Hive was British Gas trying to upsell?

[Chris Ford]

Hello,

My house has its original boiler, it's on my list to upgrade but not got the money now.

It's one of the central heating systems with water in the attic and airing cupboard with a big tank.

The timer in the airing cupboard has stopped ticking and turning, as well as this the thermostat is the original and the sensitivity is all over the place. Hence why I was thinking about getting a hive system.

British Gas came out to look and said that my heating has a 2 way valves and you either have heating or water and as such it would need to be replaced, oh but that may break my boiler.

So the next steps as he has left it is a quote for a boiler.

So long story short, is he pulling my leg?

Many thanks

 

[BlueLoo]

No, he is not pulling your leg.
He is misselling.

Which is a criminal offence.

 

[polesapart]

is he pulling my leg?

Yes

Post pictures of what you have now, including said valve(s) and associated pipework.

 

[Chris Ford]

Thank you for the responses so far.

This is my current setup.

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• Chris Ford
• 30 Jan 2022

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• Chris Ford
• 30 Jan 2022

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• Chris Ford
• 30 Jan 2022

 

[BlueLoo]

F*kc me.

"It's a two way valve, governor', see, it goes two ways .."

I think you need to ring BG and ask to speak to a very senior manager.

 

[BlueLoo]

The industry is an absolute disgrace. Its employees should be utterly ashamed at the shenanigans and incompetence going on in it

 

[polesapart]

Your man's a lucking fiar.

 

[CBW]

It’s either a 3 port mid position valve or a W-plan diverter style valve. Wouldn’t need a new boiler for that, but may not work with Hive (if a W-plan) - I’m inexperienced with the latter. If it is though, a small upgrade to a mid position valve, or x2 2 ports is all that’s needed, with some minor alterations.

 

[Chris Ford]

You guys are amazing thank you so much for your help.

Routing around I found a box for a Dm5651 3 port mid position actuator type motor open- motor close.

So if I'm understanding right my next steps on monday are to ring British gas and complain. And ring an independent company to arrange installation.

Thank you guys you have saved my weekend.

 

[Exedon]

The industry is an absolute disgrace. Its employees should be utterly ashamed at the shenanigans and incompetence going on in it

There is no doubt that some BG engineers push stuff that's unnecessary. But one of my team had a short spell with BG he left mostly because of the constant pressure from upper management to up sell.

 

[bernardgreen]

The industry is an absolute disgrace.

I think you need to ring BG and ask to speak to a very senior manager.

Phone calls will not get past the front line "Customer Service" defence line,

I believe this is still valid.

British Gas
Mr Matthew Bateman Managing Director
Email [email protected]

previously

Managing Director, Central Heating Insallations
Dates Employed 2010 – 2011
Employment Duration1 yr
LocationNational
Growing our Boiler Installations business

 

[denso13]

I believe this is still valid.

I know of companies where the MD/CEO email address is pretty much fake. Emails to them don't get anywhere near the boss and are dealt with by employees much lower down.

 

[HERTS P&D]

Forget BG and just get a recommended gas safe engineer from friends or family.

Andy

 

[flameport]

That system will work with a Hive, Nest or almost any other all in one controller, or separate timer and thermostat.

If you want a smart all in one, suggest you get the Nest, as the Hive is a Centrica/BG product.
Don't waste your time complaining to them, just don't buy any of their products and services.

 

[ianmcd]

On your top pic, bottom right hand corner, there is a silver wiring centre, if this has a small pcb and relays inside, you will need a new 3 port mid position valve (might get away with just a new actuator) new wiring to the Hive or nest or whatever you choose, either way not a huge job and no need to change the boiler, if you say where in the country you are someone on here might be able to recommend someone in your area