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English Consumers Snap Up 54,758 Boiler Scrappage Vouchers
15th February 2010
Some 54,758 vouchers have been snapped up under the Government's Boiler Scrappage scheme leaving around 70,000 vouchers worth a total of £28 million still up for grabs. The scheme was launched in January to upgrade up to 125,000 household heating systems in England to cut carbon, save money on fuel bills and sustain work for the heating industry.
All the major energy companies which sell and install gas boilers have now matched the offer, giving householders potentially £800 off the cost of a new efficient boiler. Some manufacturing companies are also offering discounts and deals.
Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband said, "The Boiler Scrappage scheme has proved incredibly popular and with energy companies and manufacturers offering deals as well, the government scheme has truly kick-started a national programme of boiler replacement. The scheme is helping householders to save around £200 a year off fuel bills and reduce emissions while helping to sustain work for the 130,000 installers and up to 25 UK-based boiler manufacturers throughout the economic recovery."
People who have applied to the scheme have been commenting. Arjinder Gill from Oadby in Leicestershire, who was told by his boiler service engineer that his boiler was only 50% efficient and that it would be wise to get a new one, said, "The process has been quick and easy. I am looking forward to a more efficient boiler and a warmer home."
Clive Wuest from St Neots in Cambridgeshire, who had been thinking about replacing his home's old boiler when he heard about the scrappage scheme, said, "There already seems to be a huge difference. It definitely feels like the new boiler is working less for more heat, and we're looking forward to hopefully getting a significantly reduced gas bill."
Jan Robson from Leeds, who has also got a new boiler through the scheme, said "We're really pleased and the place feels much warmer now. We're looking forward to saving some money on our bills too."
The Energy Saving Trust (EST), which is running the scheme on behalf of Government, is receiving on average 5,000 enquiries per day to its 14 call centres across England. In the first few days after the launch, EST dealt with 24,000 calls per day - 10 times more than usual.
Fraser Winterbottom from Energy Saving Trust said, "We're extremely pleased with the public's response to this scheme. Since the scrappage offer was launched the phones have been ringing off the hook, and our call centres have been working hard to process the applications - we've had nearly 400,000 calls nationally - an average of 5,000 a day at each of our regional advice centres.
"It's clear that people are very keen to slash their energy bills and do their bit in helping to cut the UK's CO2 emissions, given the right support - we've given out nearly 5,000 vouchers in the capital. There are still thousands more vouchers to be claimed, and with more and more companies complementing the scheme with their own offers, there's no better time to get rid of that old inefficient boiler."
Roger Webb, Director of the trade association Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC), said, "The boiler scrappage scheme has injected new life into the domestic heating market for both manufacturers and installers. Industry has been stimulated on many levels and the generation of enquires has been huge. Installers are thrilled that both existing and new customers are realising the benefits of this scheme and actually acting on the chance to replace their G-rated boilers. Normally a boiler purchase is a distress buy but customers are receiving their voucher and actually scheduling in an installation. This rise in interest is indicative of how successful the scheme has been with consumers. The general consensus from industry is that there has never been a better time to get a boiler replacement."
Anyone with an oil fired boiler who is considering making an application to the scheme, may wish to consult the following Frequently Asked Questions below:
What is the Scheme?
The Boiler Scrappage Scheme was announced in the Chancellor Darling's Pre-Budget Report. The scheme will provide £400 per eligible household and promises to help up to 125,000 households upgrade their boiler.
Is the Scheme available for all existing boilers?
The simple answer is no. Most boilers will be illegible for inclusion under the Scheme. The Scheme is only available to a boiler with an Energy Efficiency Rating of 'G' or less.
Can I replace an eligible oil fired boiler with a new high efficiency oil fired boiler?
Yes.
Can I replace an eligible LPG fueled boiler with a new, high efficiency oil fired boiler?
Yes - the scheme is ideal for those householders and homeowners seeking to escape the LPG trap.
Must my boiler be working to be eligible for inclusion within the Scheme?
The simple answer is, if you're under 60 years of age - yes it must be working. If you're over 60 years of age, it need not be in working order.
Must any eligible boiler be the main boiler used to heat my home?
Yes. So if you're looking for a more affordable or efficient way to heat your Summer House, your Green House or if you're an MP, perhaps your Gazebo... you'll need to look elsewhere.
How do I know if my boiler is eligible for inclusion within the Scheme?
The easiest way is to identify the manufacturer and model number and then check eligibility against the Government's Boiler Efficiency Database. If you are unable to identify your boiler - and we have had reports already of consumers who cannot find their boiler listed in the database - then you may wish to contact the manufacturer directly or contact your boiler service technician. You should also be sure that the details you are recording are those of the boiler and not the burner unit. In general, if your boiler is oil fired and is over 25 years old, it probably falls within the remit of the Scheme. If its less than 25 years old, it probably is outside the scope of the Scheme. These time periods are not cast in stone - so please do take the time to check - but do bear in mind that most boilers will not be eligible for inclusion within the Scheme.
Can I install my new oil boiler myself?
In a word - no. Any new oil fired boiler must be installed by a member of a recognised Competent Persons' Scheme e.g. APHC, OFTEC etc.
Can I shop around to find an installer?
Yes and we'd recommend you do just that, obtaining a minimum of three quotes before deciding which installer to run with.
How do I apply for the Scheme and when will I get my £400?
Visit the Energy Saving Trust website or call the Act On CO2 Information Line on 0800 512 012 for details of the application procedure.
Can I go ahead with the installation of a replacement boiler and then make an application to the Scheme?
No.
Is the Scheme available throughout the United Kingdom?
At present, it is only available to homeowners and householders in England. In Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, any such Scheme will be the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Executive, The Scottish Government and the Welsh Executive - not the Westminster Government. At present, no similar schemes are in operation outside England.
Is the scheme available in the Republic of Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man?
No.
I am a British citizen but have retired to live in Spain. Can I apply to the scheme to replace the boiler at my Spanish property?
A very definite no.
Where can I find out further information about the Scheme?
Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors
The Department of Energy & Climate Change
