New insulation and downlight subsidies available to homeowners
Have you checked on the health of your home lately? It’s the perfect time now to make sure you have enough insulation in your ceiling and underfloor - as this contributes greatly to the health of your home, and the health of you and your family.
Those with respiratory conditions and other illnesses aggravated by cold, damp environments can particularly benefit immensely from improving their ceiling and underfloor insulation.
Community Energy Action (CEA) is the only service provider in Central and North Canterbury that can offer insulation subsidies through Warmer Kiwi Homes - the Government’s insulation scheme.
Qualifying homeowners could receive up to 92 percent off the costs of insulation if you live in the home you own and the home was built before 2008; and either:
- you have a valid Community Services Card (CSC) or a Super Gold ‘combo card’, or
- the home is located in an area identified as lower-income - contact CEA to find out if your address qualifies.
Unsure whether you have a SuperGold ‘combo card’? Check the back of your card, and if it states the initials CSC, it can be used in replacement of your Community Services Card – meaning, you will qualify for health subsidies (such as insulation subsidies above) as well as your SuperGold Card discounts.
CEA has interest free payment plans available if affordability is a problem, and/or you don’t qualify for this subsidy.
Make use of the cheaper summer months to help spruce up your home! Start making improvements now, and you’ll be in a warmer, drier, cosier home before you know it and the dreaded winter blues won’t be so bad!
Funding towards the installation of LED downlights may also be available if you live in the Christchurch area. Call CEA for further information.
Other services available from CEA
CEA is also a registered provider of the new Healthier Homes Canterbury Rate scheme provided by Environment Canterbury (ECAN). This offers low interest loans towards the cost of insulation, heating and simple ventilation, to be paid back via rates bills over nine years.
CEA also provides a free energy advice hotline on 0800 GET WARM, and free recycled curtains through the Curtain Bank.
Visit the Community Energy Action website for more information on their services. You can also call or email CEA to see how they can help you create and maintain a healthy home (0800 GET WARM or info[at]cea.co.nz).