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GSHP 10 years later still not got a fully working system CTC heat pump works sadly installers a different matter
Ten years ago in 2013 I found a rural cottage in Scotland, it was semi-derelict but in a perfect location, no heating, hot water, or insulation but an old range cooker (Rayburn) was still here. After winning the bid system (scottish rules) I spoke many times with Home Energy Scotland (HES) the Scottish arrm of Energy Saving trust (EST) who informed me as it was for the rest of Scotland grants and loans were available to install hot water, heating, insulation and many other schemes such as solar,
After completion of the purchase I had several visits from the "professional experts" from HES and associated charities such as SCARF all who discussed the options for heating and insulating the property, along with grants and loans available.
Options from a log burner with hot water and radiators, to pellet burners, air source heat pumps, electric storage heaters, ground source heat pumps and mixtures or combinations of all of them.
As I was now disabled, elderly, retired with limited income the assistance sounded like it would be a great help. However I was hearing that the grants were not that easy to obtain. One very cold day (see photos)
After lighting a fire in the old rayburn due to the cold, I then ended up with a chimney fire, I called 999 then, over an hour later the fire brigade arrived, however unable to get to my cottage, so walking up the drive came the firemen with a stirrup pump and bucket. I thought have I gone back in time?
The fire officer talked about the issues and said he had also applied for the HES grants and loan schemes but it had gone on so long he had given up and just bought what he needed! not a great tale but my first warning this may not be all it was promised to be.
My Decade battle with the power that be had begun.
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