Warming up from the inside

Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart is a government programme to insulate existing houses and provide some funding towards "clean" efficient heating.

Anyone who owns a home built before 2000 can get 33% off the cost of ceiling and underfloor insulation, up to $1300. Once their home is insulated, they can get $500 towards a clean heating system.

Community services card holders and their landlords are eligible for a 60% subsidy on insulation. Card-holders can get $1200 towards a clean heating system while landlords can get $500.

The funding can also be used to install a hot water cylinder wrap, pipe lagging, draught-stopping and a ground moisture barrier.

Clean heating systems that qualify for funding include four-star AGA-rated flued gas heaters, approved solid fuel wood burners or wood pellet burners and energy star qualified heatpumps. The appliance must be for the main living area.

Visit www.energywise.govt.nz to find approved service providers in your area or call 0800 358 676.

In some areas, where third-party money is available, the funding for community services card-holders is higher. In Dunedin, the Healthy Homes insulation scheme targets homeowners who are high users of the health system. Applicants pay $500 in total. Contact EnergySmart on (03) 455-9085 to have your name added to the waiting list.

Meanwhile, the Otago Regional Council "clean heat, clean air" programme offers people on low incomes and living in areas with poor air quality - Milton, Alexandra, Clyde, Cromwell and Arrowtown - up to $4000 towards the cost of clean heating appliances.

Applicants must own a home built before 2000 and must be removing or decommissioning a burner that does not meet the council's regional plan air rules. Call the council on 0800 474-082 for more information.