A total of 1262 families living in the Armagh and Craigavon Council areas have benefited from cash payments to replace inefficient boilers in the past two years.
Households could be squandering hundreds of pounds a year and not even realise that they quality for help.
Since the scheme was launched in September 2012, 571 boilers have been replaced in the Armagh City and District Council area and 691 in Craigavon, providing households with increased fuel efficiency.
In Down and Newry and Mourne, 1825 have taken advantage of the scheme, with a further 1199 in Magherafelt, Dungannon and Cookstown, and 381 in Banbridge.
Today, Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland encouraged homeowners to apply for assistance to replace their boiler before the onset of winter.
With the scheme due to come to an end on March 31 next year, the Minister encouraged those who think they may be eligible to register by the end of December.
The scheme offers owner occupiers a grant of up to £1,000 to replace inefficient boilers and is available to those who earn less than £40,000 a year with an inefficient boiler of at least 15 years and is dependent on total gross income. More information on the scheme and how to register is available on nidirect
.
Minister McCausland said: “The Boiler Replacement Scheme has been a considerable success with over 14,500 old inefficient boilers being replaced to date.
“Replacing an old inefficient boiler with a new condensing boiler can, in an average three bedroom semi-detached house, see potential savings of between £300 to £350 per year.
“In these difficult financial times, savings such as this can make a real difference to the lives of those who the scheme is targeted at.
“I very much welcome the fact that the scheme has helped such a significant number of households across Northern Ireland. It underlines my Department’s commitment to supporting people in reducing their energy costs and maximising the energy efficiency of their homes.
“I want as many people as possible to benefit from what this scheme has to offer. I would therefore encourage those who think they may be eligible to register their interest now and, preferably, by the end of December.”
Those who think they may be eligible can call now on 0300 200 7874 or register by email at boiler-replacement@nihe.gov.uk.
The Housing Executive has also issued approvals that have not been followed up by householders.
Minister McCausland added: “I would encourage those who have received approval and have not had their work completed to contact their installer now and arrange to do so before the scheme is due to end in March 2015.”
Speaking about the benefits to local businesses, the Minister continued: “With installers being chosen directly by the householder, the scheme has also been a great benefit to over 2,000 local gas and oil installers who have carried out work as part of the scheme.”
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