Government pushes boiler scheme for greener energy

A new boiler scrappage scheme rolled out by the UK government in 2010 promises to offer certain homeowners discounts on replacing outdated and inefficient boilers. Applications for a £400 discount on new boilers are expected to come from throughout England.

The scheme "will slash household energy bills and carbon emissions while providing an important boost for the British heating industry," according to Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

Installing 'greener' boilers can also have positive effects on home insurance policies, as certain providers offer incentives for more energy efficient appliances.

Though certain limitations apply, homeowners with boilers rated 'G' - the lowest rating - can apply for vouchers from the Energy Saving Trust. In turn, they must put the £400 toward an 'A' rated device, or toward installing renewable heating systems. Costs of a new boiler and installation fall around £2,500.

Housing associations and social landlords, as well as boiler installers themselves, are ineligible for the vouchers, but homeowners and landlords who rent homes can apply for the scheme, which is set to facilitate 125,000 homes.

Procedures to comply with the application process include getting a quote for the appliance and installation thereof from a qualified provider. Applicants must furnish information about both the new and old boiler to the Energy Saving Trust.

The Energy Saving Trust has also informed that a boiler's pilot light offers insight on whether it is qualified as G-rated. If it is permanently on, it is most likely to be rated G.

Additionally, several energy companies are offering supplements to the agreement, with British Gas matching the voucher offer and Npower implementing its own scheme, which will continue to work with the national one.

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 01:49:00 GMT