Frequently asked questions
The following are some Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart programme.
How does the new programme work?
The programme will offer to pay a third (up to $1,300) of the cost of installing ceiling and under floor insulation in homes built before 2000. Homes with sufficient ceiling and underfloor insulation may also access funding for clean heating devices like approved wood burners, pellet burners, heat pumps, or flued gas heaters. Community Services Card (CSC) holders will be eligible for higher levels of funding.
How do I find out what products can be funded?
There is a long list of products that are eligible for funding. Providers will be able to give you information about the right product for your needs.
The types of products covered are:
Insulation products:
- Wool
- Polyester
- Fibreglass
- Mineral fibre
- Polystyrene (but not in the ceiling)
Clean heating products:
- Approved wood burners. Check out the Ministry for the Environment's list of authorised woodburners.
- Approved pellet fires. Check out the Ministry for the Environment’s list of pellet burners.
- 4-star AGA-rated flued gas heaters. Ask your provider for a list of the gas heaters they supply.
- ENERGY STAR® heat pumps. Note that multi-split and ducted heat pump systems are not eligible for funding. Current list of ENERGY STAR qualified heat pumps.
Providers use different products. If you are after a particular product you may need to call a few providers to see who installs that product.
Why are some products funded but not others?
EECA approves products for use under the programme on the basis of their performance and safety.
Do people have to install both ceiling and under-floor insulation to get funding?
Yes. Ceiling and under-floor insulation must be installed to get funding. You do not need to install insulation if you already have it to EECA requirements. Concrete floors and inaccessible ceiling areas do not need to be insulated. You can add other funded measures of your choice.
How do I know if my insulation meets requirements?
A service provider will come to your house and do an assessment of your insulation. You can also read more information about adequate insulation.
Can the programme funding be used for double glazing?
No.
Can the programme funding be used for wall insulation?
No.
Can I install insulation/heating myself and still get funding?
No, funding can only be granted where EECA approved installers are carrying out the work. This is to ensure the products are installed in a safe and effective manner.
I've already received funding for insulation under previous schemes. Do I qualify under this scheme too?
In principle, yes you can. For example if you have previously received funding for ceiling insulation, you may now apply for funding for underfloor insulation.
However note that funding is only available to bring insulation up to EECA levels of insulation. You can't get funding to insulate beyond that level.
Can I pay for my insulation or heating through my bank?
All main trading banks have agreed to join the government's insulation and heating scheme, and all have agreed to waive their fees for top-up loans homeowners get as part of insulation retrofits.
Exact details may differ from bank to bank, but the general way it will work is that you contact your local service provider and get a quote for your insulation and / or clean heating needs. Your quote will detail the amount of government funding you are eligible for and the remaining balance. You then take that quote to your bank and discuss the options for adding it on to your existing mortgage.
Each bank operates slightly differently so talk to them about your specific circumstances.
Can I pay for my insulation or heating through my council rates?
EECA is working with councils on the potential to pay remaining costs through your rates bill over a period of time. The councils that offer this are listed below - you can contact these councils for more details. This information will be updated as more councils are confirmed.
- Nelson City Council ratepayers can pay off an insulation and clean heat retrofit on their rates bill provided they are in a polluted airshed and have to replace an existing non-approved burner. Note that this can only be accessed through Nelson City Council - not other service providers in the area.
- Environment Canterbury is rolling out the offer in stages. People within urban Christchurch city can already choose to pay off an insulation and clean heat retrofit on their rates bill. From late 2009 this will extend to include Timaru, Ashburton and Kaiapoi and Rangiora. In time the offer will be extended to ratepayers in the wider Canterbury region. Note that this can only be accessed through Environment Canterbury - not other service providers in the area.
- Hawkes Bay Regional Council is working on the details of a scheme they hope to have operational by 1 October 2009.
Can I have insulation and clean heating done at same time and combine the funding?
You can get both done at the same time, but insulation funding cannot go towards a heating installation or vice versa.
Why is 2000 the cut-off date for eligibility?
Insulation requirements in the Building Code have increased over the years. Designating eligibility for pre-2000 houses is a way to prioritize houses that will have inferior or no existing insulation.
More information
- The Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart programme (EECA site)
- Is your insulation adequate?
- NZ Standard on installing insulation in residential buildings NZS 4246
- Save money with your home appliances
- Make the most of your hot water system
- Make your home warmer and healthier
- Travel more energy efficiently
- Choose a heat pump (and use it smartly).
