Efficient heating – particularly at a time when fuel prices are soaring – is a key ingredient to achieving maximum energy efficiency for all types of buildings. This has led to considerably increased activity in the energy efficiency grants market. A local authority employing a member of the Grant Aided Heating Installers Network (GAIN) is assured that the installer is part of a reliable and professional organisation. Many local authorities are now working closely with GAIN members who are installers of heating systems and equipment serving the grants market.
The Warm Front Grant now includes central heating for all clients and oil central heating for those not on the gas distribution network. It provides a package of energy efficiency and heating measures up to the value of £2,700 (except where oil central heating is installed or repaired, where a maximum grant of £4,000 is available) for homeowners or those who privately rent their home, providing they meet the Warm Front eligibility criteria.
From August 2006 a £300 rebate off the cost of installing a new central heating system for all householders aged 60 or over, who own or privately rent their home and who are not in receipt of a qualifying Warm Front benefit, became available. The rebate, which forms part of the Warm Front Scheme, can only be used by householders who either have no heating system, or one which is inoperable.
Energy suppliers also provide grants for the installation of energy efficient boilers under the Government’s former Energy Efficiency Commitment (EEC) scheme. The Scheme, now renamed CERT (the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target) from April 1, is formulated to fund partly considerably in excess of £2bn of domestic energy efficiency work over the three years to March 2011. 
Depending on the individual local authority, grants and offers for homeowners or private tenants to install heating improvements, according to their incomes, are available. Some GAIN members also install solar panels and wind turbines, which are subject to grants from the government Low Carbon Building Programme to provide hot water and electricity.
The Association works with heating installers and managing agents to upgrade the professionalism of this industry. It aims to deliver cost effective and energy efficient heating solutions throughout the UK, working with Government, agencies and registered social landlords to address future challenges. The aim is to deliver the highest levels of technical 
and safety performance, whilst embracing customer and service excellence.
One of its chief aims is to encourage a higher level of professionalism from heating installers, which goes beyond the need to operate under a technical registration scheme – Corgi and/or NICEIC. In particular the requirement of a qualitative award is a criteria for membership. The Association has introduced a new Code of conduct by which all members agree to abide.
The Grant Aided Heating Installers’ Network invites all professional organisations serving the grant market throughout the UK to join.
