A Thaxted man is championing a scheme which sees some people aged over 70 in Essex eligible for a free new boiler.

A replacement scheme being run by British Gas is open to homeowners and private renters

John Wisbey, from Thaxted, who has received a new appliance, says he is looking forward to lower bills thanks to a free ‘A’ rated gas new boiler.

John said: “When I read about the scheme in the paper, I thought it sounded great. My boiler was wasting a lot of energy and costing me a lot to run. Now it’s installed, the new boiler heats the house up quickly. I can’t believe how good it is.

“I’m looking forward to seeing a difference in my bills, and I’d encourage anyone with an old gas boiler to contact British Gas to see if they can help.

“I thought a new boiler would cost us thousands of pounds, but because we were eligible for the scheme, we didn’t have to pay anything.”

Stuart Margerrison, at British Gas, said: “Your boiler typically accounts for half the cost of your energy bills, so replacing an old or inefficient one with a new A-rated one could save you around £215 every year.

The scheme is open to anyone who qualifies, not just British Gas customers, and British Gas will organise a free boiler survey to check eligibility.

Households may qualify for the scheme if they receive income related benefits such as State Pension Credit, Income Support, Job Seekers’ Allowance or Universal Credit – and have an inefficient gas boiler.

Along with the free gas boiler, eligible residents will receive British Gas HomeCare Central Heating Care for a year, worth up to £228.

Visit www.britishgas.co.uk/freeboiler or call 0800 316 4320 to find out more.