Digital control ECT not ideal for Arthritis Sufferers

[katieoxo60]

Just a feedback on a recent government initiative, I have been given a discount to have a new boiler installed under the ECO initiative lovely you might say however. I have an issue that might interest others. One this boiler an Ideal Combi has a condensing pipe on the outside of the building which is rightly is covered with insulation, but if it freezes I am expected to climb up take cladding off and defrost with warm water/ hotwaterbottle/ microwave heated pad. I am over 70 & disabled. Two the thermostatic room control has a small slider like on a clock for changing or setting heat&time ect. This is difficult to see & also difficult to move to use the settings. The booklet with user instructions has too small a print for visually impaired to read, I have had to print one off the computer to enable me to read how to set the timer . Sorry but I am not sure this boiler or wireless timer are disabled freindly, so this is to warn you if getting this offer you make sure they install a timer ect suitable for your needs. If time this week I may contact Ideal boilers concerning this. As I am struggling and do not want extra bills because I cannot set it , it is frozen up or cominng on at the wrong time like 4am in the morning. My moan for the weekend, I need my heating due to lung condition and arthritic joints I am not able to keep running up and down stairs to switch on and off at main boiler. Why are these companies not disable aware when making an installation to a disabled persons home never ceases to amaze me. My old boiler was in very good working condition by the way.

[MikeG1944]

Hi katieoxo60; I am in a similar position to yourself and had a new digital boiler system fitted a year ago. With regard to the condensing pipe on the outside I don't think anyone would be expected to defrost this, especially if disabled (I can't climb steps or ladders now at 75).

The tiny print that we suffer is a pain I agree but you can usually download the Hive stuff and enlarge it on your browser or PDF reader.

If you haven't already got a maintenance agreement I would strongly consider it; BT do one and are very good at coming out the same day for people who are on the priority system for gas, electric and water. You have to register online or by phone. A weight off your mind as they will sort out any problem and some levels of maintenance insurance will replace any faulty parts free of charge. Hope that helps. Mike.

Here's the link to Priority services; it's all free...

ofgem.gov.uk/consumers/hous...

[katieoxo60 in reply to MikeG1944]

Hi Mike thanks for reply , I already downloaded large print details but not everyone has a printer. The installer timed mine for me before leaving, my old digital lifestyle room control was much easier as it had push button settings but not wireless of course. I have a service contract on my boiler so if it freezes up I will be calling them, but of course it means no water or heating till an engineer can get out fortunately they are supposed to come within two hours especially for elderly disabled. I am registered on the priority list with my fuel suppliers. Have a good day but the sky looks a bit murky.

[MikeG1944 in reply to katieoxo60]

Glad you've got the maintenance in place; don't know what we'd do without that; probably freeze to death in the winter. I am quite computer literate but those wireless timer settings take some while to get into my head LOL.

[katieoxo60 in reply to MikeG1944]

I find most digitals a problem as if you get it wrong its not easy to correct without going back to square one. But afraid its the future for us all so guess we will have to put up and shut up as they say. I feel sorry for those who can't use them must be frustrating to have to call someone out to do the settings. Rain today I think, so we will have to have fun at home enjoy your day.

[MikeG1944 in reply to katieoxo60]

I used to have an elderly neighbour who had a manual timer on her heating and she'd call me over to set it for her so she'd never have dealt with a digital one. Every time we had a power cut it needed resetting.

[katieoxo60 in reply to MikeG1944]

One of the pluses of digital it resets itself in a power cut I think but not sure as telephones have to be reset if digital and clocks ect. Its only computorised things that reset automatic in most cases.

[MikeG1944 in reply to katieoxo60]

Yes they do keep the time in power cuts; built in clock; although mine does run a tiny bit fast.

[katieoxo60 in reply to MikeG1944]

Many Thanks.