Condemned boiler

[Booldawg]

My in-laws have had their yearly inspection from British Gas. They've condemned it and done something to it which stops it working.

As a new boiler is around the 2k mark and they dont have the money or a good enough credit history to borrow the money what can they do next?Surely BG cant just switch it off and walk out with no way of them having hot water or working radiatiors? Bearing in mind they live in Scotland and are getting on a bit (not OAPs but also not in good health)

[carrot99]

British Gas are always offering reduced prices on boilers - can they not get financed through BG as loyal customers?

I should think that any gas person is legally obliged to dismantle dangerous equipment - better cold than dead!

[albaqwerty]

are they council or owner/occupier?

only advice I could offer is they contact CAB to find out what, if anything, they could do.

If boiler is condemned, then they have to shut it off completely. My gas fire was condemned last year, but council installed a lovely electric one.

[Booldawg]

They own their house.

[albaqwerty]

bummer, follow carrot's advice.

Could they borrow against their property? I know I'm not being helpful, but you and they have my sympathies

[Booldawg]

Yes, maybe borrowing on the mortgage is the way forward. I doubt most working people not on big money would have the relative finances behind them to pay outright for a new boiler.

[madmaggot]

http://www.direct.gov...DoItOnline/DG_4017263

Try this site.

[Booldawg]

Thanks mm

[brenda]

Are they on any benefits -- not being nosy -- but there is a scheme called Warm Start which is run by the gov and local authorities -- they will help with a new boiler etc. There is also help for those , i think over 60 who are not on benefits. I n some areas it is called Warm Front as well. may help .

[brenda]

Here is a number for the Warm front grants ----0800 316 2805 -- good luck .Brenda.

[fbg40]

Hi Booldawg
If your in laws go ahead with a new boiler, DO NOT use British Gas, they are a rip off company. I was quoted in excess of £5000 for a new boiler, installation etc, but if I agreed there and then I could have had an extra discount of £500 - big deal. I eventually had a new boiler installed, power flush to the system, TRV's to all necessary rads, a new radiator in the hall, everything up and running by two superb fitters for £2100. I have never had two more conscientious and clean workers. It's a pity they don't live in Scotland.
Good luck
FBG40

[terence7556]

hi booldawg
what BG has done is sensible but not very helpful to you at the moment. if your gas appliance is unsafe then it must not be used.BG cannot disconnect w/o your permission but if you refuse your permission to cap it off and attach a do not use label, then when they walk out the door they ring transco (or the scottish version) and you will not believe how quickly they turn up to cut you off and on top of that you gat charged to be reconnected.so your in laws did,nt have a lot of choice.
the warmfront system in use down here is very good and is your next port of call.is there no way members of the family can help out with electric heaters in the meantime or your council or parish priest ?
please remember that what BG did was for safety reasons, i dont work for them, but i understand why.if there is a warmfront system in scotland then your in laws will be better off in a short space of time and their home will be a safer place

[Booldawg]

They arent on benefits so doubt they'd qualify for a grant. FBG - they do live in Scotland, in Dunfermline so that company sounds alot better than BG.

I've advised them to get a 2nd opinion as I've read that BG are ridiculously keen on condemning boilers for obvious gain!

[emeritus]

Hopefully this will help it is for Scotland only and I believe you dont have to be on benefits to obtain grants.

http://www.chwdp-scot...k/central/central.php

[terence7556]

you do not have to be on benefits to qualify for a warm heat grant