Schemes for replacing boilers such as back boilers

Back boilers can be difficult to replace, but there are a new wave of schemes being introduced right across the UK to make sure that everyone can replace the boiler that they have – regardless of type – with a newer, more energy efficient one.

Recently a scrappage scheme was announced for England by the government, and similar schemes are now to be introduced in Scotland and Northern Ireland by their respective governments. The Boiler Scrappage Scheme in Northern Ireland was started recently as a pilot, to try to help households with costs towards replacing old, inefficient boilers with new energy efficient ones.

Up to 1300 households could benefit, and households who apply will need to have a boiler that is over 15 years old, want to switch to a renewable energy heating system, or want to switch to mains gas from oil. It is also aimed for those over 60 and who are on state benefits.

A similar scheme has been started in Scotland by the Scottish government, and it hopes to allow 6000 households to receive money that could go towards the cost of a new boiler. Those who qualify will have to have a boiler that converts under 70 per cent of fuel to heat. Not only will this help to make homes in Scotland more energy efficient, it will help to lower people’s fuel bills over a period of time. It is clear from this new set of energy schemes that governments across the UK are interested in getting homes not only more energy efficient, but helping homeowners along with this aim.