envirochick is an all female team undertaking free Household Sustainability Assessments for the Australian Government.
We are taking bookings now from January 18, 2010.
If your home is in Melbourne's north, contact us to book your free sustainability assessment valued at $250. It's free to the householder because the Australian government pays for it as part of their new sustainability policies (thanks Peter 'How can we sleep when our beds are burning?' Garrett).
WHAT AREAS DO WE SERVICE?
We are a Melbourne organisation that services primarily northern suburbs with postcodes from 3039 - 3079. If you are outside these areas and can persuade two other households in your street to participate, we'll pack our lunch and a thermos and hop out for the day.
WHAT HAPPENS IN AN ASSESSMENT?
In an envirochick assessment we go around your house with you to count what fittings and appliances it has, how many windows and doors it has, what type of light bulbs and what heating and cooling it has. These details are written into the report to be submitted to the government.
We then take a light-hearted look at your household opportunities for saving your money and the planet all at once.
Within 3 months your government assessed report, based on the details we filled in together, will be posted to you. This document will be the basis for making adjustments in conjunction with our on-site conversations.
The Household Sustainability Assessment is a requirement to be eligible for a GREEN LOAN but it does NOT guarantee that you will receive one. Normal credit ratings etc apply.
WHAT IS A GREEN LOAN?
A GREEN LOAN is the new government initiative to assist Australians to upgrade to more sustainable household systems and practices.
It is $10,000 interest free repayable over four years to retrofit your house, upgrade your appliances to a higher star rating, and install water tanks and solar systems.
GREEN LOAN are available from these banks.
WILL I HAVE TO CHANGE EVERYTHING?
No. For one thing, these are only recommendations. You are not obliged in any way to take on any of our independent suggestions/recommendations.
And we know from our own lives that if there is to be any change it needs to be do-able and enjoyable. So we'll suggest approaches that fit your life and personal style, from no-cost (what you can do a little differently) to full cost (what you might do with a $10,000 interest-free GREEN LOAN).
No shoulds. No guilt. Every little change helps.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
To be eligible you must own the house or have your name on the lease. You must be over 18 years of age and an Australian citizen. The house must be more than 12 months old and your income under $250,000.
Based on the recommendations you may be eligible to apply for a GREEN LOAN. You can apply for your interest-free $10,000 (repayable over four years) GREEN LOAN from these banks.
WILL THE ASSESSMENT TAKE LONG?
envirochick will do a home visit at a time that suits you. As women we have sustainable work practices ourselves; we won't hang around your home for HOURS overwhelming you with information.
In our opinion what can't be assessed in an hour, probably can't be achieved in a year. And who can plan that far ahead, really? This initiative is all about efficiencies, remember? We'll make it short and sweet and useful. Promise.
CAN I BOOK AN ASSESSMENT FOR SOMEONE ELSE?
No. If you have friends who are into the environment or in over their heads with household bills you can recommend that they contact us themselves. The smallest of adjustments can lower household bills by up to 40%. It's worth finding out how.
I ALREADY KNOW WHAT I NEED TO DO FOR MY GREEN LOAN.
We'll be quick then, OK? The Household Sustainability Assessment is a requirement for an application for a Green Loan and can be done with super efficiency if you are enviro-literate and ready to go.
WHY CHOOSE envirochick?
We are Australian Government approved Home Sustainability Assessors. Our all female team values a sense of humour and a pragmatic approach to sustainability. Our team motto is 'It's got to be fun to be sustainable.' For you this means an enjoyable, achievable improvement process.
We look forward to meeting you and helping to increase your home's efficiency.
BOOK NOW FOR LIFT OFF!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Gas Hot Water Rebate
These rebates are available to change a peak electricity hot water system to a high efficiency gas system.
* $400 for a 5-star instantaneous or storage hot water heater (4+ star for internal systems)
* $700 for concession card holders for the system above
* $300 installation rebate if you live in a flat or apartment where there's a separate occupancy directly above or below you.
