Energy Guides

Boiler scrappage scheme: A guide

Boiler scrappage scheme: A guide

By Hazel Cottrell hazel.cottrell@consumerchoices.co.uk

This guide explains what the government’s boiler scrappage scheme is and how it could help you cut your energy bills by hundreds of pounds (8/1/10).

Do you have an old boiler that needs replacing? Would you like to reduce your energy bills by around £200 a year? Then the government’s boiler scrappage scheme could suit you.

In this guide we’ll show you what the benefits of the scheme are, how to work out if you are eligible and how to apply.

Scrap your old boiler & save £800 with npower

Scrap your old boiler & save £800

What is the boiler scrappage scheme?

The boiler scrappage scheme is a new government initiative, designed to encourage people to replace old boilers with new, more energy-efficient ones.

The scheme offers eligible households a £400 discount on a new boiler, or renewable heating technology, when they trade in their old one.

The government announced the boiler scrappage scheme in its Pre-Budget report in December 2009, but it was not made available until 5 January 2010.

What are the benefits of replacing your boiler?

The main benefit of replacing your boiler is that it will help you reduce your energy bills. New boilers are much more efficient and the government estimates that they could save households an average of £235 a year.

Replacing your boiler will also reduce your carbon footprint. The government expects the scheme to save 140,000 tonnes of CO2 per year – equivalent to taking 45,000 cars off the road.

How do I work out if I am eligible?

The boiler scrappage scheme is only open to householders and landlords who privately own and rent homes in England.

To be eligible for the scheme, you need to have a working boiler that is rated G or worse and that is the main boiler used to heat your home. However, if you are over 60, the boiler doesn’t need to be working to qualify.

To find out what energy efficiency rating your boiler has, look it up on the government’s boiler efficiency database (www.governmentboiler-scrappagescheme.info/EligibilityCheck.php).

How do I apply for the boiler scrappage scheme?

You can apply for the boiler scrappage scheme through the Energy Saving Trust’s website (www.est.org.uk) or by calling 0800 512 012.

Before you apply, you will need to have had a visit from a boiler installer and got a quote for a new boiler.

For more details on the application process, see our energy expert’s advice on how to apply for the boiler scrappage scheme.

Can I get extra boiler discounts?

Yes, there are several additional discounts available. Both British Gas and Npower (www.npower.com) have said they will match the government’s boiler scrappage discount, which means you could save a total of £800 on a new boiler.

However, it’s best to compare several boiler quotes before you choose one, to make sure you are getting the best deal.

Scrap your old boiler & save £800 with npower

Scrap your old boiler & save £800

Read our Boiler Scrappage Scheme FAQ

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Comments

we have a charity building but the boiler is very very old and needs replacing within the next few months can you point me in the right direction to be able to get some help with funding to help to replace this item or if not would there be any other goverment scheme that could help us - Mar 7 2010 5:23PM
peter reynolds, burntwood staffs england

be careful with british gas offer they promised me they would match the scrappage £400 from the government. i obtained a quote in dec 2009 aware of the scrappage scheme coming in in jan 2010. signed for british gas to do the work 20th jan 2010 now they are refusing to pay the matching £400 even though the energy trust have sent me a voucher .we only went ahead with british gas because they stated on the phone they would match the £400 seems they can argue that they do not have to pay out if you use the Simplicity range of boilers this cost us £3565 in total on the understanding after the 2 scrappage schemes paid out the reduction would be £800 - Mar 6 2010 4:44PM
mrs b watkins, UK

I have a Camray 3 model 70/90. It was installed in 1992. Do you know if this qualifies for the scrappage scheme.
Thanks
- Jan 16 2010 9:53PM
Jon Eden, Stowmarket