Do you know how much an inefficient boiler adds to your energy bill? The answer may startle you – a modern boiler you could save hundreds of pounds.
You would use 20% less energy for heating, making savings of £340 annually on your bills. That’s a substantial saving and one which might make you think about replacing your old boiler sooner rather than later. If you are a London home owner or a landlord who is accredited, you could be in line to save even more money.
Related: What is The Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme?
Green London
Replacing your boiler is not just good for your energy bills, it’s good for the environment. By replacing, you could save 7,640 KWH of energy per year – that’s the equivalent of ‘powering a fridge-freezer for 17 years’ according to the scheme organisers. It also equates to 15 Tonnes of CO2, which organisers calculate is equal to ‘the emissions from a return London-San Francisco flight’. It’s easy to see how replacing the city’s inefficient boilers will have a real effect on emissions and reduce the impact on the environment.
The London Boiler Cashback Scheme
One of the factors that puts people off replacing an old boiler is the cost of purchase and installation. It can cost between £2-3 thousand to totally replace a boiler, and for most people that is a stretch. This is where the London Boiler Cashback Scheme comes in to help. By applying to join the scheme, you could be awarded £400 towards the cost of your new boiler. Set up in 2016, the scheme will run on a first come, first served basis to encourage as much take up as possible. Start thinking about applying today, in order to get your place, as it is expected to be over-subscribed.
Related: What is Cold Weather Payment?
How do I apply and am I eligible?
You can apply for the scheme by filling in an application here. To be eligible you must own your own home, or be an accredited private landlord with retal property in London, or the official agent in charge of running your property. You must be accredited with the Mayor’s London Rental Standard. Landlords outside of this accreditation scheme will not be eligible for a payout. Private landlords can apply for up to ten properties in the capital, as long as they fit the criteria. If you are renting, it may be worth mentioning the scheme to your landlord, in case he is eligible.
How old must my boiler be to be considered old and inefficient?
There are simple criteria to decide this. If you have a solid fuel, gas, oil or LPG boiler that is significantly inefficient, you will be eligble. The scheme does not apply to electric boilers. It must be 70% less efficient than a modern boiler. This is not uncommon with older models. If your boiler is G rated, it will almost certainly qualify. It is probably that a gas boiler over 15 years old will qualify, particularly if it has a permanent gas pilot light. Oil fired boilers are more robust, but if it is over 25 years old, it is likely to qualify.
Related: What is an online energy plan?
How can I check further?
You can check the SAP2005 energy efficiency rating on this simple database. It will give you a good idea about whether your boiler qualifies. The replacement boiler must be ‘an A rated gas or condensing oil boiler with at least 90 per cent energy efficient SAP2005 rating’.
What is the procedure for getting the cashback offer?
You need to refer to the Boiler scheme step by step guidance page. Put simply, you need proof that your boiler is inefficient and quotes from accredited installers. Send this documentation, along with your contact details and bank details. If you qualify you will be sent a voucher for £400. Once the work has been done, send in the paid invoice and your account will be credited with the cashback. Can you afford not to apply?