Landlords whose tenants are concession card holders are able to access the higher rebate amount as long as the tenant is directly responsible for the energy bills.
ELIGIBILITY
You are eligible for a rebate if:
* Your household currently uses a peak (day-rate) electric water heater (a water heater that is ineligible for an off-peak electricity tariff), or a water heater fuelled by wood.
* Your household does not have a second, off-peak hot water system.
* The property is your principal place of residence only. The rebate is also available for rental properties where the tenant is directly responsible for the energy bills.
* You will be installing a natural gas or LPG water heater that has a 5 star rating (or 4 star for internal systems).
MORE INFORMATION
A peak water system uses peak electricity to heat water. If you have a peak hot water system your electricity bill will have no reference to 'off peak' electricity being supplied. This must be confirmed before proceeding with the rebate.
Participating retailers and installers across Victoria will help you choose a suitable gas water heater and arrange for its installation. These retailers will also calculate your rebate amount and deduct this from the price and installation cost of the selected water heater.
For participating retailers CLICK HERE
For eligible hot water heaters CLICK HERE
* $400 for a 5-star instantaneous or storage hot water heater (4+ star for internal systems)
* $700 for concession card holders for the system above
* $300 installation rebate if you live in a flat or apartment where there's a separate occupancy directly above or below you.
Landlords whose tenants are concession card holders are able to access the higher rebate amount as long as the tenant is directly responsible for the energy bills.
ELIGIBILITY
You are eligible for a rebate if:
* Your household currently uses a peak (day-rate) electric water heater (a water heater that is ineligible for an off-peak electricity tariff), or a water heater fuelled by wood.
* Your household does not have a second, off-peak hot water system.
* The property is your principal place of residence only. The rebate is also available for rental properties where the tenant is directly responsible for the energy bills.
* You will be installing a natural gas or LPG water heater that has a 5 star rating (or 4 star for internal systems).
MORE INFORMATION
A peak water system uses peak electricity to heat water. If you have a peak hot water system your electricity bill will have no reference to 'off peak' electricity being supplied. This must be confirmed before proceeding with the rebate.
Participating retailers and installers across Victoria will help you choose a suitable gas water heater and arrange for its installation. These retailers will also calculate your rebate amount and deduct this from the price and installation cost of the selected water heater.
For participating retailers CLICK HERE
For eligible hot water heaters CLICK HERE
Solar Hot Water Rebate for Metropolitan Melbourne
There are four different rebates available to Victorians replacing an existing hot water system with a solar hot water system. Each incentive has varying eligibility requirements:
1. Victorian Government Solar Hot Water Rebate - Regional and Metropolitan
2. Australian Government Solar Hot Water Rebate
3. Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)
4. Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs); also known as the Energy Saver Incentive.
ELIGIBILITY
To qualify for this rebate, your residence must be located in Metropolitan Melbourne. If your residence is located outside of Melbourne, you may be eligible for the Regional Victoria Solar Hot Water Rebate.
You can check the Region checker link below.
The rebate is available for your principal place of residence only (or a residence where there is a permanent tenant and the electricity/gas bills are in the name of the tenant). The installation must be in an existing home where the current water heater has been operating at that address for at least 12 months (or 5 years if replacing solar). Only one rebate per dwelling is allowed.
Rebates are not available to commercial and non-commercial entities; only individuals that are owner-occupiers or landlords can apply.
You are eligible for a rebate if you:
* Replace a natural gas or LPG water heater with a gas-boosted solar system
* Add solar to an existing natural gas or LPG water heater by installing a solar system as a pre-heater
* Add solar to an existing conventional off-peak electric water heater by installing a retrofit kit
* Replace an existing solar, solid fuel or oil fired water heater with a solar system. Must be natural gas boosted if available in the street. Existing LPG boosted solar water heaters can only be replaced with gas boosted systems
* Replace an electric water heater with gas-boosted or electric solar system (if natural gas is not available in the street) where the applicant has installed ceiling insulation under the Australian Government's Homeowner Insulation Program
Rebates for complete systems will vary depending on the size of a system (amount of water produced), performance (its solar contribution) and its relative cost of installation. Better performing systems, or the ones that make the most effective use of the sun's energy, attract a higher rebate. Refer to link below
An additional rebate of $200 is available where you live in a reticulated (mains) gas area and this is the first gas connection to the property.
