From the Front Line

The boiler scrappage scheme is launched officially today - good news for the thousands of homeowners - like my dear parents - stuck with an old boiler and a big bill to replace it.

The scheme effectively gives a voucher of £400 for the replacement of a 'G' rated boiler (likely to be boilers more than 15 years old) with a new model. You'll have to go through an approved installer, who should be able to talk you through the process. If not, contact the Energy Saving Trust

Some welcome good news. Don't forget that new condensing boilers do need to be placed against an external wall. I hear that British Gas are going to match the £400 with another grant too, so now might be the time to get upgrading.