Funding for insulation and clean efficient heating

There are options to make your house warmer particularly with regard to Christchurch's cold winters. If your house was built before 2000 you can apply for EECA funding to install insulation and/or clean efficient heating, under the Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart programme, http://www.eeca.govt.nz/node/3107.

 Better insulation and heating means your home will be warmer, cosier, and easier to heat.

If your house is over 12 years old, you are eligible to receive $1,300 (or a third) towards the cost of ceiling and under floor insulation. This funding can also be used for other energy efficiency measures, including:

• a hot water cylinder wrap
• pipe lagging
• draught-stopping
• a ground moisture barrier

While all properties are different, ceiling and under-floor insulation if installed properly is effective. 

Double glazing and wall insulation are also important ways to keep heat in and your family warm. 

Insulation types include:

• Polyester
• Wool
• Fibreglass
• Other fibres

While polystyrene can also be a good insulation material there are limits to how it can be used and what it can achieve. Discussions with an installer can help clarify these issues.

EECA's Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart programme is worth exploring http://www.eeca.govt.nz/node/3107

Christchurch housing stock insulation is a big issue for heating in colder times and CAfE recommends wise use of insulation to make a big difference.