Most of us don't notice our boiler at all, and it gives us years of warmth and hot water. However, recent news of the introduction of a boiler scrappage scheme has brought this otherwise ignored white box to our attention. But what is the boiler scrappage scheme and why should we be interested in replacing a boiler that may be over 10 years old but is still in good working order?
Why should I replace my boiler? After all, it still works.
If your boiler has a permanent pilot light or is over 10 years old, it is likely to be G rated. That means it is less than 70 per cent efficient. A new high efficiency A rated boiler is over 90 per cent efficient, which means you will get over 20 per cent more heat and hot water from your fuel. And that could reduce your fuel bills by up to £235 a year. In addition, it will substantially reduce your home's carbon footprint.
What is the boiler scrappage scheme?
The boiler scrappage scheme has been introduced is to provide a grant of £400 toward the cost of replacing old G rated boilers with new A rated models. The grant will be available to 125,000 households in England and The Energy Saving Trust is responsible for the administration of the scheme.
Who can apply for the grant?
Householders and landlords who privately own and rent dwellings heated by G rated boilers are eligible to apply, on a first come, first served basis. The scheme only applies to homes in England. The governments and assemblies in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will be responsible for allocating funds for similar schemes in their countries.
How can I tell if my boiler is G rated?
If you have a Potterton boiler, there is list of G rated boilers on the Potterton website.
The make and model of your boiler may be on its casing. Or you may have the original user instructions tucked away somewhere. But don't worry if you don't because 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 Energy Saving Trust website also has information to help you identify if your boiler is eligible.
I have a G rated boiler. How do I apply?
Before you call the Energy Saving Trust to register your interest in applying for the grant, you will need to get a quote from a Gas Safe registered installer, to replace your G rated boiler with a new A rated boiler. There's an easy 'Find an Installer' app on the Potterton website to help you find your closest Potterton installers.
Your installer will be able to specify the best type and output of boiler for your home. Potterton has one of the most extensive and reliable range of A rated boilers on the market. The Potterton Promax range includes combi, heat only, system and floor standing boiler. Both natural gas and LPG models are available so this means we have a suitable appliance for almost every home, even in areas without mains gas.
Then you need to contact Energy Saving Trust either by emailing boilerscrappage@est.org.uk or by calling their ACT ON CO2 advice line on 0800 512 012. They will ask for the following information:
• Your full name
• The address of the property you want to claim the voucher for
• The make and name of the boiler being scrapped
• The company name, address and contact details of the installer carrying out the work
• 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
The £400 vouchers will be issued from 18 January 2010. You will receive the voucher approximately ten days after application. Vouchers are valid for 12 weeks from the date of issue. If the voucher is not redeemed within this time, it will be cancelled and reallocated. Only one voucher per household will be issued, but if the voucher expires, it will be possible to apply for another if funds are available.
Once you've received the voucher, you can go ahead with the installation. You'll have to pay the installer when the work is completed, and then claim back the £400 by sending the invoice and voucher to the Energy Saving Trust. 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.
Useful links:
www.potterton.co.uk
www.energysavingtrust.org.uk
www.governmentboiler-scrappagescheme.info
www.sedbuk.com
