Posted on 05 02 2024

The Sustainable Long-Term Savings of Grant-Installed Insulation and Heat Pumps

The Warmer Kiwi Homes Grant is a government initiative that provides up to 90% of the cost of insulation and heating for eligible homeowners. This grant is a game-changer for New Zealand homeowners, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds or living in older homes. It offers a unique opportunity to reduce energy costs, improve home comfort, and contribute to environmental sustainability.

 

The Power of Insulation and Heat Pumps

Insulation and heat pumps are two key components that create an energy-efficient home. By improving the insulation in your home, your heat pump won't need to work as hard to regulate temperatures, making your home more comfortable and energy-efficient.

Heat pumps are one of the most energy-efficient forms of heating available and are the most popular home heating choice in New Zealand. They offer the highest level of energy efficiency, with the ability to provide 3-5kW of heat energy for every 1kW used. This efficiency is significantly higher than traditional heating methods, resulting in warmer and drier living areas and significant savings on electricity bills.

The efficiency of heat pumps is further enhanced in well-insulated homes. In an insulated house, you'll need a heat pump with 120 Watts per m^2; in a less insulated house, you would need around 150 Watts per m^2. This shows the importance of quality insulation in maximising the efficiency of heat pumps.

Moreover, heat pumps are not only efficient but also environmentally friendly. Unlike gas heaters, heat pumps have very low emissions because they run on electricity, which in New Zealand is around 80% renewable and generated from natural sources like hydro, geothermal, and wind.

 

Transformative Effects of the Warmer Kiwi Homes Program

• Revolutionizing Energy Efficiency: The Warmer Kiwi Homes program has delivered over 385,000 insulation retrofits and 75,000 heating retrofits since 2009, making homes warmer, drier, and healthier through improved energy efficiency. A well-insulated home can save roughly 15% on heating and cooling costs, and heat pumps can add another 5-25% savings.
• Elevating Home Comfort: The program has increased home warmth, comfort, and satisfaction and reduced condensation and dampness.
• Boosting Homeowner Satisfaction: Homeowners have reported significant improvements in living conditions and satisfaction after installing insulation and heat pumps.
• Empowering Lower-Income Families: The Warmer Kiwi Homes Grant has made energy efficiency accessible to lower-income families. The grant covers up to 90% of the insulation cost and 80% of the cost of heating for low-income homeowners.
• Financial Savings in the Long Run: The energy efficiency of well-insulated homes leads to significant financial savings in the long run. Homeowners can save roughly 15% on heating and cooling costs with insulation and 5-25% with heat pumps.
• Environmental Gains: The Warmer Kiwi Homes program also contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing carbon emissions. Homeowners can significantly reduce their carbon footprint by improving energy efficiency and contributing to a healthier environment.

 

Navigating the Grant Application

Applying for the Warmer Kiwi Homes Grant is a straightforward process, and Greenside Energy Solutions is here to assist you every step of the way.

• Check Eligibility: The first step is to determine eligibility for the grant. To be eligible, you must own and live in a home built before 2008 and meet certain income or location criteria. Greenside Energy Solutions can help you understand these criteria and determine your eligibility.
• Register Your Interest: You can register your interest if you meet the eligibility criteria. Greenside Energy Solutions can guide you through this process, ensuring you have all the necessary information and documentation.
• Submit the Grant Application: Greenside Energy Solutions can assist you in completing and submitting your application, making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
• Installation: Once your grant application is approved, Greenside Energy Solutions, a preferred provider for the Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority, will professionally install your insulation and heat pump. Our team of experts ensures that the installation meets the required standards, providing you with an energy-efficient home.

The grant provides financial assistance of up to 90% of the insulation and 80% of the heating costs for low-income homeowners. However, it is essential to note that the grant is exclusively for the primary residence you own and reside in and cannot be used for a vacation or beach property.

Please also note that the grant does not cover wall insulation, and grants for wood and pellet burners may not be available in certain areas. Due to supply chain constraints and availability of installers, installation may take up to 4 months after application. Greenside Energy Solutions will keep in touch to inform you of timelines.

 

Secure Your Warmer, More Energy-Efficient Home Today!

The Warmer Kiwi Homes Grant is a golden opportunity for New Zealand homeowners to significantly improve their home's energy efficiency, reduce energy costs, and contribute to environmental sustainability.

At Greenside Energy Solutions, we are committed to helping you navigate this process and maximise this opportunity. As one of the largest service providers for insulation and heat pumps for the Warmer Kiwi Homes programme, we have the expertise and experience to ensure your home meets the highest energy efficiency standards.

We encourage all eligible homeowners to take the first step towards a warmer, more comfortable, and energy-efficient home.

• Check Your Eligibility: Visit our Grants & Subsidies page to check if you are eligible for the Warmer Kiwi Homes Grant.
• Book a Free Home Energy Assessment: Schedule a free home energy assessment with us. Our knowledgeable and experienced team will assess your home's energy efficiency and discuss the best solutions.
• Contact Us: If you have any questions or need assistance with the grant application process, don't hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you every step of the way.

Take advantage of this opportunity to make your home warmer, drier, and healthier while saving on energy costs and contributing to a more sustainable New Zealand.