An elderly man has said he is “living in a fridge” after issues with a new heating system in his home, and has been subject to “constant back and forth” between him and a housing association over its handling of the situation.
Gerald Dorning had a new heat recovery ventilation system installed before Christmas. The device is designed to help homes become healthier and cleaner by replacing stale indoor air with fresh air from outside, while also heating the entire property.
However, the 81-year-old said his system only releases cold air, leaving him sitting in a freezing cold flat all day, wrapped in a dressing gown. He says he has attempted to contact multiple people from Places for People, which manages the property, but has had “no satisfaction” from anybody – saying it is “difficult to get hold of the right person”.
Our sister title Derbyshire Live reported the housing association denied his claims there are faults with the system after tests were carried out during a visit to his home. Gerald lives alone and relies on assistance from a carer for everyday tasks, and has been left wondering how long he will be left to endure the conditions.
He said: “It has just been a terrible few weeks. I suffer from health problems and my flat is unbearable at the moment. They installed the new system after the old one broke – but it wouldn’t have broken if they properly maintained it over the years. It became full of dust and was gradually losing its effectiveness.
“The new one is incredibly noisy and uses a lot more electricity than the old one, so I’m unable to sleep because of it, and I dread to think about the impact it could have on the environment as well.
“It just pushes cold air out into the flat and I end up shivering and too cold to do anything as a result. Being here is like living in a fridge, I have never felt cold like it.”
He says Places for People have been in touch on several occasions to resolve the issue, adding: “They keep telling me that it is okay and that the issue is fixed, but it’s not okay at all.
“I spend all day wrapped up in a dressing gown, sat in the freezing cold and then I got to bed freezing as well. I’m just baffled that they think they can put people like me aside and sweep us under the rug.”
Gerald believes the housing associations’ treatment of tenants is “not good enough”, and there is “no duty of care”.
“I just wanted to share my story to publicise the fact that there are so many people out there struggling during the winter months. There is a simple lack of urgency from Places for People and I am worried that this will have an effect on my health if it continues. I shouldn’t have to deal with this at my age.”
Places for People denied Mr Dorning’s claims there are issues with the property’s heating or temperature following a visit on December 31. A spokesperson for the housing association said: “Our gas team attended the property on 31 December 2024 after a report of an issue with the heating.
“On attendance, we conducted tests and no issues were found with either the heating or the temperature of the property. Our records show that this customer has not been without heating or hot water, but if Mr Dorning does have further concerns, we urge him to please contact us so we can look into them and resolve any issues.”
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