Many homeowners may be welcoming the announcement by the government of its new boiler scrappage scheme which sees properties with a G-rated boiler powering their central heating systems eligible for £400 towards the cost of an upgrade.
However, even people who do not qualify for the scheme can save money when they choose a new boiler, the Daily Mail has claimed.
It cites the Energy Saving Trust, which notes Britons could see their new boiler pay for itself as a condensing boiler and heating controls can reduce annual energy bills by over £200.
"Get at least three quotes and buy the boiler direct when you can, which can save thousands of pounds in some cases," the news source advises.
It adds a combi condensing boiler may be a good option for smaller properties as it provides instant hot water and can be a space-saver, while heating controls installed on the boiler and radiators can see people saving even more money.
Furthermore, such thermostatic controls can reduce heating bills by some 17 per cent.
When having a new boiler fitted, Britons should ensure the boiler engineer they contact is a member of the Gas Safe Register.
Written by Jasper Cullen
full article
Saturday 16 January 2010
Sunday 10 January 2010
What is a high efficiency condensing boiler?
A condensing boiler captures much more usable heat from its fuel than a non-condensing boiler. Its high operating efficiency is made possible by the design of the condensing boiler's larger - or sometimes dual - heat exchanger.
The heat exchanger makes sure that as much heat as possible is transferred from the boiler's burner - and as little as possible lost in gases through the flue.
There are two types of condensing boiler: regular and combination. Regular condensing boilers heat your hot water through a hot water cylinder. Combination condensing boilers give you instant hot water without the need for a cylinder.
Please bear in mind that not all home heating systems will be compatible with a combination boiler. A qualified installer will tell you which type of condensing boiler, regular or combination, is most suitable for your home.
If your boiler is 15 years old or more then it could be a G rated boiler. You can find out if your boiler is G rated by checking the list here. Replacing an old G rated boiler with a new A rated condensing boiler and a full set of heating controls can save up to a quarter on your heating bills straight away and up to 1,300kg of CO2 year. If your boiler is younger than 15 years then it is likely to be more efficient so will save you less if you replace it.
If your boiler is newer then it may well be in a higher energy efficiency band. Below are typical savings which can be achieved by replacing boilers with new A-rated condensing models and installing a full set of heating controls:
full article
The heat exchanger makes sure that as much heat as possible is transferred from the boiler's burner - and as little as possible lost in gases through the flue.
There are two types of condensing boiler: regular and combination. Regular condensing boilers heat your hot water through a hot water cylinder. Combination condensing boilers give you instant hot water without the need for a cylinder.
Please bear in mind that not all home heating systems will be compatible with a combination boiler. A qualified installer will tell you which type of condensing boiler, regular or combination, is most suitable for your home.
If your boiler is 15 years old or more then it could be a G rated boiler. You can find out if your boiler is G rated by checking the list here. Replacing an old G rated boiler with a new A rated condensing boiler and a full set of heating controls can save up to a quarter on your heating bills straight away and up to 1,300kg of CO2 year. If your boiler is younger than 15 years then it is likely to be more efficient so will save you less if you replace it.
If your boiler is newer then it may well be in a higher energy efficiency band. Below are typical savings which can be achieved by replacing boilers with new A-rated condensing models and installing a full set of heating controls:
full article
What kind of boilers does the scrappage scheme cover?
Before applying for the scrappage scheme it is important to find the best deal on a new boiler, including installation costs.
Some energy companies, such as British Gas and npower, are offering similar cash incentives that match the Government's £400, to give a total £800.
British Gas also offers some equally generous discounts under its own unsubsidised schemes, but consumers who apply for boiler scrappage would not be eligible.
People aged over 60 may get bigger discounts through Warm Front, another Governmentfunded scheme to improve energy efficiency (warmfront.co.uk).
Gareth Kloet, energy expert at comparison website confused. com, says: 'Many suppliers will follow-British Gas and npower in offering cashbacks and they may also offer discounts for households in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. But customers must be aware these may not be the best option.
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A cheaper route may to buy a new boiler independently and get a local plumber to install it.'
