Friday 12 March 2010

Boiler Scrappage Scheme

What are your thoughts on global warming? Is the world's climate changing and if so is it down to our behaviour and lifestyles? Though we may question whether or not the data that is used by the IPCC is accurate, most governments are encouraging their citizens to incorporate green practices into their homes. For example the UK boiler Scrappage scheme is being promoted heavily by politicians on all sides of the political divide.

So what exactly is this scrappage scheme? Well its is an idea of the British government that by encouraging people to trade in their old hot water boilers for new models the UK's overall carbon footprint will be reduced. A carbon footprint is the amount of the carbon that an individual, company, or country produces in a year.

Countries such as the US, UK, and Australia have by far the largest amount of carbon released per person as compared to Asian countries. Even China's carbon footprint is far smaller than the UK's.

The policy that was announced regarding the UK's scrappage schemes stated that as many as one hundred and twenty five thousand households can be eligible for a grant on the costs of a new boiler if they trade in their old inefficient model. A new boiler would be available for up to four hundred pounds less than its usual cost. Apart from the obvious financial benefits that this brings to a home there is also long term savings that can be had. A modern boiler may require as little as twenty five per cent of the energy as compared to old fashioned models. Always look for the energy star rating as this is an official way of categorizing boilers.

When announcing the policy, Gordon Brown claimed that if the quota of one hundred and twenty five boilers scrapped and replaced was filled, then it would be the equivalent of removing as many as forty five thousand cars off the nation's highways. Though he did not mention that one fully loaded container ship travelling from Beijing to London annually produces far more carbon than what would be offset by this scheme; whether it is a token gesture is yet to be seen.

As of today the UK scrappage scheme is not available in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland. It is only for homes located in English districts. It is possible that at a later date the policy may also be taking up by the Scottish parliament and Welsh and Northern Irish assemblies.

If you are still wondering whether or not you should apply to the scheme then the answer is yes. What do you have to lose, nothing! It is not often that the British government gives out loans and grants. Make full use of the boiler scrappage scheme today to help bring about financial savings as well as protect the environment.

With the UK's national debt at record levels you should do all you can to ensure that you are keeping your head above the water; the hundreds of pounds saved through this scheme can provide you with the cushion to see out the recession.

If you want to take advantage of the Uk’sBoiler Scrappage Scheme, contact Northern Gas - the UK's local supplier of new Central Heating Systems

No comments: