ECO Scheme and 'free boilers'

[Max_CF]

Eaga plc that runs Warm Front is giving me a rough ride. They are denying me, heating improvements under the Govt scheme.

 

The boiler is a floor standing Potterton Kingfisher RS50 installed when the flat was built in 1963. The Assessor took a glance at the boiler and told me that it is too old and promised me that the boiler will be replaced. He gave me a glossy brochure about the steps they will take to make improvements such as replacement boiler.

 

The Assessor asked me to sign a Client Declaration. I trusted him and made the mistake of signing it without reading. He told me that I will receive a copy of the letter that they send to my landlord. But the landlord or I heard nothing. Then I noticed that on the back of the form that I was asked to sign, the only ‘assessor recommended improvement’ is compact fluorescent light bulbs.

 

After number of phone calls to Warm Front and long waits, I was told that my landlord is responsible for heating, eventhough no one at Warm Front (including the assessor) has read the tenancy agreement. Their ‘landlord is responsible’ stance is based on the mis-interpretation of something I said. They are also disregarding the fact that I have been paying for annual check-ups and maintenance of the boiler for the last eight years. I was asked for past receipts; though I no longer have them. I offered to send them the tenancy agreement. But was told that it will not be valid any longer, because the landlord and I might now change it to suit.

 

I was also told on the phone that the boiler will be replaced only if does not work and can’t get spares to repair it.

 

Where can I get a copy of the rules and regulations that from the basis of their decisions?

 

Is there an appeal procedure independent of Eaga plc who will hear my case?

 

Any other course of action?

 

Many thanks.

[reallymadwoman]

Hi and welcome, sorry it's taken so long for you to get a reply.

 

I can't actually answer most of your questions, however when I applied for a warm front grant about 3 years ago I was also told that so long as the boiler was still working they would not replace it. They also wouldn't replace radiators (which were all leaking, therefore all turned off) unless they replaced the boiler.

 

Hopefully someone who can help with the rest will be along soon.

[Bigmac versus]

Eaga plc that runs Warm Front is giving me a rough ride. They are denying me, heating improvements under the Govt scheme.

 

The boiler is a floor standing Potterton Kingfisher RS50 installed when the flat was built in 1963. The Assessor took a glance at the boiler and told me that it is too old and promised me that the boiler will be replaced.

 

He should not have said that, the boiler needs to be at fault and the part obsolete therefore requires renewed. This is indeed an old boiler, if the exchanger goes your quids in until then Eaga wont touch it.

 

 

He gave me a glossy brochure about the steps they will take to make improvements such as replacement boiler.

 

The Assessor asked me to sign a Client Declaration. I trusted him and made the mistake of signing it without reading. He told me that I will receive a copy of the letter that they send to my landlord. But the landlord or I heard nothing. Then I noticed that on the back of the form that I was asked to sign, the only ‘assessor recommended improvement’ is compact fluorescent light bulbs.

Cant simply renew boilers/systems because they are aged.

After number of phone calls to Warm Front and long waits, I was told that my landlord is responsible for heating, eventhough no one at Warm Front (including the assessor) has read the tenancy agreement. Their ‘landlord is responsible’ stance is based on the mis-interpretation of something I said. They are also disregarding the fact that I have been paying for annual check-ups and maintenance of the boiler for the last eight years. I was asked for past receipts; though I no longer have them. I offered to send them the tenancy agreement. But was told that it will not be valid any longer, because the landlord and I might now change it to suit.

 

Your landlord has a legal obligation to have the gas appliances annually inspected and serviced providing a landlords report each time.

 

I was also told on the phone that the boiler will be replaced only if does not work and can’t get spares to repair it.

Yes

 

Where can I get a copy of the rules and regulations that from the basis of their decisions?

Im sure they will give you this when you request it.

 

Is there an appeal procedure independent of Eaga plc who will hear my case?

First of all you need to check you have cause for complaint and to be quite honest I dont think you do.

 

Any other course of action?

 

If you want a new boiler even though the existing one is working then im afraid you will need to take that up with your landlord.

 

Many thanks.

 

Sorry if its not what you wanted to hear but the reality is the goverment scheme is only available under certain criteria and if it isnt broken then you fall at the first hurdle.

[Max_CF]

Make and model of the present gas boiler is Potterton Kingfisher RS50.

 

It is over 30 years old and not working despite attempts to repair

 

Property is a privately owned 2 bedroom purpose built 1st floor flat built in the sixties.

 

Of the four walls, three are external and the fourth one is a party wall.

 

There is no loft or cavity wall insulation.

 

Replies received to online applications made, show that eligibility criteria was met.

 

However, no one would say if the boiler would be free or give an indication of total cost involved, if any.

 

What are your experiences?

 

If not free how much was the 'contribution' asked?

 

Thanks!

Edited June 10, 2016 by Max_CF

[dx100uk]

not sure of 'now'

but mine was the previous boiler rs30/40

 

 

no chance of any internal or external insulation 18" stone walls

 

 

all I had to pay was 2*£175 to the installer

 

 

everything else was paid for by the scheme.

[ThedaBara]

I bet it has to be gas, though... or do they replace oil boilers too?... lots of people can't get gas...TB

[Max_CF]

I bet it has to be gas, though... or do they replace oil boilers too?... lots of people can't get gas...TB

Good point!

Best people who would know are

Energy Saving Trust on 0300 123 1234 (9am - 8pm Monday to Friday)

 

The criteria is complex. Answer a few basic questions to check if you qualify.

[Max_CF]

all I had to pay was 2*£175 to the installer

everything else was paid for by the scheme.

Lucky You

Dyson Energy Services is asking £1920

and

1greenplace told us on the phone, "We want £1400 as estimated contribution from you" to "proceed with the application".

Final figure will be known only before installation.