The Victorian Solar Hot Water Rebate takes the form of a point-of-sale discount to eligible households on the supply and installation of a solar hot water system and is only available through participating manufacturers, retailers and plumbers.
A participating supplier will check your eligibility, can pre-approve you for a rebate and provide a quotation for installation. Your pre-approval for a rebate will remain valid for 30 days.
MORE USEFUL INFORMATION
To check rebate amount for solar hot water systems in metropolitan Melbourne CLICK HERE
Use the Region checker for Regional Victoria Solar Hot Water Rebate areas CLICK HERE
Check participating supplier list CLICK HERE
Check solar hot water system manufacturers CLICK HERE
To view the Solar Report - The Solar Report shows the percentage which a household would save off their hot water bill if they had a solar water heater. CLICK HERE
1. Victorian Government Solar Hot Water Rebate - Regional and Metropolitan
2. Australian Government Solar Hot Water Rebate
3. Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)
4. Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs); also known as the Energy Saver Incentive.
ELIGIBILITY
To qualify for this rebate, your residence must be located in Metropolitan Melbourne. If your residence is located outside of Melbourne, you may be eligible for the Regional Victoria Solar Hot Water Rebate.
You can check the Region checker link below.
The rebate is available for your principal place of residence only (or a residence where there is a permanent tenant and the electricity/gas bills are in the name of the tenant). The installation must be in an existing home where the current water heater has been operating at that address for at least 12 months (or 5 years if replacing solar). Only one rebate per dwelling is allowed.
Rebates are not available to commercial and non-commercial entities; only individuals that are owner-occupiers or landlords can apply.
You are eligible for a rebate if you:
* Replace a natural gas or LPG water heater with a gas-boosted solar system
* Add solar to an existing natural gas or LPG water heater by installing a solar system as a pre-heater
* Add solar to an existing conventional off-peak electric water heater by installing a retrofit kit
* Replace an existing solar, solid fuel or oil fired water heater with a solar system. Must be natural gas boosted if available in the street. Existing LPG boosted solar water heaters can only be replaced with gas boosted systems
* Replace an electric water heater with gas-boosted or electric solar system (if natural gas is not available in the street) where the applicant has installed ceiling insulation under the Australian Government's Homeowner Insulation Program
Rebates for complete systems will vary depending on the size of a system (amount of water produced), performance (its solar contribution) and its relative cost of installation. Better performing systems, or the ones that make the most effective use of the sun's energy, attract a higher rebate. Refer to link below
An additional rebate of $200 is available where you live in a reticulated (mains) gas area and this is the first gas connection to the property.
The Victorian Solar Hot Water Rebate takes the form of a point-of-sale discount to eligible households on the supply and installation of a solar hot water system and is only available through participating manufacturers, retailers and plumbers.
A participating supplier will check your eligibility, can pre-approve you for a rebate and provide a quotation for installation. Your pre-approval for a rebate will remain valid for 30 days.
MORE USEFUL INFORMATION
To check rebate amount for solar hot water systems in metropolitan Melbourne CLICK HERE
Use the Region checker for Regional Victoria Solar Hot Water Rebate areas CLICK HERE
Check participating supplier list CLICK HERE
Check solar hot water system manufacturers CLICK HERE
To view the Solar Report - The Solar Report shows the percentage which a household would save off their hot water bill if they had a solar water heater. CLICK HERE
Rainwater Tank Rebate
For a rainwater tank and rainwater tank-to-toilet connection you can claim a rebate of $150 for a tank 600 litres or greater. Plus an additional $150 for the toilet connection.
