29.01.10 Government launches boiler scrappage scheme
Those in England whose homes are fitted with inefficient, G-rated boilers will now be able to apply for a £400 voucher from the Energy Saving Trust to go towards replacing them with A-rated boilers. Moreover, energy companies British Gas and npower are saying that they will match the offer, totalling a saving of £800.
The Department for Energy and Climate Change says that the £50m scheme, which was announced in the Pre-Budget Report, could slash the average energy bill by up to £235 annually.
It is also said that the scheme will help to lower significantly England’s CO2 emissions. According to Chancellor Alistair Darling, homes produce a quarter of the country’s emissions.
Up to 125,000 homeowners can apply for the vouchers. They will probably be heavily oversubscribed though, as it is thought that a massive three and a half million homes have G-rated boilers.
The Energy Saving Trust states that your gas boiler is likely to be eligible if it has a permanent pilot light (a small gas flame used to ignite larger burners). Another indication is if it is over 15 years old. If you have an oil-fired boiler, on the other hand, it needs to be over 25 years old. You can check your eligibility on the Government Boiler Efficiency Database.
If your boiler qualifies, you should first contact an installer to get a quote. An average installation will cost around £2,500, so make sure you shop around for the best deal. It is also worth noting that the £400 can only be paid after the work has been completed, meaning that you have to pay for your boiler and installation upfront before claiming back your money.
Find out more at the Energy Saving Trust website. If you are keen, apply sooner rather than later. The vouchers will be issued from 18 January onwards.
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