The North East’s landmark energy efficiency scheme is urging residents without a gas central heating system to see if they qualify for a free one under the Warm Up North partnership.
Warm Up North, which is endorsed by nine North East local authorities and British Gas, has been awarded government funding to install free central heating systems to qualifying residents.
To qualify residents must be a homeowner, or have a private landlord, in South Tyneside and have a gross income of less than £26,000 (including any benefits). The home must not have, or ever had, a central heating system, although electric storage heaters and solid fuel fires do not count as central heating systems.
Alternatively the main method of heating the property is the use of solid fuels and it only has a partial, solid fuel-fired central heating system. For properties to qualify the installation of a new central heating system must also improve the energy rating of their house.
If residents qualify, Warm Up North may offer them a free A rated British Gas approved gas boiler, radiators, controls to manage their heating, all necessary piping, British Gas support and design expertise as well as a 12 month Homecare Central heating care warranty from British Gas (covering the boiler only).
Following a survey, if a gas central heating system is found to be not suitable for a qualifying property, an oil boiler or an air source heat pump can be installed instead.
Councillor Allan West, Lead Member for Housing and Transport at South Tyneside Council, said: “This scheme offers residents the opportunity to improve their quality of life by taking advantage of the help and support Warm Up North is offering homeowners across South Tyneside.
“Fuel poverty is a serious problem, which can have a detrimental effect on people’s health and financial wellbeing, so we are urging residents who think they may be eligible for the scheme to contact Warm Up North for advice.”
To find out more about the free heating system scheme or to see if you qualify, call the team on *free phone 0800 294 8073 or visit www.warmupnorth.com/chf.