Domestic heating accounts for 40% of the UK’s CO² emissions and there are currently around 3.5 million homes in England alone with the very least efficient type of boiler (G-rated or worse).

The installation of new heating is an effective way to reduce household energy bills. To encourage more people to upgrade their system, the government is offering up to 125,000 homes £400 towards the cost of a highly efficient A-rated boiler or renewable heating technology.

Who is eligible for the scheme?

The grant is available to householders (including tenants) in England living in an owned or privately rented property. However, if you are under 60 years old, you can only apply to the scheme if the boiler you are scrapping is in working order and is the main source of heating in the home.

If you are more than 60 years old, you can apply for the grant regardless of whether the boiler you are replacing is in working order. Only householders and landlords who privately own and rent dwellings are eligible to apply for the voucher.

How can you tell if your boiler is G-rated?

A good, quick test for gas powered systems is to look for a permanent pilot light. If it has one, the boiler is likely to be G-rated. If it is gas fired and more than 15 years old, it is also likely to be eligible. Oil fired systems are generally only included if they are more than 25 years old.

If you believe that your home has a boiler that is G-rated or worse and you wish to upgrade to an A-rated system by registering for the £400 cash back voucher, you must arrange for an installer to visit and provide a quotation. This person would then be regarded as your nominated installer.

Once you have a quote, you need to complete an online form, which can be found at www.energysavingtrust.org.uk or call the Act on CO² advice line on 0800 512 012. The £400 voucher will be forwarded to you approximately 10 days after you make the application and will be valid for 12 weeks from the date of issue. Only one voucher will be given to each household and the installation must be carried out by a fitter registered with Gas Safe.

I recommend that you shop around for the most competitive price by contacting a range of installers, manufacturers and energy companies. Some organisations will be offering complimentary deals to encourage you to scrap and replace your boiler with them.