Grants, Finance & The Credit Crunch


Grants

New boilers are not only expensive; they're also more efficient and environmentally friendly. Because of this, the Government is keen to encourage replacements and offer incentives to people who would otherwise struggle to pay for a replacement.

Warm Front offers grants to people who own their own home or rent from a private landlord. If you qualify for one of the Government-funded grants you can receive a package of heating and insulation improvements up to the value of 2,700 for a gas system or up to 4,000 for an oil heating system.

Warm Front grants are only available to people on relevant benefits, but for those who don't qualify, but are over 60, there's also a rebate scheme worth 300.

Customers can apply for Warm Front Grants or the Heating Rebate Scheme at www.WarmFront.co.uk or by calling 0800 316 2805.

The Energy Saving Trust supplies a list of all other offers and grants available from independent home insulation companies, energy suppliers and local authorities. A simple post code search will produce a list of each subsidy available in your area - many of which offer extra discounts to people on qualifying benefits.


Finance

Do not be fooled, there are some amazing adverts for new boilers out there

- 600 discount for your old boiler'

- Free controls with every boiler'

- 0% interested option available'*

*The cost of the finance is built into the cost of the boiler quote & not added at the end; legally it can be advertised as free finance. There is no such thing.

Nobody is giving anything away free sadly, its all gobbledygook marketing hyperbole.

For example, Flexible Finance from British Gas (www.BritishGas.co.uk) allows you to spread the cost of your new boiler, but charges 29.9 per cent APR for the privilege.

If you do have savings that could cover the cost instead, you'd be much better off using that money. Even if your savings are in a high-interest account, you'll probably be making no more than around six or seven per cent on it and you'll end up paying far more to British Gas at 29.9 per cent than you would make off these savings.

Slightly better, but still not worth going for, is the similar offer from Npower (www.Npower.com). Customers still pay a very high rate of interest at 29.8 per cent APR, but do get six months interest free.



The Credit Crunch - Best Option



As www.moneysavingexpert and TV presenter Martin Lewis (and our customer) recommends;

Rather than taking finance from your supplier or installer, you'd be much better off going for a low-rate loan or paying for it on a credit card with a zero per cent purchases or a low life-of-balance offer instead.

We can't tell you what Martin says about our services as the spoil sport won't* endorse any businesses.

*Martins contract in the high profile role in the world of finance prohibits him from endorsing companies as this would diminish his independent status

To help you get through this difficult financial climate, we guarantee to beat any LIKE FOR LIKE QUOTE saving you money and offering a peace of mind 5 year parts and labour guarantee.



* Please note the information on grants is for information purposes only - we do not participate in any grant schemes. We simply offer guaranteed best value for your money. We do not get involved in pretend offers or marketing nonsense such as offering you 600 discount for your old boiler. Please do not let anyone try and convince otherwise. If you want impartial advise on what is the best heating solution for you and your home, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kind regards
Ian Puddick
Chief Plumbing Officer