As winter sets in across New Zealand, staying warm without blowing out your power bill is top of mind for many Kiwis. The great news is that there are several smart, simple ways to improve your home’s warmth and energy efficiency, starting with insulation.
🧱 1. Insulate First: The Smartest Investment
Insulation is your home’s thermal blanket, and it’s the single most effective way to stay warm and cut down on power use. According to Gen Less, insulating your home can save $310–$340 per year, more than any other upgrade.
Check your ceiling and underfloor: Aim for at least 12 cm thickness.
Keep the heat in and the cold out: Ceiling insulation stops warm air from escaping, while underfloor insulation helps prevent cold air from creeping up.
💰 Insulation Subsidies
If you live in an older home or on a low income, and live in Taupo, South Waikato, Rotorua Lakes or Ruapehu Districts you may be eligible for subsidised insulation through the EECA Warmer Kiwi Homes or Maru Energy Be Warm Be Healthy programmes:
Covers 80% to 90% of the cost of insulation.
Eligibility criteria:
Home built before 2008
You own and live in the home
You either:
Have a Community Services Card or Super Gold Combo Card
Live in an area identified as low-income
Heat pump funding may also be available if insulation is already up to standard.
✅ Easy Insulation Top-Up
💚 Right now, Easy Insulation will contribute a further 10% funding for all eligible homes, which means those eligible for 90% funding will receive 100% funding. That means you may not have to pay anything at all to get your ceiling and underfloor insulation sorted — just check if you qualify and we’ll take care of the rest.
👉 Check your eligibility here or call us on 0800 327 946.
For homeowners in the The Lines Company network region, you may be eligible for additional support on top of the Warmer Kiwi Homes grant. Under the Maru Energy Trust’s Be Warm Be Healthy programme:
Must own and live in a home built before 2008
Plus one of the following:
Hold a Community Services Card or Super Gold Combo Card
Live in a low-income area
Be referred by the Healthy Homes Initiative
Projects are subject to Trust approval and funding availability
Through their partnership with EECA’s Warmer Kiwi Homes, Maru Energy Trust may top up the remaining costs of insulation and even heat pump installation, helping Kiwis access up to 100% funding.
👉 Check your eligibility here or call us on 0800 327 946.
💨 2. Seal Draughts: Stop Warm Air Leaking Out
Tiny gaps around doors, windows, and floors can lead to big heat losses.
Use draught stoppers or self-adhesive strips around window and door frames.
Seal floorboard cracks to reduce airflow from below.
Estimated annual savings: $80–$160 just from sealing up these sneaky leaks.
💡 3. Switch to LED Lighting
Swapping out old incandescent or halogen bulbs for LED lights is a fast win.
LED bulbs use up to 85% less energy and last much longer.
They also give off less heat, making them safer and more efficient.
Annual savings: around $40–$90, depending on how many bulbs you switch.
🌡️ 4. Service Your Heat Pump
A clean, well-maintained heat pump is far more effective.
Clean filters every couple of weeks in winter.
Book a professional service annually.
Doing this can reduce running costs by up to 30% and save you $60–$95 per year.
🌬️ 5. Use Ventilation to Avoid Dampness
Damp air is harder to heat and contributes to mould and discomfort.
Open windows briefly but regularly to refresh the air.
Use extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms.
Dry clothes outside when possible to avoid excess moisture inside.
☀️ 6. Let the sunshine in
Make the most of free solar heat.
Open curtains during the day to let warmth in.
Close them just before sunset to keep it trapped inside.
🎯 Take Action This Winter
You don’t need to do everything at once, but starting with insulation sets the foundation for everything else. With options for eligible homeowners like the Warmer Kiwi Homes Subsidy and Maru Energy Be Warm Be Healthy Programme, there’s never been a better time to improve your home’s comfort and efficiency.
✅ Winter Energy Checklist:
✅ Ceiling and underfloor insulation topped up?
✅ Draughts sealed?
✅ Switched to LED lights?
✅ Heat pump cleaned or serviced?
✅ Ventilating daily?
✅ Curtains opened during daylight hours?
If you’re ready to get your home winter-ready, Easy Insulation is here to help.
Whether you’re upgrading insulation or checking if you qualify for a subsidy or programme, we’ll guide you every step of the way.
📞 Call us on 0800 327 946 to get started.
This blog is based on information from Gen Less – Get Your Home Winter‑Ready
