Find out whether you have an old, G-rated boiler.

What then?

You can check out on the Energy Savings Trust website whether your boiler is G rated, i.e low efficiency, if so, you are entitled to the £400 scrappage from the Govt, but there are only so many vouchers they are issueing and it is very popular. First you have to have a quote for a new efficient boiler, then get back to the website and fill in the application form - if it is approved then they send you a voucher and you can go ahead with the installation of the new boiler. Once this is done, and you have paid for it, you send off the voucher and they send you a cheque for £400. nb some of the large companies like Southern Electric are matching the £400 so in effect you get £800 off a new boiler - good idea while it lasts.

Some ballpark figures I heard on the radio on Monday, if I remember correctly...

Cost of boiler (after rebates): ~£2,000
Expected annual fuel saving: ~£200
Expected pay-back time: ~10 years