The Heating and Hotwater Industry Council's quarterly statistical release shows that from January to September like for like boiler sales are down by 14% in 2012 compared to pre-financial crisis levels of 2008.

The HHIC have said that this evidence further strengthens the case for government action to help stimulate the boiler market, such as a cut to VAT, or a new UK wide scheme that promotes new boilers replacing old, inefficient ones, coupled with improved insulation.

Due to the current economic climate, these sales statistics highlight that many consumers are still not replacing their old, inefficient and unreliable boilers for more efficient, condensing models that could save them money and be good for the environment.

Energy efficiency is top of the political agenda with the new Green Deal scheme being launched earlier this month. However, consumers are not yet spending cash on measures to improve energy in areas such as energy efficiency and investment in more updated heating systems.