Large rainwater tank:
* $1000 for a tank 4000+ litres connected to toilet and laundry
* $900 for a tank 4000+ litres connected to toilet or laundry
* $500 for tank 2000-3999 litres connected to toilet and/or laundry
The large tank rebates can be paid via a one-off Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) or by cheque. It can take around 10-12 weeks to process.
The existing $150 rebate for tanks 600 litres or larger that are not connected for indoor use will still apply, as will the $150 tank to toilet connection for new small tanks (600 L to 1999 L) and existing tanks. These two $150 rebates will continue to be credited to your next water bill.
For greywater systems there is a $500 rebate for a permanent tank system that recycles waste water from laundries and bathrooms for use on the garden or in the toilet.
Large rainwater tank:
* $1000 for a tank 4000+ litres connected to toilet and laundry
* $900 for a tank 4000+ litres connected to toilet or laundry
* $500 for tank 2000-3999 litres connected to toilet and/or laundry
The large tank rebates can be paid via a one-off Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) or by cheque. It can take around 10-12 weeks to process.
The existing $150 rebate for tanks 600 litres or larger that are not connected for indoor use will still apply, as will the $150 tank to toilet connection for new small tanks (600 L to 1999 L) and existing tanks. These two $150 rebates will continue to be credited to your next water bill.
For greywater systems there is a $500 rebate for a permanent tank system that recycles waste water from laundries and bathrooms for use on the garden or in the toilet.
Water Saving Rebates
Dual Flush toilet - $50 rebate. A dual flush toilet uses 3 litres of water on a half flush, 6 litres on a full flush or less.
Three-star water efficient showerhead - $10 or $20 rebate. A water efficient showerhead can use 30% less water than a normal showerhead and can be fitted to most showers.
Up to two showerhead rebates are available per property.
$10 rebate per showerhead costing between $30 and $100
$20 rebate per showerhead costing more than $100
Water conservation home audits - $50 rebate. A service to assess where a household could save water, and recommend products and methods that would help to do this.
Bonus water-saving goods - to the value of $30 when you spend $100.
Includes products such as mulch (includes pebbles or other inorganic materials which are used as mulch), flow control valves, wetting/moisture agent, compost or mulch bin, soil moisture & rain sensors, garden tap timers, drip watering system or weep hoses, trigger nozzles, temporary greywater diverters, rainwater diverters, waterless car cleaning products, shower timers and toilet flush interrupter devices.
One basket offer rebate is available per eligible customer each year.
Three-star water efficient showerhead - $10 or $20 rebate. A water efficient showerhead can use 30% less water than a normal showerhead and can be fitted to most showers.
Up to two showerhead rebates are available per property.
$10 rebate per showerhead costing between $30 and $100
$20 rebate per showerhead costing more than $100
Water conservation home audits - $50 rebate. A service to assess where a household could save water, and recommend products and methods that would help to do this.
Bonus water-saving goods - to the value of $30 when you spend $100.
Includes products such as mulch (includes pebbles or other inorganic materials which are used as mulch), flow control valves, wetting/moisture agent, compost or mulch bin, soil moisture & rain sensors, garden tap timers, drip watering system or weep hoses, trigger nozzles, temporary greywater diverters, rainwater diverters, waterless car cleaning products, shower timers and toilet flush interrupter devices.
One basket offer rebate is available per eligible customer each year.
Whitegoods Appliance Rebate
This program will help low income households in Victoria to purchase high efficiency whitegoods.
ELIGIBILITY
This rebate is only available to concession card holders who successfully apply for a No Interest Loan, Progress Loan or use the Good Shepherd Buying Service to purchase eligible products.
It is only available through the following providers in Victoria CLICK HERE
ELIGIBLE WHITEGOODS
Washing machines
Save energy and water by choosing a washing machine with a minimum 3.5-star energy rating and 4-star water rating.
Fridges
Fridges and freezers run constantly, using the most energy of all your appliances, so it pays to choose well - choose a fridge with a minimum 4-star energy rating.
