Why you Should Apply for a Boiler Grant Before Winter

Upgrading your faulty or old and inefficient boiler is a wise move for several reasons but you shouldn’t leave it too late to apply for a boiler grant.

Beat the rush
Early October is traditionally the time when most people start to think about switching on their central heating. As the majority of boilers will not have been providing heating for several months, it is quite common for problems to develop. As a result, heating engineers tend to become very busy from this point onward so if you are considering a new boiler, now would be the best time to apply.

Save money on your energy bills
The sooner you have a new boiler fitted, the sooner you will start to save money on your heating bills. According to the Energy Saving Trust, heating accounts for more than half of all your energy bills over a year. Installing a brand new A-rated gas condensing boiler to replace an older inefficient model can save households between £170 and £315 per year, depending on the size of the property and the efficiency of the old boiler.

Increase the value of your home
Costs tend to vary but gas boilers typically cost in the region of £2,500 and oil boilers around £3,100. Whilst it may only mean a small increase in the value of the property, it will make it more efficient and improve the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating. If you are planning to sell in the not too distant future, fitting a new boiler can therefore make the property more attractive to prospective buyers.

Avoid costly breakdowns
If your boiler is more than 10 years old, as well as being less efficient, it will be more likely to break down. There is also a chance that parts will be difficult to obtain or they may even be obsolete. If you do not have boiler breakdown cover, then you could be left facing one or more expensive bills. You could even be without heating or hot water when you really need it most. A brand new boiler will give you peace of mind, especially as it will come with a guarantee of between two and ten years.

Cut carbon emissions
An often overlooked consideration is that having a new boiler fitted will also reduce your carbon footprint. A modern condensing boiler will use far less fossil fuel and thus produce less CO2 when the fuel is being burned. With climate change becoming an ever more important topic, you can rest assured that you have played your part in helping to prevent it.

How to apply for a boiler grant
If anyone living in the household receives a qualifying benefit, tax credit or allowance, then you should qualify for a grant towards to cost of a new boiler. EnergyLink can put you in touch with an approved local installer who can access this grant funding. To receive a free survey without obligation, simply visit www.freeheating.co.uk/apply and fill in the form.