If the house has plumbed gas can I apply for a heat pump subsidy.
Filed under Choosing a heating appliance, Space Heating, Subsidies and Financial Assistance.
April 26th, 2010
Hi, I have a rental with insulation in ceiling and underfloor. The house has plumbed gas and a gas bayonette in the lounge.
Unfortunatly tenants typically can’t invest in gas heaters (typically cost $1500) to heat the house, whilst renting. Could I apply for a heat pump subsidy? It’s an old state house and pretty cold, and frankly the gas is far from ideal as it creates so much moisure.
editor, May 9th, 2010 on 10:33 pm
Yes, My understanding is that you could apply for a heating grant of $500 towards a heat pump. You would need to get your ceiling and underfloor insulation checked and if necessary get these brought up to modern building code standards (as far as practically possible) before you can apply for the heating grant. However, there is also funding available for improving the ceiling and underfloor insulation; either 60% of the cost if your tenants have a community services card, or 33% of the cost (capped at $1300) otherwise.
You can check on the EECA Energywise website http://www.energywise.govt.nz for a list of insulation and heating installers in your area.
PS Unflued gas heaters (such as your tenants were using) definately do contribute to moisture. However, I would just like to note that flued gas heaters are fine, as the water vapour produced in the combustion process is vented outside.
Cheers,
Sarah Free, energy advisor, Wellington