Is my boiler G-rated?

A government scrappage scheme that gives people £400 off on the price of a new boiler has been launched today.

Up to 125,000 households in England could benefit from the £50million scheme, which was announced in the pre-budget report as an incentive to install greener heating.

Energy firms including British Gas and NPower have already pledged to match the payment, creating households a £800 discount on new boilers.

According to the government, a new boiler could cut a family's heating bills by about £235 a year.

In total, the scheme would cut as much carbon as taking 45,000 cars off the road and would help secure about 250,000 jobs of boiler makers and installers, the government said.

To qualify, a household must have a working boiler of the lowest efficiency G rating.

There are about 3.5million homes in England with such boilers, although the scheme is only open to the first 125,000 who apply.

The old devices must be replaced with top efficiency A-rated boilers or renewable heating systems like biomass boilers or heat pumps.
The price of a new boiler is about £2,500, most of which would still be paid by the householder.

Only home owners and landlords who privately rent out homes qualify.

The scheme does not apply to Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales, as their devolved authorities have to decide whether to run it.
Is my boiler G-rated?

The Energy Saving Trust said a boiler is likely to be G rated if:

* If it has a permanent pilot light;
* If it is gas fired and over 15 years old; or
* If it is oil fired and over 25 years old.

Householders can also check the Energy Saving Trust's scrappage scheme guide for more information.
How do I apply?

Once you have established that you qualify:

1. Get several quotes for the installation of a new boiler. Suppliers must visit your home for this and give a proper quote on paper.
2. Apply to the Energy Saving Trust (EST) with your name, address, details of your old boiler, the type of new boiler you want, quote prices, supplier details and confirmation that the installer visited your home.
3. You will then recieve a cashback voucher from the EST. Wait until you get this voucher before you start the installation, or you will lose the money.
4. Pay the installer in full.
5. Send the invoice and voucher to the EST, who will then refund you £400.


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