Residential Projects

Overview

The energy that New Zealanders use at home accounts for about 12 per cent of the country’s total energy use. $1.1 billion is spent by households just to keep warm, heat water and run appliances.

Much of this energy can be saved and at the same time households can enjoy warmer, drier and healthier homes.

A major energy and health issue is the lack of insulation in New Zealand homes built before 1978, before insulation became mandatory.

About 900,000 homes across New Zealand fall into this category, and about one-third of these have inadequate insulation. They are damp, cold, unhealthy and expensive to heat. Heating accounts for 20–30 per cent of the average household’s energy bill.

Health and insulation

The Wellington School of Medicine has found that insulation positively affects people’s health. The School’s research has found that families in insulated homes had fewer medical and hospital visits for respiratory conditions, and fewer days off work and school.

Home Energy Ratings Scheme

EECA is developing a ratings scheme, similar to the star rating currently found on appliances, that can be used to rate the energy performance of homes.

 

Home grants

EECA provides advice on how you can make energy improvements to your home. We also provide financial help through the EnergyWise home grants programme for improving insulation in pre-1978 houses occupied by people on low incomes.

Call 0800 358 676 for more information.

ENERGYWISE™ interest subsidies and grants for insulation and efficient heating

EECA is looking to partner with organisations that will carry out energy efficiency assessments of homes and provide energy efficiency solutions, advice and products for homeowners. EECA will provide funding in the form of interest payments on loans or grants to assist consumers who wish to retrofit their homes with insulation or install efficient heating.

Warm Home Energy Checks in Christchurch

Christchurch residents who took part in the Warm Home Energy Check pilot project can their home reassessed if they have improved its energy efficiency.

Call 0508 927 646 or email energymatters@xtra.co.nz for more information.