Check out a list of links to websites with further information about energy efficiency.
Building or renovating for energy efficiency
It pays to consider energy efficiency (and other aspects such as water and indoor air quality) right from the start of a new house build or renovations. Many investments in energy efficiency are a lot cheaper when building from scratch than when you need to correct them in an existing home. For more information about building or renovating energy efficient homes, visit:
Many building professionals now offer specific energy-efficient designs and use energy-efficient materials. The Yellow Pages is a good starting point for locating building professionals to help you with energy-efficient building.
Heating and insulation subsidies
- You could be eligible for subsidies or loans on an insulation and energy efficient replacement heating – check out Environment Canterbury’s Clean Heat Project.
- Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart. If you live in a house built before the year 2000 you could be eligible for subsidies for insulation and clean heating. For more information, check EECA’s EnergyWise website, or call 0800 749 782.
Home water heating
Community Energy Action Charitable Trust has been making cold homes warm since 1994. We operate in the Canterbury region from the Rakaia river to Kaikoura. Our aim is to provide good insulation and efficient heating for all in our community. Surpluses go towards our charitable programmes, helping those who cannot afford to make their homes warm. Our services include:
- EnergyWise subsidies for insulation and heating for homeowners of all incomes living in a house built before the year 2000. Subsidies are also available for landlords.
- Additional subsidies for vulnerable people: We have special projects which provide extra assistance for low-income elderly persons, low income families with babies under one year old or a preschooler with a health problem, and low income households with health problems.
- a free-phone Energy Advice Service for Canterbury residents, offering impartial advice on: insulation, heating and ventilation options, financial assistance, dampness and condensation problems, plus saving money on power bills. Advisers also conduct affordable home energy checks, hot water system checks, and are qualified Home Star Home Coach assessors. To speak to an adviser, call the free phone number 0800 388 588; email energyadvice@cea.co.nz or visit Energy Advice Service.
- Curtain Bank: provides free recycled lined curtains for low income households (open March to October).
Community Energy Action Charitable Trust also sells low-cost DIY energy efficiency products:
- Low cost DIY window insulation kits.
- Window and door draught-stopping products
- Hot water cylinder wraps
Contact details:
ph: 374 7222 or 0800 GET WARM
open: Monday to Friday, 9 am -5.00 pm
email: info@cea.co.nz
website: http://www.cea.co.nz/