Hundreds more homes eligible for FREE insulation!
Hundreds more homes in North East Valley are now eligible for FREE ceiling and underfloor insulation from the government!
HUNDREDS MORE homes in North East Valley have become eligible for installation of free ceiling and underfloor insulation and a vapour barrier as the government extends the ‘warm-up zones’ to include more areas.
The Warmer Kiwi Homes insulation subsidies are available to home owner-occupiers who live in a designated warm-up zone.
Home owner-occupiers who have a community services card or a Gold Card with community services card endorsements are eligible regardless of where they live.
Warm-up zones extended
Previously parts of Liberton, Pine Hill and North East Valley were included, but the warm-up zones have now been extended to include most of the north side of North Rd.
Warmer Kiwi Homes is a government programme which covers two-thirds of the cost of insulation and a vapour membrane. In Otago local funders pick up the rest of the cost to make the programme entirely free for those who qualify.
Find out if you are eligible here:
www.energywise.govt.nz/tools/warmer-kiwi-homes-tool/
Estimated 1200 homes across Dunedin eligible
Cosy Homes project manager Jordana Whyte is excited about the expansion of the programme.
“We estimate an additional 1200 homes across Dunedin are now eligible.”
In un-insulated homes an “enormous” 30-35% of heat is lost through the roof and 12-15% through the floor.
“Most people will notice a difference straight away when insulation is installed,” says Jordana.
She recommends people apply for the subsidy as soon as possible as there are only two approved installers in Dunedin and they are already busy with insulating rental properties before the new rental regulations come into force.
Heating appliance subsidies coming soon!
The Warmer Kiwi Homes programme will also soon be extended to include heating appliance subsidies as well, in which two-thirds of the cost of installing a wood burner, pellet fire or heatpump will be subsidised up to a limit of $2,500 + GST.
Exact details of the heating subsidies are not yet available but the start date has been signalled by government to be in July.
Rental home regulations
The programme does not include rental homes, but new regulations come into effect on 1 July in which rental homes must have ceiling and underfloor insulation and new regulations around sufficient heating appliances are on their way.
Heat Seekers: drop-in clinics
Want to find out more, or get other information on how to have a warmer, drier, healthier home this winter?
WHAT: Heat Seekers: Healthy Homes in the Valley drop-in clinics
WHEN: Every Tuesday, 10am-noon
WHERE: Valley Project community rooms, 262 North Rd
