The installer, power company E.on, was the only one in hot water as far as the couple, from Rochford, Essex, were concerned after they shivered from last Christmas to mid-March with no central heating.

The Tredgetts became locked in a merry-go-round of fault reporting to different departments and numerous engineers’ visits.

“Modern boilers won’t work if there is the smallest fault in the supporting pipework,” said their son Chris, who got involved in his parents’ struggle and has ended up more knowledgeable about plumbing than he ever cared to.

“There were some small leaks that caused the drop in pressure and cut-outs. In the end a couple of tubes of radiator sealant sorted the problem.”

John and Audrey were first offered £200 reduction in their £3,123 bill or a year’s free maintenance by E.on as compensation.

But that, considered Chris, did not reflect the inconvenience experienced so he called on Crusader, which is happy to report a much better offer – John and Audrey will now have £500 sliced off their bill.

“They feel they have been taken seriously and are very happy with the outcome,” added Chris.

“If any readers are planning a new boiler soon, I recommend they make sure the installers come back to check the pressure is where it should be.”