LED bulbs use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs — DOE
    Turning off lights when leaving saves $30-50/year per household — ENERGY STAR
    Standby power ('vampire load') can account for 5-10% of home energy use — DOE
    ENERGY STAR certified TVs use 25% less energy than standard models
    Programmable thermostats can save about 10% on heating/cooling — DOE
    Sealing air leaks can save 10-20% on heating and cooling costs — ENERGY STAR
    Heat pumps can reduce heating energy use by 50% vs. electric resistance — DOE
    Ceiling fans allow you to raise AC settings 4°F with no comfort loss — DOE
    Heating water accounts for about 18% of home energy use — DOE
    Low-flow showerheads save 2,700 gallons/year for a family of four — EPA
    Washing clothes in cold water can save $60+/year on water heating — ENERGY STAR
    Fixing a leaky faucet can save 3,000+ gallons/year — EPA
    ENERGY STAR refrigerators use 9% less energy than standard models
    Clean refrigerator coils annually for optimal efficiency — DOE
    Air-drying dishes instead of heat-dry saves 15-50% on dishwasher energy — DOE
    Proper attic insulation can cut heating/cooling costs by 15% — ENERGY STAR
    Windows can account for 25-30% of home heating/cooling energy use — DOE
    Window film can reduce solar heat gain by up to 70% — DOE
    Average US home solar system offsets 3-4 tons of CO₂ annually — EPA
    Solar panel costs have dropped 70%+ over the past decade — SEIA
    EVs cost about 60% less to fuel than gas vehicles — DOE
    Proper tire inflation improves gas mileage by 0.6% on average — DOE
    The average US household spends $2,000+/year on energy — EIA
    ENERGY STAR products have saved Americans $500 billion on energy bills
    LED bulbs use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs — DOE
    Turning off lights when leaving saves $30-50/year per household — ENERGY STAR
    Standby power ('vampire load') can account for 5-10% of home energy use — DOE
    ENERGY STAR certified TVs use 25% less energy than standard models
    Programmable thermostats can save about 10% on heating/cooling — DOE
    Sealing air leaks can save 10-20% on heating and cooling costs — ENERGY STAR
    Heat pumps can reduce heating energy use by 50% vs. electric resistance — DOE
    Ceiling fans allow you to raise AC settings 4°F with no comfort loss — DOE
    Heating water accounts for about 18% of home energy use — DOE
    Low-flow showerheads save 2,700 gallons/year for a family of four — EPA
    Washing clothes in cold water can save $60+/year on water heating — ENERGY STAR
    Fixing a leaky faucet can save 3,000+ gallons/year — EPA
    ENERGY STAR refrigerators use 9% less energy than standard models
    Clean refrigerator coils annually for optimal efficiency — DOE
    Air-drying dishes instead of heat-dry saves 15-50% on dishwasher energy — DOE
    Proper attic insulation can cut heating/cooling costs by 15% — ENERGY STAR
    Windows can account for 25-30% of home heating/cooling energy use — DOE
    Window film can reduce solar heat gain by up to 70% — DOE
    Average US home solar system offsets 3-4 tons of CO₂ annually — EPA
    Solar panel costs have dropped 70%+ over the past decade — SEIA
    EVs cost about 60% less to fuel than gas vehicles — DOE
    Proper tire inflation improves gas mileage by 0.6% on average — DOE
    The average US household spends $2,000+/year on energy — EIA
    ENERGY STAR products have saved Americans $500 billion on energy bills
    LED bulbs use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs — DOE
    Turning off lights when leaving saves $30-50/year per household — ENERGY STAR
    Standby power ('vampire load') can account for 5-10% of home energy use — DOE
    ENERGY STAR certified TVs use 25% less energy than standard models
    Programmable thermostats can save about 10% on heating/cooling — DOE
    Sealing air leaks can save 10-20% on heating and cooling costs — ENERGY STAR
    Heat pumps can reduce heating energy use by 50% vs. electric resistance — DOE
    Ceiling fans allow you to raise AC settings 4°F with no comfort loss — DOE
    Heating water accounts for about 18% of home energy use — DOE
    Low-flow showerheads save 2,700 gallons/year for a family of four — EPA
    Washing clothes in cold water can save $60+/year on water heating — ENERGY STAR
    Fixing a leaky faucet can save 3,000+ gallons/year — EPA
    ENERGY STAR refrigerators use 9% less energy than standard models
    Clean refrigerator coils annually for optimal efficiency — DOE
    Air-drying dishes instead of heat-dry saves 15-50% on dishwasher energy — DOE
    Proper attic insulation can cut heating/cooling costs by 15% — ENERGY STAR
    Windows can account for 25-30% of home heating/cooling energy use — DOE
    Window film can reduce solar heat gain by up to 70% — DOE
    Average US home solar system offsets 3-4 tons of CO₂ annually — EPA
    Solar panel costs have dropped 70%+ over the past decade — SEIA
    EVs cost about 60% less to fuel than gas vehicles — DOE
    Proper tire inflation improves gas mileage by 0.6% on average — DOE
    The average US household spends $2,000+/year on energy — EIA
    ENERGY STAR products have saved Americans $500 billion on energy bills
    Active
    New Zealand
    General

