Only certain systems qualify for the Enhanced Capitol Allowance. These have to have a certain level of efficiency.

For example, condensing boilers captures much more usable heat from its fuel (gas or oil) than a non-condensing boiler.

Its high operating efficiency is made possible by the design of the condensing boiler's larger - or sometimes dual - heat exchanger.

The heat exchanger makes sure that as much heat as possible is transferred from the boiler's burner - and as little as possible lost in gases through the flue.

Manufacturers such as Ideal and Hoval produce high efficiency boilers and just as importantly control systems to meet the ECA requirements.

They have advanced burners on the new boilers are fundamental to the boiler achieving efficiencies up to 110% net and NOx levels of 20 mg/kWh and CO of 10 mg/kWh.

Powrmatic have also released new models such as the NV unit heaters and VPC cabinet heaters complete with ECA qualifying controls.

Critically they use a high specification energy management heating controller that uses optimum start technology as standard.

By monitoring the heating systems previous performance it can determine the optimum time to turn the heating on to raise the building temperate to the required level.

How do you know if it would qualify (other than the word of the contractor)? The equipment details can be entered into the Governments web site: ECA Scheme