Energy Guides

Boiler replacement grants

By Daniel Barnes daniel@consumerchoices.co.uk

A new energy-efficient boiler can massively cut your gas bills, but the upfront costs deter many from making the upgrade.

However, there are number of sources of funds that could pay for a new boiler or at least offer reductions.

Boiler Scrappage Scheme

The government’s boiler scrappage scheme, launched in January, was a runaway success with 24,000 calls per day to the hotline in the early days.

The scheme had enough funds to upgrade 125,000 boilers, and around half of the vouchers were gone in the first six weeks and the scheme was closed by March.

The £400 discount is now not available, but a number of energy firms are offering their own boiler scrappage schemes.

Scottish & Southern is keeping its £400 boiler scrappage discount and is also offering two years Shield Cover boiler insurance worth £396.

From April 1st, British Gas is offering a £200 boiler discount and one year’s free HomeCare 200 boiler insurance worth £204.

Npower is offering a £400 discount on a new boiler

Boiler scrappage schemes for Wales and Scotland, however, are still available.

The Welsh Assembly Government’s own boiler scrappage scheme will start running from 6 April with a £500 discount.

In Scotland, the Scottish Government has pledged £2m towards boiler scrappage schemes through its Energy Assistance Package scheme.

Warm Front

While the boiler scrappage scheme may close once funds run out, there are other boiler replacement grants available.

Warm Front is aimed at low income and vulnerable households.

Along with help with insulation, Warm Front can help cover the cost of replacing a boiler.

If the scheme’s engineers cannot repair a boiler, then a new boiler to the same standard will be offered. If a new heating system is being provided then Warm Front can also install up to five radiators.

Warm Front offers grants of up to £3,500 - or £6,000 if oil central heating is recommended.

Over-60s not eligible for Warm Front can also claim a £300 rebate on the costs of repairing or replacing a broken boiler.

See our guide to Warm Front.

Offers and credit

If you cannot qualify for any of the new boiler grants, it is worth looking out for discounts firms may offer.

British Gas is currently offering discounts on its range of boilers along with free radiator controls and a year’s cover from its boiler insurance HomeCare200.

Further discounts and offers are available from other providers along with credit deals.