Consumers around the world are becoming more concerned about the overall environment and what are things each homeowner might consider to be a part of leaving a greener world for our future inhabitants. The term 'greenhouse effect' is bantered about daily and often gets a bad rap because of its association with global warming. Truth is, we couldn't live without it and I suspect the average person doesn't know what the Greenhouse Effect is.

Life on earth depends on energy from the sun. About 30 percent of the sunlight that beams toward Earth is deflected by the outer atmosphere and scattered back into space. The rest reaches the planet's surface and is reflected upward again as a type of slow-moving energy called infrared radiation. The heat caused by infrared radiation is absorbed by "greenhouse gases" such as water vapor, carbon dioxide, ozone and methane, which slows its escape from the atmosphere.

Although greenhouse gases make up only about 1 percent of the Earth's atmosphere, they regulate our climate by trapping heat and holding it in a kind of warm-air blanket that surrounds the planet. This phenomenon is what scientists call the "greenhouse effect." Without it, scientists estimate that the average temperature on Earth would be colder by approximately 30 degrees Celsius (54 degrees Fahrenheit), far too cold to sustain our current ecosystem. And that my friends would make a big impact to your monthly heating expenses!

Humans contribute to the Greenhouse Effect in a variety of ways, such that there can be too much of a good thing. The problems begin when human activities distort and accelerate the natural process by creating more greenhouse gases in the atmosphere than are necessary to warm the planet to an ideal temperature. The following are all major contributors of human activities which distort the natural process:

• Burning natural gas, coal and oil -including gasoline for automobile engines-raises the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

• Some farming practices and land-use changes increase the levels of methane and nitrous oxide.

• Factory produced long-lasting industrial gases – these gases contribute significantly to the enhanced greenhouse effect.

• Deforestation - Trees use carbon dioxide and give off oxygen in its place, which helps to create the optimal balance of gases in the atmosphere.

• Population growth - More people to feed and more people who use fossil fuels for heat, transportation and manufacturing.

So what does this have to do with a new LPG gas boiler and what does it really mean to your budget?

1. Use of LPG is better than other fossil fuels - let's say it has a smaller carbon footprint.

2. New LPG boilers have rated efficiencies of 90% or higher – this means less fuel consumption with an annual savings of £300 a year on your heating bills.

3. Replacing your old boiler could mean an additional one time savings of up to £800.

To increase fuel efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, the UK Government has introduced the boiler 'scrappage' scheme. This scheme offers homeowners a £400 incentive to replace their old G-rated boiler with a new high efficiency A-rated one. Other LPG Gas Suppliers may be offering additional incentives to encourage homeowners to replace any older type of boiler.

There are some 125,000 households in England that could benefit from the Government run boiler scrappage scheme. The program is controlled by the Energy Savings Trust (EST,) a non-profit organization providing free and impartial advice on how to stop wasting energy.

To qualify for this program, homeowners need to have a working G-rated boiler that is the main boiler used to heat the home. Note, for those homeowners 60 years of age or older, the boiler does not need to be in working order.

Homeowners are able to apply for the grant immediately and vouchers will be issued commencing 18 January 2010. These vouchers can only be redeemed against an A-rated boiler that is installed by a Gas Safe registered installer. For additional details on how to claim the voucher, terms and conditions, and clarification on qualification of your boiler, you can visit the Energy Savings Trust website or call your favorite LPG Gas Supplier in your area.

You can rest comfortably at night, warm and snug in your bed, knowing that you've got a first class installation, using the best in energy efficiency. Wake up with a grin when you remember that your new gas boiler also means fewer heating costs each month, year after year….for a long time to come.