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Now is the time to take advantage of the new boiler scrappage scheme – helping you to save money and the environment!

The scheme, launched by the government through the Energy Saving Trust, could help you save £400 off a new, ‘A’ rated energy efficient boiler and also save you an estimated £300 a year on your fuel bills.

What’s more, a number of companies are offering further subsidies in conjunction with the scrappage scheme, meaning you can really make a saving if you shop around.

But, if you want to take advantage of this offer you need to act now, as funding is only available for 125,000 of the 3.5 million eligible households in England.

Who is eligible?

The scheme is open to householders in England living in an owned or privately rented home.

To qualify, you will also need to be currently using a low efficiency boiler (category G or below).

If you are a householder (including tenants) under 60 you can only apply for the scheme if the boiler you are scrapping is in working order and is the main boiler used to heat the home.

If you are a householder (including tenants) and 60 or over you can apply for the scheme regardless of whether the boiler you are scrapping is in working order. However, it still needs to be the main boiler used to heat the home.

How to apply

• Check your boiler is G-rated. A good quick test for gas boilers is to see if it has a permanent pilot light - if it has then it is very likely to be a G-rated boiler. If it is gas fired and over fifteen years old it is likely to be eligible. If it is oil fired and over twenty five years old, it is likely to be eligible.

• Ensure it is in working order and is the main boiler used to heat the house.

• Shop around and arrange a quote for a new boiler from a qualified, Gas Safe registered installer.

• Contact the Energy Saving Trust, or fill in the online application form to register with the scheme before having any work done.

• Pay the installer in full, then send the receipt and the voucher to be refunded £400 - some suppliers will also offer £400 off the price.

Shop around

Installation costs can vary massively, so if you are thinking of replacing your boiler, it’s important to shop around for the best deal. Try looking in our Call Local section for installers in your local area.

Useful contacts

The Energy Saving Trust

Click the link to visit the boiler scrappage scheme homepage, or call the Energy Saving Trust on 0800 512 012.