This is a great indication of the success of the scheme, and the energy savings that many households will soon enjoy. However for those of us who have old, inefficient boilers this means there are only at most another 70,000 still available. So no dilly dallying!

The scheme is expected to help up to 5,000 Welsh households, with £2.5 million put aside to replace old boilers. However questions are already being raised as to how effective the scheme will be compared to the English scheme due to the age restrictions.

On a related note, we have also updated our Frequently Asked Questions page. Please let us know if you have any other questions you need answering that our site does not already answer. And stay warm this winter – it’s cold out there!

For anyone who is getting older it is vitally important that you find a way to keep your house warm as cheaply as possible. Given the current spate of arctic weather we have had here in the UK this is even more important. So if you are over 60 then please first apply for a warm front grant before you try for the boiler scrappage grant. Stay warm this winter!

The goal of the Government is to get up to 125,000 old, inefficient boilers out of English homes and replaced by new, efficient models. This has the benefits of stimulating the economy for boiler providers, reducing heating costs for households and reducing the environmental impact of hundreds of thousands of old, inefficient boilers using too much energy. The scheme was announced at the end of 2009, but will only come into affect this year.

The BBC says that the boiler subsidy scheme will come into effect from January 18th and works in the following way:

• To qualify you must have a working boiler that is rated G for energy efficiency.
• Should your old boiler qualify for the incentive, then you need to get a quote for a new boiler from a qualified installed – these are normally between £2000 and £3000.
• You then need to provide the Energy Savings Trust (EST) with details of your old, inefficient boiler and the installation quote for the new one. The EST will also require proof that the installer visited your home to give you a proper quote.
• Should all this be in order, the EST will issue you a voucher for £400 off your new boiler. You will receive this money within 25 days after the boiler replacement job is completed and the EST has received the correct invoice paperwork.

So start getting yourself prepared and see whether your old boiler can be replaced under this scheme, and check your household budget to see if you can pass up such a great offer. And stay warm this winter – it’s cold out there!

“Each inefficient boiler adds over £200 to household bills and one tonne of carbon to the atmosphere,” Chancellor Darling said, indicating that the plan would both save money on a recurring annual basis, as well as being good for the environment and the country meeting it’s emissions targets.

We will bring you more news as it’s announced, but in the meantime check your boiler to see how old it is and also those of your immediate family. If this scheme is anything like the car scrappage scheme that has been running over the last year then the budget for the handouts will be limited and first come first served.