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How do I apply for the boiler scrappage scheme?

Our energy expert says...

Hi Marianna, thanks for getting in touch. The government says that replacing an old boiler for a new energy-efficient one could save households over £200 on their annual energy bill.

So, it’s definitely worth checking whether you can benefit from the boiler scrappage scheme and get a £400 discount on a new, energy-efficient boiler or a renewable heating technology, such as a biomass boiler, when you trade in your old one.

Am I eligible for the boiler scrappage scheme?

If you are under 60, to qualify for the scheme you need to have a G-rated boiler that is the main boiler used to heat your home and is in working order.

However, if you are over 60, you can apply for the scheme whether or not the boiler is in working order.

Only householders and landlords who privately own and rent dwellings in England are eligible for the scheme.

What energy efficiency rating is my boiler?

The Energy Saving Trust says that if your gas boiler has a permanent pilot light then it is likely to be a G-rated boiler.

It also says that, as a general rule, if your boiler is gas-fired and more than 15 years old OR oil-fired and over 25 years old, it is likely to be G-rated.

You can check whether your boiler is listed as G-rated or worse, by searching for it in the government boiler efficiency database (www.governmentboiler-scrappagescheme.info/EligibilityCheck.php).

How do I apply for the boiler scrappage scheme?

If you are eligible for the scheme, you’ll need to do the following:

1. Arrange a quote for a new boiler from a qualified installer. A new boiler could cost anywhere between £2,000 and £3,000 and it is wise to compare several quotes to get the best deal.

2. Apply for the £400 discount through the Energy Saving Trust. You can do this on its website (www.est.org.uk) or by calling 0800 512 012. You will need to provide the following information:

• Your full name
• The address of the property you wish 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 to be installed e.g. gas, biomass
• Confirmation that you have received a quote or visit from the installer to carry out the work.

3. Wait for your voucher to arrive. The £400 vouchers will be issued from 18 January 2009 - you will receive a voucher, if approved, approximately ten days after your application. The voucher will be valid for 12 weeks. If the voucher expires, you may be able to apply for a new one if there are funds available.

4. Once you have your voucher, you can proceed with the installation of your new boiler. You will need to pay for the new boiler and installation upfront and then claim back the £400 by sending the voucher and invoice to the Energy Saving Trust. You will receive this payment within 25 working days.

Additional discounts

Both British Gas and Npower (www.npower.com) have announced that they will match the government’s boiler discount – which means you could potentially save up to £800 on a new boiler.

To be eligible for an additional £400 off the price of your new boiler, you must purchase it and have it installed by either British Gas or Npower.

However, it’s important to compare these offers with deals available elsewhere as you may still be able to get a better deal from your local plumber.

When should I apply for the boiler scrappage scheme?

If you’re interested in the scheme you’ll need to act fast. According to the Energy Saving Trust there are currently about 3.5 million homes in England with boilers rated G or worse, but the government’s £50million scheme is only designed to help 125,000 households, so apply now if you want to benefit.

Read our guide to the boiler scrappage scheme

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