Don’t wait for winter to apply for home heating

Mary Youlden
Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted Tuesday, August 2, 2016 - 11:12am

Devon residents are being encouraged to apply for a grant that will help them get central heating installed in their homes.

It may still be the summer months but people are urged to apply before the scheme closes at the end of August.

The CosyDevon Central Heating Fund is supported by the Devon local authorities including Teignbridge and is managed by their scheme partners E.ON, AgilityEco, National Energy Action (NEA) and Integrated Energy Services.

It offers eligible residents a new connection to the gas grid, a complete gas central heating system including a new energy efficient boiler, radiators in every room and room thermostats. If a household meets the eligibility criteria there is no cost to the household.

A retired couple from Teignmouth had their lives transformed thanks to the grant funding. Frank Burgess and his wife suffer from ill health and lived without proper heating for decades until they were given support via the Central Heating Fund.

Mr and Mrs Burgess have lived in their home since 1966 and it was built in 1962. The property has not had gas since the 80s. Mr Burgess suffers with COPD and uses a stair lift and an oxygen tank. Before the central heating they had numerous electric plug-in heaters, an open fire and at one point used butane cylinders. They were advised by Torbay Hospital that due to the oxygen tank they needed to keep his equipment 10 metres away from potential fire hazards. This gave Frank very limited space to be able to put his oxygen tank.

The hospital also advised them to get central heating. They were told about the Central Heating Fund by their local Citizens Advice office and encouraged to apply.

Mr Burgess commented: “Our home is now much easier to heat and we are much more comfortable. We no longer need to worry about the risk of open flames and the oxygen tank. We would recommend this scheme without a doubt or hesitation.”

Cllr Humphrey Clemens, Teignbridge Executive Spokesman for Housing and Planning added:  “Time is running out on the current deal and we’d urge anyone considering central heating to apply for it while you can. It’s best to get in touch sooner rather than later to avoid disappointment. A home without adequate central heating  means energy bills are higher. In their own words Mr and Mrs Burgess have highlighted the benefits of central heating and we would urge anyone eligible to apply before the colder months arrive.”

If you want to find out more about the Central Heating Fund call 0800 612 9301 or apply online at www.cosydevon.com

People are being encouraged to apply now before the scheme closes. Don’t wait for winter to get your new central heating!

To be eligible you need to own or privately rent your home and not have an existing central heating system. People living in the house must either be in receipt of particular benefits or have an income less than £16,010 gross per annum and suffer a long-term health condition that is exacerbated by the cold. Plus the property must be close to the gas mains.

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