New home heating scheme to make Kaiapoi home heating upgrades more affordable

A new joint Clean Heat project underway this month, will not only make Kaiapoi homes warmer and healthier, but will help improve air quality in winter.

Supported by the Waimakariri District Council, Environment Canterbury and Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority have partnered to offer homeowners, tenants and landlords substantial subsidies when they convert their current home heating to cleaner, more efficient appliances.

Waimakariri Mayor David Ayers says “We know there is an air quality problem in winter in Kaiapoi and this is affecting the health of our residents. Waimakariri District Council is right behind this new project which offers generous subsidies accessing funds from different agencies to help people change the way they heat their homes. Improving the quality of our air is one way we can help make Kaiapoi an even better place to live, work and play.”

People in Kaiapoi urban area with insulated homes who hold a community services card may be eligible for an EECA subsidy of up to $1200 when they upgrade a wood burner installed before 2000 or switch from an open fire to a cleaner, more efficient appliance. A further grant of up to $800 is available if they decommission their existing burner so it can no longer be used. Then an extra grant of $850 is available for those who have decommissioned their burner and who install a non-polluting appliance such as a heat pump or an externally flued gas heater. The total potential subsidy is $2850.

People in the Kaiapoi urban area who do not hold a community services card and landlords can receive up to a subsidy of up $1850.

Environment Canterbury Commissioner David Bedford says “We know open fires and older woodburners are the cause of much of the winter air pollution in Kaiapoi. This pollution causes health issues, especially respiratory problems. Converting to heating that does not emit harmful particulates into the air will have a long-term impact on Kaiapoi’s air quality and the community’s health.”

Project delivery agents Community Energy Action (CEA) are offering free home heating assessments to identify the most appropriate options for each household and will confirm details of the funding offers available. CEA can be contacted on free phone: 0800 438-9276 or www.cea.co.nz

Mr Ayers says “We think this is a great opportunity to improve Kaiapoi’s air quality and to give residents warm, healthy and comfortable homes. However, there are only 50 clean air and the Environment Canterbury grants available, so I urge people to look at this offer while it is still available and have an efficient heater installed in their homes in time for the coming winter.

“Small changes we make right now will have a big impact on the future quality of our air.”