Help with heating available but what about air conditioning?

basil_brush

Hi there. I have fibromyalgia and almost certainly Asperger's (on waiting list for that) so I spend almost all my time at home indoors. Currently I'm wilting in 27C temperature and have both a dehumidifier on and a 20" floor fan in the adjacent room to circulate the air and make it vaguely tolerable. The UK's humid climate only makes it feel worse and it is with resigned weariness that I know it's going to get worse and more oppressive over the next few months. Much as I adore the summer sunshine, bring on the wonderful autumn please!

I live in privately rented property and so far this year I've received letters from two different organisations saying that with my conditions and with being supported by Universal Credit I could qualify for free central heating. While it is very kind of people to create such schemes, frankly I'd rather have free air conditioning as that would boost my quality of life more than heating - and besides, heat pumps are highly efficient and can do both jobs. The people who come up with these schemes seem to think we all live in the coldest parts of the UK. There doesn't seem to be much thought put into which technology choice is optimal for someone's individual case and what people need most in different parts of the UK.

I can't drive so I don't have the transport to travel 100-150 miles to snap up an opportunity of someone selling a good quality second-hand unit at a bargain price, and they are so heavy people will rarely post them. So I'm kinda stuck with standard retail options.

So I'm wondering, is there anything for disabled people to help them with the costs of installing or purchasing a heat pump or air conditioner? Thanks!

basil_brush

I should add that using a loan is not practical for me at the moment as I'm already paying £100 per month to the Credit Union so that I could get a mobility scooter to enable me to go to the shops with minimal discomfort.

chiarieds

Hi @basil_brush - & welcome to the community. I'm also unaware of any scheme, sorry. I don't know if the following might be helpful; it's cost is reasonable & seems to have good reviews, & is available online. Please see: https://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/home-appliances/heating-and-cooling/heating-and-cooling/black-decker-bxac65001gb-portable-air-purifier-humidifier-cooler-10210893-pdt.html?intcmpid=display~RR

Now I don't know if the following link is helpful (not at all sure about putting a damp towel over an electrical fan!) which seems on the whole logical, but perhaps worth a try: https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/life/1444119/how-to-cool-a-room-without-air-conditioning-best-tips-evg

[Deleted User]

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fluffycat

There are charity grants for ‘white goods’ from utility companies and charitable trusts.
You could ask them if help with portable AC though u need an open window to vent it (with window kit or DIY method to seal the space around hose vent)

They do consume a lot of energy and you’d probably have to empty the tanks daily if really humid. 

Mine (portable AC) doesn’t seem to lower the temperature but you notice humidity in other rooms. (Have to empty regularly else the stopper plugs pop out)
I use a ground sheet with hose in middle clipped to window.
Was thinking about Australian type screen but never get round to it.

Cress

Have to ask @draverin
Why would someone get 'jail time' for a fault with their air conditioning?
Do you have a source for this?

chiarieds

I thought it was American advertising going by the link given @Cress - turns out it's a link to a company in Singapore.

Tori_Scope

Hi @draverin,

Just to let you know, I've removed the link in your comment as it appeared to lead to a page advertising for paid goods. We don't allow advertising on the community, as outlined in our house rules. 

vikingqueen

  @draverin what on earth are you talking about.  Why on earth would you get sent to jail for not servicing an air conditioning unit ?? You keep on posting the same info and not one of us has any idea what you mean 

Tori_Scope

Hi @draverin,

I've removed the link from your post again. As stated in my first comment, we don't allow advertising on the community, and the link you've posted appears to link to a page advertising products that must be paid for. You're welcome to offer accurate advice and guidance here on the community, but please refrain from posting that link.