Chimney Problem

[Sairey]

Got home late last night and was greeted by my elderly nextdoor neighbour who told me that she'd had someone in to install a new gas fire, he'd put a smoke bomb in to test her chimney and told her that her chimney was leaking and that mine (it's a terrace of Victorian 2 bed cottages) was probably leaking too.

Danger of fumes in our houses etc etc and I could smell something in her house, and in mine when I got back and the smell disappeared when I turned the CH off.

I'll get someone (else) into check but what kind of person do I need? A gas fitter, corgi chap/ess, a builder? My fear is that someone will come in and condemn my CH which is elderly and only ventilated because I always leave a very small kitchen window open.

Is it true that all new systems have to be combis?

Are there any generally accepted good systems and any to avoid?

There's a lot of questions there but all help gratefully accepted

Sairey

[The3rd Earl Of Derby]

You need a builder in to check who's lost a brick or two. ;-)

The gas fella only checks if the chimney/flue is blocked.

[Richard Downing]

Nop. I just had a new 90,000 btu condensing non-combi oiler fitted.

What is true is that, with a few exceptions, new boilers have to be condensing.

R.

[Ed Sirett]

Chimneys and flues can be checked by registered gas fitter. If s/he finds a serious problem then they will condemn the appliance and advise you on what to do.

Don't choose a large company that likes to condemn things to get new work. Choose someone who is recommended. The person who fitted the fire for your neighbour might be a good choice. If he condemns the boiler he's only trying to kill you by hypothermia instead of letting you do it yourself with carbon monoxide.

[John Rumm]

LOL! Coffee in keyboard error.