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FOR more information on the scheme and to register, go to the EST website at est.org.uk or call the advice line on 0800 512012.
full article
Some energy companies, such as British Gas and npower, are offering similar cash incentives that match the Government's £400, to give a total £800.
British Gas also offers some equally generous discounts under its own unsubsidised schemes, but consumers who apply for boiler scrappage would not be eligible.
People aged over 60 may get bigger discounts through Warm Front, another Governmentfunded scheme to improve energy efficiency (warmfront.co.uk).
Gareth Kloet, energy expert at comparison website confused. com, says: 'Many suppliers will follow-British Gas and npower in offering cashbacks and they may also offer discounts for households in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. But customers must be aware these may not be the best option.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A cheaper route may to buy a new boiler independently and get a local plumber to install it.'
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR more information on the scheme and to register, go to the EST website at est.org.uk or call the advice line on 0800 512012.
full article
G Rated Boilers
The first vouchers in the Government's £50 million boiler scrappage scheme will be sent out this week, enabling 125,000 households in England to trade in old, inefficient boilers and get £400 towards the cost of a new, eco-friendly replacement.
But not every household is eligible and with energy companies offering their own incentives to buy new boilers, consumers should shop around to get the best deal.
What type of boiler can I trade in?
G-rated boilers are the least efficient type and these are the ones the Government is looking to remove. More than three million homes in England have a G-rated gas, oil or liquefied-petroleum (LPG) boiler. You are likely to have a G-rated boiler if yours is gas-fired, more than 15 years old and it has a permanent pilot light.
Do not try to dismantle your boiler to find out if it is G-rated. If you are unsure, call the Energy Savings Trust (EST) helpline on 0800 512 012.
Only homeowners and landlords who let properties privately are eligible to apply for the scrappage scheme and the boiler must be the main one in the home. If you are aged under 60 the
boiler must be in working order. People who are 60 and over can apply for the scheme regardless of whether the boiler is working.
How does the scrappage scheme work?
Homeowners must first get a quote for the new boiler, including installation. They can then apply to the EST, which is administering the scheme, and a voucher will be posted about ten days later. Vouchers are valid for 12 weeks from the date of issue.
If a voucher is not used, it will be cancelled. Do not install a new boiler and then apply for the voucher. Installations made before receipt of a voucher will not be eligible. Installations must be done by engineers registered with trade bodies Gas Safe or Oftec.
You must pay for the new boiler and installation upfront and then claim back the £400 by sending the voucher and invoice to the EST. The payments will be sent within 25 days.
full list of G RATED BOILERS
full article
But not every household is eligible and with energy companies offering their own incentives to buy new boilers, consumers should shop around to get the best deal.
What type of boiler can I trade in?
G-rated boilers are the least efficient type and these are the ones the Government is looking to remove. More than three million homes in England have a G-rated gas, oil or liquefied-petroleum (LPG) boiler. You are likely to have a G-rated boiler if yours is gas-fired, more than 15 years old and it has a permanent pilot light.
Do not try to dismantle your boiler to find out if it is G-rated. If you are unsure, call the Energy Savings Trust (EST) helpline on 0800 512 012.
Only homeowners and landlords who let properties privately are eligible to apply for the scrappage scheme and the boiler must be the main one in the home. If you are aged under 60 the
boiler must be in working order. People who are 60 and over can apply for the scheme regardless of whether the boiler is working.
How does the scrappage scheme work?
Homeowners must first get a quote for the new boiler, including installation. They can then apply to the EST, which is administering the scheme, and a voucher will be posted about ten days later. Vouchers are valid for 12 weeks from the date of issue.
If a voucher is not used, it will be cancelled. Do not install a new boiler and then apply for the voucher. Installations made before receipt of a voucher will not be eligible. Installations must be done by engineers registered with trade bodies Gas Safe or Oftec.
You must pay for the new boiler and installation upfront and then claim back the £400 by sending the voucher and invoice to the EST. The payments will be sent within 25 days.
full list of G RATED BOILERS
full article
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