27 May 2011

Palmerston North couple Vili and Tanya Teumohenga decided to insulate their house for the health of their young family last year, and they say it’s already making a big difference.

Before the insulation was installed Vili says his three children (12, 7 and 5) were getting sore throats and chest coughs in winter.

“They don’t get the coughs anymore. The insulation keeps the warmth in longer and we notice there is less damp in the house,” he says.

Vili says reading adverts in the paper and seeing EECA’s Energy Spot advert on television convinced them to act on their decision.

“I’m really pleased we decided to go ahead with the job. The kids are better off and we feel more comfortable.

“The service was really fast, it only took one day! The communication about what was happening was also good. When I checked the ceiling insulation afterwards, I was happy about the work that had been done up there, it was a professional job,” he says.

The Teumohenga’s had underfloor and ceiling insulation installed and now they are thinking about installing an efficient heater.

With his insulation now in place Vili has been trying to convince others of its benefits.

“I have been recommending insulation to my workmates, who said they’ll take a further look into it,” says Vili.

EECA residential manager Robert Linterman says it’s great to see the Manawatu region involved in the programme, and hopes even more residents will take advantage of the opportunity to insulate.

“Any house built before 2000 is eligible to get a grant under the programme.

“We hear so much from people that the scheme improves the quality of life for recipients and saves energy. I think it’s great that the Teumohenga’s are also feeling that,” he says.

So far 3,097 homes in the Manawatu region have had insulation and/or clean heating installed through the Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart programme.

To find a provider and to get a free no obligation quote, homeowners, tenants and landlords can visit www.energywise.govt.nz or call 0800 749 782.

Background
• The government is investing $347 million over four years to retrofit at least 188,000 homes with insulation and clean heating through its warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart programme. The programme started in July 2009 and is ahead of target to retrofit all of the homes by June 2013.

• Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart is administered by EECA, the Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority. It contracts private sector service providers to insulate homes.

• Anyone who has a home built before 2000 is eligible for 33 per cent off the cost of installing ceiling and under floor insulation and its installation up to a maximum of $1300. Community Service Card holders can get 60 % off the cost.

• Once insulation is up to standard, homeowners can get funding towards a clean efficient heating system.

• For more information, visit www.energywise.govt.nz

Who we are:
The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) is a Crown entity working to improve New Zealanders’ energy choices across all sectors of the
economy, using tools such as grants, information, research, regulation, and partnerships with industry and the private sector.

EECA provides trusted, independent information and funding to consumers through ENERGYWISE, and to the business sector through EECA Business.

ENDS

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