Boiler Scrappage Scheme
This page gives some information about and the Boiler Scrappage Scheme, the new objective
announced in the pre-budget speech in December 2009 by the Chancellor, Alistair Darling. The scheme is intended
to reduce the emissions of the nation by incentivising the replacement of older, inefficent boilers with newer
ones.
The vouchers for the new scheme will be issued from the 18th of January by the Energy Saving Trust with the simple process of: get a quote, apply to the EST, pay for the work, get the refund of £400. The money is only available on a first-come-first-served basis up to 125,000 households.
Am I eligible?
Currently the scheme is only available in England, although there is pressure to have the Scottish Government introduce a similar scheme. Claimants can be householders or landlords privately renting a property. Your existing boiler must be G-rated or lower and must be replaced with a high efficiency boiler, rated A on the SEDBUK scale, or claims against the costs of solar heating are also valid provided the boiler in the system is A rated. Heat pumps and biomass boilers are also included in the scheme, but not electric boilers.
How do I claim?
Claims are made to the Energy Saving Trust and are based on applying for a voucher, paying for the cost of the boiler and installation first and then receiving the refund after.
- Arrange for the installer to visit and get a quote for the boiler and the installation
- Submit the following to the Energy Saving Trust to receive your voucher
- Name
- Address
- Make and model of existing boiler
- Installer details, including the GasSafe number or MCS number
- Model of the replacement boiler
- Wait 10 days to receive your voucher
- Complete the installation and get an invoice
- Send the EST your completed voucher and invoice
- All claims should be refunded within 25days
What rating is my current boiler?
As a rule of thumb if your boiler is LPG or Gas and has a visible, permanent pilot-light then it is likely to be G-rated efficiency. Oil and solid fuel boiler pre-1985 are also likely to be G-rated. You could look up on the SEDBUK website to see if your boiler is listed, and get your current rating.
Is it worth it?
A typical 3 bedroom house could save around £250 per year, or around one third of the average bill.
Why are the Government doing it?
One quarter of our country's emission come from households, and around 60% of that is due to boilers. By encouraging those with the least efficient boilers to replace them it could go a long way to helping to reduce the nation's output.
