In January 2011, the Scottish Government announced extra funding for the boiler scrappage scheme for home owner-occupiers in Scotland. The scheme is now open for applications; see below to find out how to apply.
What is the boiler scrappage scheme?
The boiler scrappage scheme was introduced by the Scottish Government to provide a grant of £400 towards the cost of replacing old SEDBUK (2005) <70% rated boilers with a high efficiency boiler recommended by The Energy Saving Trust (EST).
All Potterton SEDBUK (2005) >90% rated boilers are EST recommended, so are applicable replacement boilers for this scheme.
The grant is available to households in Scotland on a first come, first served basis. EST is responsible for the administration of the scheme.
Who can apply for the grant?
You must be the owner/occupier of the residential property where the new boiler will be installed, and the property must have an address in Scotland. You must have a working boiler with an energy rating of less than 70 per cent, unless you are over 60 years old, in which case you can apply even if your boiler has stopped working, provided it has an energy efficiency rating of less than 70 per cent.
My boiler still works. Why should I replace it?
If the boiler has a permanent pilot light or is over 10 years old, it could be a SEDBUK (2005) <70% rated boiler. Thos means that 30 per cent of the fuel it burns is wasted. A new high efficiency boiler is over 90 per cent efficient, which means you will get over 20 per cent more heat and hot water from the fuel. And that could reduce fuel bills by up to £225 a year*. In addition, it will substantially reduce the home's carbon footprint.
How can I tell if the boiler is SEDBUK (2005) <70% rated?
If the boiler has a permanent pilot light, or if it is gas fired and over 10 years old, or oil fired and over 25 years old, it is likely to be eligible. Every boiler has a boiler identifier, which, in conjunction with the manufacturer's name, is unique for the model. It may be a GC (formerly Gas Council) number for a gas boiler or OFTEC registration number for an oil boiler, or some other unique reference chosen by the manufacturer and marked on the boiler. Your Gas Safe registered installer will be able to find the number for you. The EST website also has information to help you identify if your boiler is eligible.
The boiler is SEDBUK (2005) <70% rated. How do I apply?
1. First get a quote to replace your old boiler. All installers must be registered for the type of work they are carrying out. For gas installations consult the Gas Safe Register or for oil installations the OFTEC register to check your installer is properly qualified. All installers should be a member of a recognised industry body such as CLE or SNIPEF. Installation of a microgeneration technology must be carried out by a person qualified under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme.
2. The new high efficiency boiler must be recommended by The Energy Saving Trust (EST). In order to make sure you get the best possible deal, it's worth contacting at least two installers and comparing their quotes. Ask for recommendations from your friends and family, or use our Find an Installer tool.
3. Once you have your quote you need to apply for a voucher online at the Energy Saving Trust website,or by telephone on 0800 512 012. You'll need to give them the following information:
- Your full name
- Your address, which must be a residential property in Scotland
- The make and model of the boiler being scrapped
- The company name, address, Gas Safe number and contact details of the installer carrying out the work. You can find this information by visiting the Gas Safe Register
- The make and model of the replacement boiler
- The type of replacement boiler being installed (eg natural gas, LPG, biomass)
- Confirmation that you have a received a quote or visit from the installer to carry out the work
4. You should hear whether your application has been successful within 10 working days. Please call the Energy Saving Trust Boiler Scrappage Team (Scotland) on 0131 555 8673 if you haven't heard within 10 days.
5. Once you've received the voucher, your new boiler needs to be installed as soon as possible. You'll have to pay the installer when the work is completed, and then claim back the £400 by sending the invoice and completed voucher to the Energy Saving Trust, within 18 weeks of your application. You'll get your £400 rebate within 25 working days.
Please note that installations made before you get your voucher will invalidate your claim and you will no longer be eligible to receive the £400 rebate.
The vouchers are available on a first come, first served basis, and no more vouchers will be issued once all the money has been allocated.
Useful Links
The Energy Saving Trust
SEDBUK
Warm Homes (Northern Ireland)
*For a 3 bed semi-detached house, source: energysavingtrust.org.uk
