Anyone put the heating on yet?

[Karma]

Raffles my Dad's system is over 30 years old

Due to his age he may be able to get a full grant for a new system. He says 'no', too much upheaval! I do understand that but crikey, it's not going to be good either financially or practically when his heating system grinds to a halt

[Sandra (aka Chillax)]

Also, try giving brittish gas a ring to see what their charges are now, in our last house our heating broke down, they were charging a fixed fee per half hour which included parts, think ours came in around the hundred quid mark.

[Raffles]

Sept 23, 2012 18:32:47 GMT Karma said:

Raffles my Dad's system is over 30 years old

Due to his age he may be able to get a full grant for a new system. He says 'no', too much upheaval! I do understand that but crikey, it's not going to be good either financially or practically when his heating system grinds to a halt

Thanks Karma,

I've had a quick 'google' for grants for OAPs, but first results seem to be that you have to on loads of benefits before being eligible.

[Raffles]

Sept 23, 2012 18:35:56 GMT Sandra (aka Chillax) said:

Also, try giving brittish gas a ring to see what their charges are now, in our last house our heating broke down, they were charging a fixed fee per half hour which included parts, think ours came in around the hundred quid mark.

Thanks Sandra,

Checking it out now!

[Karma]

Depends where you are Raffles? Scotland at the moment is basically doing the last year of these types of grants so a lot more people now qualify for a short period of time! also depends on how old a pensioner is!

Even if it does look like you will not qualify, still worth making the enquiry

[Deleted]

My mum got a new boiler from the government scheme last year ... it's like the Bahamas at hers , wish she had more room lol

Raffles .. sounds like your diverter valve is faulty .. you could also check that your system pressure is about 1 bar , it could be as simple as topping up your system , although worst case is the diverter valve ,

as for the immersion , it will probably be the element that has failed , I'd say a relatively easy job for a competent DIY'er,

new element and an element removal key ( big socket type thing )

[Pam O]

Sept 23, 2012 18:28:11 GMT Raffles said:

Sept 23, 2012 17:58:29 GMT @storm said:

no holidays for us I'm afraid this year , still saving up for new central heating system .. sheesh I hope it's a mild winter

I hear where you're coming from Storm. I've still got heating, for the moment, but it won't heat the water and the immersion has gone pooof! So, washing and bathing with only a kettle is a real pain in the a**! (literally!) The system is 17 years old so I suppose I should'nt be surprised, but just kicking myself why I didn't do somthing about it in the Summer (if that is what it was!).

To keep myself sane I keep reminding myself when I was a kid, in the 50's, and how we managed then, with no central heating, now where did I keep that tin bath?

We take so much for granted don't we?

It might just be your diverter valve stuck, I bought one a couple of years ago and put it in when our one went, problem solved instantly. Immersion heating element is also pretty easy to replace too

Pam O

[Pam O]

Sorry storm cross posted with yours

[Raffles]

Sept 23, 2012 18:42:27 GMT @storm said:

Raffles .. sounds like your diverter valve is faulty .. you could also check that your system pressure is about 1 bar , it could be as simple as topping up your system , although worst case is the diverter valve ,

as for the immersion , it will probably be the element that has failed , I'd say a relatively easy job for a competent DIY'er,

new element and an element removal key ( big socket type thing )

Thanks Storm,

I'm no DIYer but thanks for the advice, and I will find a competent person.

Thanks to all for the advice.

[Deleted]

where in cheshire are you , I know a good boiler guy in warrington if it's of any help

[Raffles]

Sept 23, 2012 18:49:06 GMT Pam O said:

Sept 23, 2012 18:28:11 GMT Raffles said:

It might just be your diverter valve stuck, I bought one a couple of years ago and put it in when our one went, problem solved instantly. Immersion heating element is also pretty easy to replace too

Pam O

Thanks Pam O,

I can't type fast enough!

[Phoenix .]

Just been out to walk my dog, lovely & cosy in my home so it was not without some reservations I donned my big coat,umbrella and boots. OMG, it was freezing and I forgot my gloves, my hand were almost blue when I got home. The dog was fine he had his waterproof coat on.

[FirinBlanks]

Urgh, remind me not to go on holiday again, from 34 degrees to 11 with a bang

[Karma]

For those of you who feel the cold, I bought some of these heat tech tops last year. they really do help keep you warm and are great for layering up as they are nice and thin so you don't feel like the Michelin Man

they also wash well and dry quickly! I have hunted them out from last year and am wearing one now

shop.uniqlo.com/uk/goods/074066

[ant]

Karma, It's all spend with you!
Did you read this about HeatTech? 'they are also coated in a milk protein that actually moisturises your skin'