    Warmer Kiwi Homes Program (New Zealand)

    EECA subsidies covering a high percentage of insulation and heating costs for lower-income homeowners in New Zealand.

    Available Amount

    80% to 90% of cost (up to $3,000 for heating)

    Start Date

    July 1, 2018

    End Date

    June 30, 2027

    Eligibility

    NZ homeowners living in low-income areas, or holding a Community Services Card, with an uninsulated home built before 2008.

    Eligible Upgrades & Scope

    Ceiling and underfloor insulationHeat pumpsWood burnersPellet burners

    Policy Context & Overview

    Short Answer: Managed by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), this program covers up to 90% of insulation costs and 80% of heat pump costs for qualifying New Zealand families.

    The Warmer Kiwi Homes program is New Zealand's flagship energy efficiency initiative. A high percentage of New Zealand's housing stock, particularly older homes built before 2008, suffers from inadequate insulation and damp heating systems, contributing to winter health issues. Administered by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), the scheme aims to make homes warmer, drier, and healthier by funding high-impact retrofits for lower-income households.

    Subsidy Tiers & Regional Partnerships

    The program covers a significant portion of project costs, and regional charity partners often cover the remaining balance:

    Upgrade Type EECA Base Subsidy Regional Top-up Availability
    Ceiling & Underfloor Insulation 80% to 90% of cost Often tops up to 100% (Free)
    Clean Heating (Heat Pump) 80% (Capped at $3,000) Often tops up to 100%

    Note: Heating subsidies are only available to homes that already have adequate ceiling and underfloor insulation.

    Eligibility Criteria

    To qualify for the Warmer Kiwi Homes funding, you must meet the following criteria:

    • Ownership: You must be the owner-occupier of the home.
    • Property Age: The home must have been built before 2008.
    • Location or Card Gate: You must meet one of the following:
      • Live in an area defined as lower-income on the NZ Deprivation Index, or
      • Hold a valid Community Services Card.

    Step-by-Step Application Guide

    1. Online Tool Check: Check your address on the EECA Warmer Kiwi Homes online tool to see if you meet the location eligibility rules.
    2. Choose an Approved Installer: If eligible, select an EECA-approved service provider listed for your region.
    3. Home Assessment: The contractor conducts a free home audit to check existing insulation and measure the space.
    4. Receive Quote: The installer provides a quote showing the EECA subsidy and any regional trust top-up discounts.
    5. Installation: The contractor completes the insulation or heat pump installation and claims the subsidy directly from the government.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Q: Why can't I get a heat pump grant if my home is uninsulated?
      • A: Installing a heater in an uninsulated home is highly inefficient. Heat escapes rapidly through the ceiling and floor, wasting energy. The scheme mandates that insulation must be in place before heating grants are approved.
    • Q: What is a regional trust top-up?
      • A: Local community trusts and councils partner with the government to cover the remaining 10% to 20% of installation costs for vulnerable families, making the upgrades completely free.

    Ready to Apply?

    Visit the official program website to check your eligibility, find application forms, and get the most up-to-date information.

    Visit Official Program Site

    Other Programs You May Qualify For