Nest real life stories: Mrs Brown from Powys

Mrs Brown lives with long‑term health and disability-related challenges, which were heavily impacted when her boiler stopped working.

Problems started after the installation of a downstairs bathroom in her detached property, which caused issues to her heating and hot water system, with the tradesperson ultimately refusing to return. Leaving Mrs Brown with an unreliable boiler for over a year.

The situation had serious health consequences, especially when Mrs Brown developed pneumonia over the colder months. Speaking with healthcare professionals, her family were directed towards available support services for assistance.

Providing vital support

After contacting Care & Repair Cymru, a charity that helps older people keep on living independently at home, Mrs Brown was signposted to Nest. 

The scheme’s application process provided clarity, structure, and reassurance, helping to relieve the stress Mrs Brown had been experiencing. 

Care and Repair supported Mrs Brown and her family throughout the whole process, offering practical guidance and advocacy.

What is Nest?

Nest offers free, impartial energy saving advice to all households in Wales. The scheme can also provide support with home energy improvements, including insulation and solar panels. 

If your property is without heating or hot water, you may be eligible for a boiler repair or replacement, at no cost to you.

Since 2011, the scheme has carried out over 60,000 installations in homes across Wales.

Creating a warm, safe home 

Through the Nest scheme, Mrs Brown qualified for a new boiler and replacement radiators, which were installed throughout the property, at no cost to her. 

For example, according to Energy Saving Trust the cost of replacing a G-rated gas boiler with a new A-rated boiler, programmer, room thermostat and thermostatic radiator valves is £3,700; but replacing in all the radiators as well, will cost more.

These measures have had a life changing impact on Mrs Brown’s wellbeing, providing her with a warm, safe home and significant peace of mind.  

Mrs Brown’s daughter described the support as a “godsend”, helping to reduce hardship and restore a sense of stability.

"It was a godsend for us. After so long without reliable heating and hot water, having a warm home again has given us real peace of mind."

"We still haven't quite got our heads around having reliable heating and hot water again. It's made such a difference to our lives."