London Mayor Boris Johnson has just announced the capital’s first boiler replacement scheme. The London Boiler Cashback Scheme – launched on 2 February 2016 – is providing 6,500 of the capital’s home owners and accredited private landlords each with £400 cashback when they replace an old, inefficient boiler.
Replacing an old, inefficient boiler with a new, efficient one makes a big difference. A more efficient boiler could mean an average saving of £340 a year, as well as a warmer, more comfortable home. It also dramatically reduces the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. The scheme as a whole will substantially reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality across London.
Under the rules of the scheme:
- the current boiler must be 70 per cent or less efficient (typically a G rated boiler that is either gas, LPG, solid fuel or oil fuelled), in working order and the main boiler used to heat the home
- the replacement must be a gas boiler that is A rated (at least 90 per cent energy efficient) or a renewable/low carbon heating technology
- the installer must be a Gas Safe (formally CORGI) registered installer, a Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) certified installer or equivalent, or a member of a competent persons scheme (such as OFTEC or HETAS).
When applicants apply, they will need to provide details of the boiler to be replaced, along with those of the heating engineer. They will then receive a voucher, after which the boiler can be replaced. Vouchers are valid for 12 weeks from the date of issue, so the boiler must be fitted within this time. To receive their £400 cashback, claimants must then send back proof of installation along with the voucher no later than ten working days after the expiry date on their voucher.
The scheme is first-come, first-served. Like a hugely successful central government boiler scrappage scheme in 2010, it is likely to be very popular – so people should apply quickly to avoid disappointment.
Private landlords, or the agent that manages their property, must be accredited with the Mayor’s London Rental Standard. They can apply for cashback for more than one property, provided they meet the scheme’s requirements.
For more information, including how to apply and the terms and conditions of the scheme, please go to www.london.gov.uk/boilers. To check a boiler’s energy efficiency, please search for it in the NCM Product Characteristics Database.
