Check your boiler for possible savings

Wednesday, 13 January 2010 00:17

Pensioners receiving benefits can apply for help for the purchase and installation of a new boiler as part of the Warm Front scheme, which might cover the full costs. However, if they apply to scrap their boiler they would forfeit their possible Warm Front funding.

The Warm Front scheme can pay up to £3,500, and could pay for a new boiler, loft insulation, draught-proofing and repairs to heating systems.

For anyone on income support, council tax benefit, housing benefit or pension credit should try the Warm Front scheme first. Grants within the scheme are in tiers according to income and needs.

If you fail to get a Warm Front grant, then you can still apply for the boiler scrappage scheme.

Help the Aged’s fuel poverty expert, Mervyn Kohler, said: “If you are a pensioner in receipt of benefits you are likely to be eligible for Warm Front, which can give you a whole new heating system and insulation. If you are not claiming means-tested benefits then we'd recommend you apply for the boiler scrappage scheme.”

The scheme has capacity for only the first 125,000 applicants who have to have a G-rated boiler which must be working and the main heating boiler in the property. However, anyone over 60 can apply for the scheme whether or not the boiler is working.

Pensioners could end up claiming a £400 scrappage voucher, and potentially missing out on the £3,500 from the Warm Front scheme.

Although a professional is the best bet to tell you whether your boiler is eligible for scrappage, you can do some basic checks. If your boiler has a permanent pilot light, it is probably G-rated. If it is gas-fired and more than 15 years old, it is likely to be eligible, and if is more than 25 years old and oil-fired it is probably eligible.

The £400 scrappage vouchers are due to be sent out from 18 January.

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