HEAT ME UP
Cheapest way to get your boiler fixed or replaced this winter – and you could get £7,500 towards a new one
Plus click on our video to watch a money-saving boiler tip
DEALING with a broken boiler can not only put a damper on your mood but also on your wallet.
During the winter months, you might find your heating device is more prone to issues because of increased use and colder weather leading parts of the boiler to contract.
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Forking out for a new boiler can cost between £1,000 and £3,500, according to British Gas estimates, depending on the model.
And even paying for a repair can cost anywhere from £100 to £500.
However, some households could be entitled to grants or freebies to help replace their boilers when they break.
One example is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme which was launched by the government to help households replace fossil fuel heating systems with more eco-friendly alternatives.
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To qualify for this scheme you must own the property you are looking to upgrade.
You must find an MCS-certified installer to claim the grant on your behalf.
MCS is the certification scheme for energy-efficiency product installers.
You can find the nearest ones to you by visiting www.mcscertified.com/find-an-installer, but it is worth shopping for a few quotes.
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Meanwhile, some low-income houses may also qualify for major discounts on installing boilers or insulating their homes.
The Energy Company Obligation, set up by the Government, lets households on certain benefits apply to have energy-saving measures installed in their homes.
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It might mean cavity wall or loft insulation, or maybe even a new boiler fitted, sometimes for free.
Households' needs are assessed on a case-by-case basis, so there's no guarantee you'll get help, but it is worth looking into.
And to qualify you usually need to be on one of the following benefits
- Pension Guarantee Credit
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
- Tax Credits (Child Tax Credits and Working Tax Credits)
- Universal Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Pension Credit Saving Credit
You can apply you will need to contact your council directly and see if they are participating in the scheme or contact your energy supplier.
You can see which energy suppliers are participating in the scheme by visiting, //www.ofgem.gov.uk/.
It is also worth being aware of special grants run by charities.
The Sun recently spoke to a single mum who managed to get a new boiler worth £4,000 through a scheme run by gas supplier Cadent and the Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Charity.
You can read her story here.
What to do if your boiler stops working?
If you think that your boiler is broken it is important that you contact a trained professional to avoid any further complications or harm to you or others.
It is important that you call an engineer and ensure they are gas safety registered before they carry out any work on your home.
You can find a qualified engineer by visiting the Gas Safety Register online at //www.gassaferegister.co.uk/find-an-engineer-or-check-the-register/.
The Gas Safety Register also recommends getting a quote from at least two of three different businesses before you make your choice.
The group said you will need to provide details of the work that needs to be done and location of your boiler inside the property.
It is also recommended that you can see if these business can provide references from previous customers.
Consumer expert Martyn James recommends not waiting for an emergency before you contact a specialist.
He said: "Don't wait for an emergency. Check out the best specialists in the area and find out what their callout fees are along with their reviews online
"Give them a call and build a relationship in advance."
Should you get a boiler cover?
Replacing a broken boiler can cost you thousands of pounds so it is not uncommon for households to think about getting an insurance policy in place.
Depending on where you choose to get your insurance from it can work out at up to £300 per year.
Experts from Which? said that it may actually be cheaper to ditch the boiler cover and pay as and when you need a repair.
Emily Seymour, Which? Home Energy Editor, told The Sun, that boiler cover tends to be a "false economy" and most people would be better off paying for "an annual service and repairs when needed".
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The cost of an annual service works out at around £70 per year but it can cost upwards of £180.
Emily added: "If you do prefer having boiler cover for peace of mind, then it pays to shop around and haggle with your current provider to make sure you’re getting the best deal available.”
Get help with your energy bills
THERE'S a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you're struggling to get by.
If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter.
This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period.
If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don't think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal.
Several energy firms have grant schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills. These include:
You Pay We Pay: British Gas has just launched its ‘You Pay: We Pay’ initiative 100% matches energy payments made by customers who are struggling and most in need of help.
British Gas Energy Trust: The British Gas Energy Trust is an independent charity solely funded by British Gas and, as well as directly helping all consumers with grants, it also works with and provides funding to other money and energy advice projects.
Octo Assist’: A fund by Octopus Energy for customers who are experiencing financial hardship which stands at £30m. It has helped over 70,000 customers so far and is still open.
Octopus has also already absorbed tens of millions of pounds on behalf of customers by keeping standing charges below the price cap,.
To apply for assistance you can visit the company website.
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