Ongoing winter problem! Help and information on all topics relating to your central heating, air conditioning and ventilation issues.

[heatingproblem!]

This is our third winter in this house and every time it gets cold and snowy the heating packs up. We have had several different plumbers out who have 'fixed' the problem temporarily but it obviuosly returns if the temperature drops again. We'v been told its due to different things but the latest one is that t he condensing pipe runs out into another pipe and is getting frozen and backing up. He's just been out again, didnt bother to defrost the pipe but cut the condensing pipe so its now leakking into a bown rather than to outside. He then left saying he would need to get an engineer out to look at it next week. I have a 10 week old baby in the house and not happy that we are without any heating and have dripping water!!! Also we have no hot water???? which has been a problem for a few weeks but we have made do with electric shower and boiling kettle. I feel as though the people whosold us the house have pulled a fast one as it doesnt seem like there is a quick or easy (or cheap!) fix. Does anyone have any suggestions about what it could be and how it could be fixed. Also does any insurance (home ) cover it???? Any help/advice much appreciated

[DEEARR2]

The condensate pipe going to the outside drain may be 22mm and would freeze up quickly under present extreme temperatures. If this pipe is upgraded to 32mm, low cost modification, and well insulated would help.

[htg engineer]

You could take out central heating cover which normally include a annual gas service, and repairs/parts. If your boiler packs in every year then it's probably beneficial for you. Where as some people pay for years but never need to call them out for a breakdown.

Freezing condensate pipework is quite common, check the pipework is the correct size, any external pipework should be 1.25" - if it discharges into a gutter, where snow can build up - re-route it to prevent the same thing happening again.

If the boiler pack up annually and is expensive to repair, why not change the boiler ?

htg