UK Government announces boiler scappage scheme

Today's announcement of a new boiler scrappage scheme will be good news for people struggling to meet the cost of upgrading old, energy-inefficient boilers. And, unlike the car scrappage scheme, it actually promotes the adoption of more energy efficient products. A payment of £400 can be claimed from the Energy Saving Trust by any householder replacing a G rated boiler with an A rated one, and boilers can be purchased from any authorised installer. The large energy companies are likely to offer a £400 reduction in price to match the government's contribution, but buyer beware - their prices are often higher than independent installers, so it pays to shop around.

The government estimates that domestic heating is responsible for 14% of the UK's carbon emissions; the scrappage scheme will reduce energy bills by an average of £235 per year, saving as much CO2 as taking 45,000 cars off the road. The £50m fund will only cover the rebate for 125,000 households of the estimated 3.5 million with G rated boilers, so it pays to act quickly. You can check your eligibility here.