Boiler scrappage scheme takes off
Around 3.5 million homes in the England have highly inefficient boilers, and it is hoped that up to 125,000 of them could be replaced as part of this scheme.
As well as greatly reducing carbon emissions, replacing inefficient boilers can save an individual household between £200 and £235 a year in energy bills.
To qualify for the boiler scrappage scheme, households must have a boiler that works and has an efficiency rating of 'G'. If the applicant is under 60, the boiler must be the main one used to heat the property. Finally, only homeowners and landlords of private rental properties are eligible to apply.
Once you have determined that you are eligible, you will need to arrange a quote for the purchase and installation of a new boiler. Once you have a quote, you will need to get in touch with the Energy Saving Trust to give them details of the boiler you're replacing and who will be fitting the new one.
Once successful applicants have had a new boiler installed, they need to provide the Energy Saving Trust with the necessary paperwork, at which point £400 will be refunded to the applicant within 25 working days.
Energy suppliers are also starting to offer their own boiler scrappage schemes. British Gas is offering to match the £400 contribution from the Government, allowing some potential applicants to save up to £800 on their new boiler. npower also run a scheme that offers £400 off a new boiler when it replaces one over 10 years old, if the new boiler is bought from and installed by npower.
Tom Lyon, energy expert at uSwitch.com, says: "The Government is moving very quickly on this scrappage scheme and energy companies are getting on board too. This is very welcome news, however consumers should still get quotes from a number of different sources, including independent plumbers, to ensure they are getting the most competitive price. Consumers should also never be tempted to risk their safety by going with a plumber who is not Gas Safe registered even if they are offering a lower price."
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