Feature article
The Warmer Kiwi Homes Grant: what is it & how do I apply?
You could get 80-90% of the cost of new insulation covered by a government grant. Here’s how.
Last updated: 13 June 2024
Is your house chilly on cold days? Does your power bill cost a bomb every winter? Thanks to the Warmer Kiwi Homes Grant, you could save on heating and make your house warmer and more energy efficient without spending much at all.
Eligibility criteria for the Warmer Kiwi Homes subsidy
To receive the Warm Home Grant, otherwise known as the heat pump subsidy, you’ll need to meet these criteria:
You’re the owner-occupier of your home (this grant isn’t available for secondary homes like baches or investment properties.
Your property was built before 2008.
You have a Community Services Card or SuperGold Combo Card; or,
You live in a qualifying low income area.
Your home must not already have a heat pump, wood or pellet burner, flued gas heater or central heating system installed (for the heating grant).
In order to qualify for the heating grant, you must also have insulation installed to Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority standards (EECA). If your house can’t be insulated, you may still be able to get a grant for heating. Talk to your provider to find out more.
What you’ll get under the Warmer Kiwi Homes Grant
If you qualify for the Warmer Kiwi Homes Subsidy, you’ll get either a subsidy for heating, or a subsidy for insulation - or both. The grant covers:
Between 80%-90% of the total cost of NZ house insulation, including ceiling and floor (not including wall insulation).
Up to 80% of the cost of a heater, heat pump or wood burner.
Note: Heater grants are capped at $3,000 including GST, and NZ insulation grants cover 100% of the costs in some areas, thanks to the support of community organisations. If you received a grant for a previous home, that’s fine - you’re free to apply for another.
One of the best ways to reduce heating cossts is to insulate.
How to apply for the NZ insulation & heating grant
Applying for a grant is easy. Simply head to the Warmer Kiwi Homes website and fill out a quick online application.
Start Warmer Kiwi Homes Grant application now.
To complete the application and check your eligibility you’ll need to answer a few questions about the heating and insulation in your home, and when your home was built, then provide your address.
You’ll then get the opportunity to pick between 1-3 providers to supply and install your insulation and/or heating. You’ll also get to choose whether you’d like to go with a heat pump or wood/pellet burner.
To finish your application, you’ll need to provide details about your household, including the number of people living there and their ages and ethnicities, plus your contact details.
Next steps & costs
Once you’ve checked your eligibility and made an application, the provider will provide a free, no obligation quote. Once you’ve got a quote you’ll know exactly how much you’ll need to pay (as the grant usually covers 80-90% of costs).
If you’re happy with the quote, you can arrange a time with the installer and pay the non-funded portion to them. To give you an idea of costs, the EECA provided these estimates of costs:
Insulation costs between $280-$800 in most cases after the grant.
Heat pumps cost between $400-$700 after the grant, depending on the size and brand.
Wood burners and pellet burners cost $1,000-$3,000 after the grant, depending on their size and type.
Do some research on the best type of heating for your home before you begin your application. If you’re still not sure, your provider will be able to provide expert advice to help you choose.
Keep in mind, spending less on a heat pump or wood burner may mean you need to spend more on electricity or wood in the long run. If you can afford it, a more efficient heating system that’s suited to your space is always the best option.
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