Posted on 14 01 2021

How to Get Your Heat Pump and Insulation Subsidised

Many Kiwi homes are not up to standard when it comes to heating and insulation, leading to high energy bills and potential health problems for many New Zealanders. 

Tasked with improving this area of housing on a national scale, EECA launched the Warmer Kiwi Homes programme in 2018 to combat these issues.

Building on previous programmes like The Energywise Programme and the Warm Up New Zealand programmes, this four year programme offers grants covering up to 90% of ceiling and underfloor insulation costs and 90% of the cost of an approved heater for low-income homeowners. 

To be eligible, you must either hold a Community Services Card or SuperGold Combo Card or own and live in a lower-income area.

While you can also use some local councils and banks to help install insulation and heating costs, Warmer Kiwi Homes offer the best assistance. And, if you use GreenSide, you can potentially get 100% of your expenses covered. 

So, why should you get insulation and heat pumps installed, and how do you know if you’re eligible? 

Heat Pumps

Heat Pumps, despite their name, are a year-round necessity, providing you with a better bill of health and better bills. 

Virtually all heat pumps in New Zealand are ‘reserve-cycle.’ In the summer months, they work by taking the outside air and transferring it inside by using a sophisticated compressor, fan, and refrigerant gases how a refrigerator operates. Most heat pumps also have a dehumidifying option, which helps with controlling condensation. 

In the colder months, heat pumps absorb heat sourced from the ground and transfer it inside. 

By warming in winter and dehumidifying and cooling in the summer, you can live more comfortably in your home all year round. And by controlling your home’s temperature from one device, you save on buying different heating and cooling appliances. 

To receive the Warmer Kiwi Homes Grant and having 90% of your heat pump’s cost covered, you must: 

• •Own and be currently living in a home built before 2008
• •Be living in an area identified as low income or have a Community Services Card 
• •Have your ceiling and underfloor insulation installed to EECA standards
• •Not already have a: heat pump, wood or pellet burner, flued gas heater or central heating system

Insulation 

To qualify for the heat pump grant, you must also have insulation installed. But the benefits of insulation extend beyond this. 

In the winter, heat moves outside your home through gaps and cracks, and in the summer, it most straight back in those same gaps and cracks. 

This continuous movement of heat can be unhealthy for you and your home. The cold air coming in in the winter can cause dampness, mould, and in some cases, result in serious respiratory issues for you and your family. 

Heat sucked in in the summer can cause dehydration and force your air conditioner (or heat pump) to work even harder, increasing your bills for both your home and your health.

Insulation works by resisting this movement of heat, keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. 

And with the Warmer Kiwi Home programme, you can be eligible to get insulation costs covered. To be eligible, you must:

• •Own and currently be living in a home built before 2008

• •Be living in an area identified as low income or have a Community Services Card
• •Have a home that doesn’t already have ceiling and underfloor insulation

GreenSide and Kiwi Warmer Homes

Over the years, we’ve worked closely with EECA to improve the quality of New Zealand homes. 

We’re an approved Kiwi Warmer Homes service provider and have been responsible for 20% of the programme’s nationwide installs to date.

Third Party Funders

In addition to the Kiwi Warmer Homes programme, we have partnered with several charities and organisations that will cover the remaining 10% of your heat pump and insulation costs. 

These charities and organisations include:

• •EcoMatters Environment Trust 
• •Counties Power
• •Foundation North 
• •WEL Energy Trust
• •Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust
• •Sustainability Options

Thanks to these third party funders, we can install insulation and heat pumps in eligible homes for free. 

Are You Eligible for a Subsidy?

Search for your address with EECA’s Map Tool and if you’re in a zone that is labelled 8, 9, or 10 you should be eligible. Search Your Address or Contact Us to find out if you’re eligible.