The introduction of the boiler scrappage scheme offers a great opportunity for both consumers and installers to install a Band A boiler. Main has put together some questions and answers to help explain to householders what the scheme is and how they can apply for the £400 grant.
What is the boiler scrappage scheme?
The boiler scrappage scheme has been introduced by the Government 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 on a first come first served basis, 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. The scheme only applies to homes in England and the Scottish Parliament have announced their own scheme, details of which will be available in the Spring. The governments and assemblies in Wales and Northern Ireland will be responsible for allocating funds for similar schemes in their countries. Boilers must be working, unless the homeowner is over 60, in which case they can apply even if it is broken.
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 G rated. That means it is less than 70 per cent efficient. That means the 30 per cent of the fuel it burns is wasted. 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 the fuel. And that could reduce fuel bills by up to £235 a year. In addition, it will substantially reduce the home's carbon footprint.
How can I tell if the boiler is G rated?
If the boiler has a permanent pilot light, or if it is gas fired and over fifteen years old, or oil fired and over twenty five 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 Energy Saving Trust website (www.energysavingtrust.org.uk) also has information to help you identify if your boiler is eligible.
The boiler is G rated. How do I apply?
1. You need to get a quote from a Gas Safe registered installer for replacing the G rated boiler with a new A rated appliance before you can register for the grant with Energy Saving Trust. You can find your nearest Main installer on the website www.mainheating.co.uk/findaninstaller Your installer can help you choose the best boiler for your home. Check out the Main Eco range of Band A combi and system boilers.
2. Then contact the Energy Saving Trust by emailing boilerscrappage@est.org.uk or by calling their ACT ON CO2 advice line on 0800 512 012.
3. 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
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
Main offers a complete range of competitively priced and high efficiency boilers and hot water storage cylinders specially designed for independent merchants and their customers. All products are easy to install and service, and are backed by technical support and service from heateam.
