W Churches, a byword for quality and high standards within the heating and plumbing industry, is throwing its support behind the Government’s boiler scrappage scheme. The Winchester-based company is firmly behind the initiative which guarantees a £400 refund to homeowners who install new boilers. Ian Paxton, Operations Director says: “Old boilers are not only more expensive to run but they are also much less efficient than their modern counterparts. This year’s prolonged cold weather has meant many householders have been faced with a nasty shock when they open January’s utility bills. We are of the opinion that this scheme will save you money on your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time.”
Who is eligible?
All homeowners or private tenants with a G-rated boiler, are eligible. If you are unsure of your boiler rating, it’s quite easy to check. If it’s over 15 years old, gas-fired with a permanent pilot light or if it’s oil-fired and over 25 years old, your boiler is likely to be G-rated. If you are under 60 years old, you qualify if your boiler is in good working order and is the main heat source for your home. Guidelines are not quite so strict for over 60s as the boiler does not have to work but it must still be the main heat source for the home.
Next steps
Contact a reputable company such as W Churches and arrange a quote for a new boiler. Then contact the Energy Saving Trust (EST) with details of your boiler, the installer and confirmation that the installer has actually visited your home and provided you with a professional quote. Before the work begins, you will receive a voucher entitling you to a refund of £400 after the final invoice has been paid. To protect against fraud and to ensure safety standards, the EST is insisting that all vouchers must contain the customer’s and the installer’s signature, as well as the Gas Safe/MCS registration number of the installer.
Saving today and the future
In order to help combat global warming, the UK has one of the most ambitious CO2 emission reduction targets in the world. Domestic heating accounts for 14 per cent of the UK’s CO2 emissions. If all the 125,000 eligible households take up the scheme, the government estimates that carbon emissions will be cut by approximately 140,000 tonnes a year – equivalent to taking 45,000 cars off the road. On top of that, the financial advantages of an upgraded boiler are undeniable. Households can expect heating bills to drop by around a quarter, with average savings of more than £200 a year.
Call the professionals
If you decide to take advantage of the scheme, make sure you have expert help. Ian Paxton says: “There’s a very good reason why W Churches has been in business for over 100 years. We know our customers demand quality and high standards. If you want an experienced team to upgrade your boiler, call us on 01962 844488 and be assured that we will do a speedy and professional job.”
