Tag: Scottish Gas

bookmark_borderMoney matters

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Awaiting two more quotes for the new boiler installation. Both from local companies, one of which Scottish Gas would’ve subcontracted anyway. Both of them have suggested the boiler can be placed in the loft with a remote control unit (wireless) sited anywhere we want. It felt much better dealing with the people who will actually be doing the work rather than a salesman. Here’s hoping the prices are a bit cheaper.

However I’m not holding out. Grade A Condensing boilers will be mandatory in about 9 months time so there’s little point in us taking an old style combi-boiler. This is why the quotes have been so high. I think.

And I’m off to the IFA today to see about remortgaging. Our three year fixed rate period is up in August and I’m sure we can get a better deal and free up a little more cash. Considering I’ve not had a pay rise in two and a bit years and unlikely to get one in the foreseeable future, anything we can save now is almost double the money… if you follow my (somewhat flawed) logic.

bookmark_borderCentrally Heated

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Last winter our heating system started showing signs that it was giving up the ghost. It’s an old back boiler system and must be at least twenty five years old. We replaced the pump when we moved in as a running repair but knew that we’d have to get a new central heating system at some point.

That time has arrived.

So last night we had a man from C.H.A.S. (Central Heating Advisory Service) out to the house, and tonight Scottish Gas make their pitch, before a couple of smaller local firms come in to give us quotes.

The man from C.H.A.S. was friendly enough and alluded to recent European rulings governing emissions (stemming from the Kyoto agreement) as to why we were doing this at the right time. Seemingly we’d be forced to upgrade the boiler anyway soon. Not sure how they ‘force’ you to do something like that but there you go. So now, it would seem, is the time for us to get this work done, he assured us. Doubly so as there is a current copper and steel shortage which is forcing up the prices.

A combi-boiler will need to be fitted in the kitchen, but at least we lose the monstrosity of a fireplace we currently have – we will be upgrading to one of those wee hole in the wall type fires if we can find one we like that is UNDER £1500!

The one thing that shocked us both, and the reason we are comfortable losing the “buy now” £100 discount offered by the man from C.H.A.S., was the price. Almost £3k. Which doesn’t include rebuilding one of the kitchen units, the new gas fire and re-decorating the living room. Admittedly it was “high efficiency” boiler he priced us for, but I see little point scrimping on something as expensive, and required, as this.

What say you? Am I being fleeced? I guess time will tell once I get some more quotes in, but I’m wary I have to say.