REBATES AVAILABLE
You could be eligible for the following rebate amount through a No Interest Loan or a Progress Loan - $100 rebate on the purchase of either:
1. A washing machine with a minimum 3.5-star energy rating and 4-star water rating
2. A fridge with a minimum 4-star energy rating.
Note: the $100 rebate is deducted by the NILS or Progress Loan provider from the re-payable No Interest Loan or Progress Loan amount.
HOW TO APPLY FOR A REBATE
Contact a participating NILS or Progress Loan providers or contact your local NILS provider for more information CLICK HERE
ELIGIBILITY
This rebate is only available to concession card holders who successfully apply for a No Interest Loan, Progress Loan or use the Good Shepherd Buying Service to purchase eligible products.
It is only available through the following providers in Victoria CLICK HERE
ELIGIBLE WHITEGOODS
Washing machines
Save energy and water by choosing a washing machine with a minimum 3.5-star energy rating and 4-star water rating.
Fridges
Fridges and freezers run constantly, using the most energy of all your appliances, so it pays to choose well - choose a fridge with a minimum 4-star energy rating.
REBATES AVAILABLE
You could be eligible for the following rebate amount through a No Interest Loan or a Progress Loan - $100 rebate on the purchase of either:
1. A washing machine with a minimum 3.5-star energy rating and 4-star water rating
2. A fridge with a minimum 4-star energy rating.
Note: the $100 rebate is deducted by the NILS or Progress Loan provider from the re-payable No Interest Loan or Progress Loan amount.
HOW TO APPLY FOR A REBATE
Contact a participating NILS or Progress Loan providers or contact your local NILS provider for more information CLICK HERE
Water Smart Garden
UNDERSTAND YOUR GARDEN
1. Get to know your garden and any plants that are already there. See if you can identify which types of plants grow well in which positions.
2. Watch the garden space over the day and the seasons. Work out which areas are shaded as the soil here could be better at staying moist. Other areas may be in the full sun for most of the day.
3. If you live in a cold area, work out where cold air pools as these spots are likely to be get frost.
4. Take a walk around your neighbourhood and see what plants are flourishing.
5. Get information and advice from more than one source. Talk to local gardeners and plant nurseries to learn about which plants thrive in your local area. Your local radio station might have a gardening segment or you might want to enrol in a gardening class.
DESIGN YOUR GARDEN
1. A water smart garden means a garden that flourishes on small amounts of water. Consider having no lawn - most need a lot of water.
2. Think about minimising paved areas (or keep paving separate from plants that need moist soils) - paved areas can heat up and can dry out nearby soils.
3. Plan to group plants together that have similar watering needs. This will help you to give your plants the right amount of water at the right time.
4. Plant trees to help reduce your heating and cooling bills. Deciduous plants could help cool your home in summer with shade and let winter sun through. Plants can also create wind breaks to keep hot or cold winds away from your home.
IMPROVE YOUR SOIL
1. Different soils have different abilities to hold water and can affect plant health. Your local garden centres might provide advice or free soil testing to work out what kind of soil you have and how you can improve it.
2. Most soils benefit from added organic materials. You can dig manure, compost, worm castings and leaf mould into your soil. Gypsum and sand can help improve air space and drainage in heavy soils. You can also add soil wetting agents and water saving crystals to help water to get into and remain in the soil.
3. You could start a worm farm or make compost to give you access to free organic material for your soil and to help reduce the amount of organic waste you're sending to landfill.
CHOOSE YOUR PLANTS
1. Select plants that suit your particular soil and garden conditions. Find out what native plants occur naturally (the indigenous plants) because they will already be suited to your local area.
2. Native plants will provide habitat and food to encourage birds and insects into your garden. Many Australian native plants are happy with very little water.
3. If you are using plants from another country, choose plants that are already adapted to limited water supplies. Plants from South Africa, California and the Mediterranean often cope well in Australian conditions.
4. Fruit trees look lovely and can provide you with fresh organic fruit. Most fruit trees will need a bucket of water a week for at least the first year to become established. If you don't have a rainwater tank, you could put a bucket in the shower to catch the water while you're waiting for the right temperature and use this to get the fruit trees through the first year or so.
