A FREE and discounted energy savings scheme in Devon is giving away 500 replacement gas boilers before the end of the year.

CosyDevon, which is backed by councils across the county and funded by energy supplier E.ON, has 500 'A'-rated replacement gas boilers to give away before the end of the year.

Eligible homeowners will be given a free home energy survey which will check the insulation as well as the heating of their home and will outline the measures they qualify for under the scheme.

Homeowners or private tenants claiming certain income related benefits could qualify for a replacement gas boiler from CosyDevon if theirs is broken or not working properly and installed before 2005.

David Stevenson, one of CosyDevon's team of energy assessors out and about across the county, said: “Everyone deserves a warm cosy home.

“We all know someone who might struggle to heat their home this winter.

“Please spread the word, tell them about CosyDevon and help us reach the people who might need help the most. Not only will they have a warm home but they could cut their energy bills by as much as £254 per year with a replacement A rated gas boiler.”

Cllr Rob Hannaford, Exeter City Council's lead councillor for Housing and Customer Access, said: “We know that there are many people in Exeter who struggle to pay their fuel bills and there may be some whose boilers are or their last legs.

“Cosy Devon is a good opportunity to cut energy bills, stay warm this winter and even qualify for a new boiler."