest tariffs, so check a few including Citizens Advice and Energylinks.

Most don't show Neon Reef which may be the cheapest for electricity (although not necessarily best for customer service).

As you don't know your consumption accurately, best to start with variable tariffs or those with low or zero exit fees.

dennishopper

Gerry1 wrote: »

When shopping around for energy, remember to search the whole of the market, not just those that they can switch you to. Most commercial sites hide the best deals because they don't get a commission, so always look for the relevant button to click.

Many sites can be slow to update with the latest tariffs, so check a few including Citizens Advice and Energylinks.

Most don't show Neon Reef which may be the cheapest for electricity (although not necessarily best for customer service).

As you don't know your consumption accurately, best to start with variable tariffs or those with low or zero exit fees.

Thanks, very helpful! Is it clear what offers a variable tariff, or is there a way I can gauge my consumption?

Gerry1

dennishopper wrote: »

Thanks, very helpful! Is it clear what offers a variable tariff, or is there a way I can gauge my consumption?

Comparison sites usually let you filter by Fixed or Variable tariff. Or you can just scroll down the results and see what the Fixed tariff exit fees are. Some companies such as Avro and Yorkshire Energy have offered low fixed rates with low or zero exit fees, and So Energy may only charge £5. Just shop around for what suits you best !

You can get an idea of your consumption by taking daily meter readings. Remember that gas has to be converted from the volume to kWh, but this site will do the sums for you.

https://www.businessenergy.com/business-gas/gas-bill-calculator/

The more you know, the more you'll be in control and the more you'll save. But if you're in the dark, you'll burn your fingers... :eek:

Pete99

If the boiler hasn't been used for a few weeks or more there's probably stale gas in the pipe, F1 is the boiler attempted to light 5 times and failed, my old boiler has a pilot light and when I turn it on after the summer period it takes a really long time to get good gas in the pipe that will light, keep resetting and eventually it'll light, cheaper than getting an expensive gas man in unless money's no object.

dennishopper

Pete99 wrote: »

If the boiler hasn't been used for a few weeks or more there's probably stale gas in the pipe, F1 is the boiler attempted to light 5 times and failed, my old boiler has a pilot light and when I turn it on after the summer period it takes a really long time to get good gas in the pipe that will light, keep resetting and eventually it'll light, cheaper than getting an expensive gas man in unless money's no object.

It was working fine over the previous weeks (although before I took possession I don’t think it had been on so much), however the pressure was low and had to be brought back up twice, I’m wondering if that is an indicator as to what is wrong. Reset about 20 times to no avail. Got a gas certified plumber coming round later this week.

dennishopper

Gerry1 wrote: »

Just shop around for what suits you best !

You can get an idea of your consumption by taking daily meter readings. Remember that gas has to be converted from the volume to kWh, but this site will do the sums for you.

The more you know, the more you'll be in control and the more you'll save. But if you're in the dark, you'll burn your fingers... :eek:

Gosh I don’t even know where the meter is or how to take a reading. I’m also guessing I can’t do so until it’s back in action?

Robin9

dennishopper wrote: »

Gosh I don’t even know where the meter is or how to take a reading. I’m also guessing I can’t do so until it’s back in action?

Then how did you give your supplier readings when you moved in ?

victor2

dennishopper wrote: »

Gosh I don’t even know where the meter is or how to take a reading. I’m also guessing I can’t do so until it’s back in action?

Well, there's your first task - find out where both electric and gas meters are. Then how to read them.
If your gas meter is PAYG, it must be fairly accessible. There will be a master shut off valve near it. You MUST find out where it is in case of a gas leak or similar emergency in the house.
Don't expect the engineer to know where it is - he'll know the obvious places to look, but will expect you to know.

Gerry1

Perhaps I'm missing something, but if it's a PAYG meter that you've never topped up because you don't know where it is, has it just turned off the supply because you've run out of whatever credit you inherited? :huh:

It may just need feeding !