Scrappage schemes seem to be all the rage nowadays, as the Government launched a new incentive recently to upgrade thousands of household boilers, as detailed in Times Online this week.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/money/consumer_affairs/article6976448.ece
The scheme offers a £400 discount of the cost of upgrading from the old-style G-rated boiler to a new A-rated model, or renewable heating system like a biomass boiler or neat pump.
With the average cost of a central heating boiler coming in at around £2,500, the £400 discount is a reasonable incentive. Not forgetting the average saving of between £200 to £235 a year on energy bills after the switch, and the obvious cuts to CO2 emissions.
However, with a ceiling on the scheme of up to 125,000 households, consumer charities are concerned that there will be more disappointed homeowners than satisfied ones. They estimate that there are more like 3.5 million households that actually have G-rated boilers, which could mean a little over-subscription to the scheme!
Step by step, check if you're eligible.
Most boilers over 25 years old, or that have a permanent pilot light are classed as G-rated. To double check specific models, visit www.sedbuk.com
Get a range of quotes from local contractors. We have several listed in The Best Of Richmond and Twickenham Central Heating categories - like Glow Maintenance Ltd, Billy Bratton, 1st Advanced, My Plumber and Barclay Plumbing
Contact the Energy Saving Trust with the best quote.
You should expect to pay the full amount to the boiler installer, then claim back the discount direct from The Energy Saving Trust.
It could also be worth checking out similar offers from energy suppliers like British Gas and nPower, as they may be offering £800 of the cost of a new boiler.
For more information on the boiler scrappage scheme, call the Energy Saving Trust on 0800 512012 or visit energysavingtrust.org.uk.
Silas Van Der Bas
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Silas Van Der Bas is a freelance writer and photographer with The Little White Studio.
