The Government is offering £400 towards the cost of a new boiler for home owners in England who scrap their old G-rated boilers.

As part of Government action to reduce CO2 emissions, 125,000 householders could be eligible for a £400 voucher for scrapping their old G-rated boilers. The vouchers can be used towards the cost of a new A-rated boiler or renewable energy heating system with effect from 18th January 2010.

Am I eligible?

The scheme is open to home owners or private landlords. To be eligible the boiler being scrapped must be the main boiler used in the home and be fully functional, although for those over 60 it doesn't have to be in working order. There is one voucher allowed per household, and the scheme currently applies to English residents only.

Benefits of the Scheme

The scrappage scheme has been introduced to help counter the effects of global warming, as old G-rated boilers emit higher levels of CO2. There will also be financial benefits to the boiler industry. Additionally, householders will find a reduction in energy costs through more fuel efficient A-rated boilers.

How can I tell if my boiler qualifies?

G-rated boilers qualify for the scheme. These are likely to include gas boilers with a permanent pilot light, those over 15 years old and oil fired boilers over 25 years old, as these will all have an efficiency rating lower than 70%. If you are unsure, you can check your boiler's energy efficiency rating at www.homeheatingguide.co.uk . Your boiler installation engineer will also be able to give advice on whether your boiler will be eligible.

You can redeem your voucher towards the cost of the following A-rated or renewable energy heating systems:

• A-rated gas, oil or LPG boilers
• Boilers with a Passive Flue Heat Recovery Device
• Solar Thermal systems in conjunction with a suitable boiler replacement
• Micro CHP units
• Microgeneration Certification Scheme-registered biomass boilers and heat pumps

How to apply

To apply for your £400 voucher, arrange for a quote to convert to one of the above types of heating systems; this should be provided by a qualified installer. You should then ring the Energy Saving Trust on: 0800 512 012 and provide details of:

• Your name
• The address of the property where your boiler is sited
• The make and model of your old boiler
• Name, address and contact details of your installer
• The type of boiler that will replace your old boiler

It is important to wait until receiving your voucher before having a new boiler fitted. This can take up to ten days.

When you receive the invoice from your installer, send it with the £400 voucher to the Energy Saving Trust. You can check for their address if you don't already have it by telephoning them on: 0800 512 012.

You must use your boiler scrappage voucher within 12 weeks of the issue date otherwise it will be cancelled. It is possible to reapply for a voucher, but you may miss out as only the first 125,000 home owners will qualify.

To request a quote for a new boiler in your area please click here.