What you need to know about the Renewable Heating Incentive
If you’ve already got a wood pellet boiler or stove, then you’re probably already aware of the RHI and what it will mean for you.
If you’re thinking of changing your heating system to something more efficient and environmentally friendly, then here’s what you need to think about.
What it is: The RHI is a government funded scheme which provides a quarterly payment to those people using qualifying renewable heating systems.
2022 UPDATE: When the RHI scheme ends in March 2022, it will be replaced by the Clean Heat Grant – this scheme is due to start a month later, in April 2022
Renewable heating
Renewable heating systems include wood pellet boilers and stoves, as well as geothermal, biomethane, ground and water source heat pumps and solar. If you’re thinking about investing one of these forms of heating, then you’ll definitely want to see if you’re eligible for the RHI.
Wood pellet heating
Wood pellet heating is probably the most common form of renewable heating, and with many different boilers, stoves and suppliers to choose from, you should be able to find the right model to heat your home, workplace or premises.
Commercial
The Renewable Heating Incentive is already available for commercial customers. If you’re using a form of renewable heating, then you could already be entitled to payments.
Domestic – Renewable Heating Incentive
The RHI had been be available for domestic customers from April 2014.
Once the date is announced, it is expected that there will be a huge surge in demand for renewable heating systems, and so if you’re interested in a more efficient heating system, then you’ll want to get yours ordered and installed now, so that you don’t have to wait.
Payment
The RHI payment is made quarterly, and the amount will depend on the power output of the heating system, and the amount of heat produced and used. A heat pump will be fitted to monitor the usage.
Pays for itself
The Renewable Heating Incentive payments will mean that your renewable heating system will pay for itself. Depending on your requirements, it may be as few as 7-10 years, maybe even sooner.
MCS
Wood pellet boilers and stoves that provide less than 45kW need to be accredited by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). This applies to the installers as well and gives you the peace of mind to know that your new boiler or stove is reputable and is built to last.
Money saving
One of the main reasons that people install renewable energy heating systems is to save money. If you’re currently using oil or LPG to heat your home or place of work, then you could make significant savings by switching to wood pellet heating or another renewable source. If you run a hotel, pub, leisure centre, sports club, or in charge of the heating for a school or hospital, then you’ll be impressed at the amount of money you could save, especially when you factor in the RHI payments too.
Environmentally friendly
By using renewable heating, you can reduce your carbon footprint and reliance on fossil fuels, and so you’ll be doing your bit for the environment. And getting paid for it too. If you also have energy efficient windows, you’ll save more – check out the cheapest double glazed window designs.
Now you know more about it, isn’t it time for you to switch to a renewable heating system and claim the RHI too?
