A major programme to insulate 180,000 New Zealand homes over the next four years has started.
Funding for insulation and clean heating is now available for all owners of houses built before 2000.
The initiative is called Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart. Homeowners can get funding for a third of the cost of installing ceiling and underfloor insulation, up to $1300 (including GST). Homeowners with Community Services Cards or landlords who have tenants with Community Services Cards are eligible for higher levels of funding.
The programme is mainly for insulation, but some funding is available for installing clean-heating devices, such as approved log and pellet burners, flued gas heaters, and ENERGY STAR-rated heat pumps.
Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart is part of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority’s Energywise funding programme. For more on the programme, finding a service provider in your area, or becoming a service provider see “More information”, below.
Our view
- A well insulated home will increase your living comfort and health – and improve the value of your home.
- Take advantage of this offer while it lasts.
More information
- Energywise: www.energywise.govt.nz
- Become a service provider: www.eeca.govt.nz
More from consumer.org.nz
- Insulation - our guide to insulating your home, including a database of 150 products
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We used RightHouse and found them excellent. Right from quote to the insulation(in roof & under house)being signed off. They even arrived when they said they would. House does keep the heat so much more. Recommend to follow through with insulation and checkout RightHouse.
So far have emailed providers stating clearly I want Batts in the ceiling and groundcover underneath. The providers only seem to be able to do the batts, one wanted to do an assessment, which I've had done via Auck Council's free svce, don't need another "assessment" just some quotes, hope this isn't going to be a hassle!
I just wanted to get underfloor insulation and contacted the manufacturer of Expol. They put me on a waiting list for ages and then said they had not been approved! Recommended another approved installer and waiting for a quote, albeit they had to come and inspect/measure the whole house for all insulation.
The subsidies are very confusing and trying to find someone to help is a long process. We finally managed to get a woodburner with a subsidy. It took a few weeks of persistance and many phone calls but definately worth the time.
The subsidies are very difficult to access. We ended up paying for my pensioner Mum's insulation and heat pump ourselves rather than trying to access it through such an impossible system.