CREATE A WATER-WISE LAWN
1. If you want a grassy area, ask your nursery about low water grasses that do well in your local area. See if you can get a type that also doesn't need much fertilising.
2. If you are keeping a lawn, you can reduce the amount of water it needs by setting your mower to cut at 4 centimetres or higher. This encourages a deeper root system. You should water lawn deeply and infrequently instead of lightly and often.
3. Get a greywater system or a rainwater tank if you want to water your lawn during water restrictions.
MULCHING
1. Mulching saves water by stopping evaporation and helping water to sink into the soil instead of running-off. Mulching will also reduce weed growth.
2. There are many different kinds of mulch including leaves, grass clippings, straw and tan bark.
3. Before mulching, pull out weeds, break up the soil crust if needed and give the garden a good watering.
4. If you are using commercial grade mulch, read the instructions to check if you should wear a mask and gloves.
5. Top up mulch when it gets low.
WATERING
1. Before watering, check if there are water restrictions in place in your area and what watering activities are allowed.
2. Only water when you have to and only water the plants that need it.
3. Water early in the morning or late in the day to reduce water lost to evaporation. Focus the water onto the roots of the plants, not the leaves. It's generally better to give plants a deep watering less often, than to give them a little water more often.
ENJOY!
Source: Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
1. Get to know your garden and any plants that are already there. See if you can identify which types of plants grow well in which positions.
2. Watch the garden space over the day and the seasons. Work out which areas are shaded as the soil here could be better at staying moist. Other areas may be in the full sun for most of the day.
3. If you live in a cold area, work out where cold air pools as these spots are likely to be get frost.
4. Take a walk around your neighbourhood and see what plants are flourishing.
5. Get information and advice from more than one source. Talk to local gardeners and plant nurseries to learn about which plants thrive in your local area. Your local radio station might have a gardening segment or you might want to enrol in a gardening class.
DESIGN YOUR GARDEN
1. A water smart garden means a garden that flourishes on small amounts of water. Consider having no lawn - most need a lot of water.
2. Think about minimising paved areas (or keep paving separate from plants that need moist soils) - paved areas can heat up and can dry out nearby soils.
3. Plan to group plants together that have similar watering needs. This will help you to give your plants the right amount of water at the right time.
4. Plant trees to help reduce your heating and cooling bills. Deciduous plants could help cool your home in summer with shade and let winter sun through. Plants can also create wind breaks to keep hot or cold winds away from your home.
IMPROVE YOUR SOIL
1. Different soils have different abilities to hold water and can affect plant health. Your local garden centres might provide advice or free soil testing to work out what kind of soil you have and how you can improve it.
2. Most soils benefit from added organic materials. You can dig manure, compost, worm castings and leaf mould into your soil. Gypsum and sand can help improve air space and drainage in heavy soils. You can also add soil wetting agents and water saving crystals to help water to get into and remain in the soil.
3. You could start a worm farm or make compost to give you access to free organic material for your soil and to help reduce the amount of organic waste you're sending to landfill.
CHOOSE YOUR PLANTS
1. Select plants that suit your particular soil and garden conditions. Find out what native plants occur naturally (the indigenous plants) because they will already be suited to your local area.
2. Native plants will provide habitat and food to encourage birds and insects into your garden. Many Australian native plants are happy with very little water.
3. If you are using plants from another country, choose plants that are already adapted to limited water supplies. Plants from South Africa, California and the Mediterranean often cope well in Australian conditions.
4. Fruit trees look lovely and can provide you with fresh organic fruit. Most fruit trees will need a bucket of water a week for at least the first year to become established. If you don't have a rainwater tank, you could put a bucket in the shower to catch the water while you're waiting for the right temperature and use this to get the fruit trees through the first year or so.
CREATE A WATER-WISE LAWN
1. If you want a grassy area, ask your nursery about low water grasses that do well in your local area. See if you can get a type that also doesn't need much fertilising.
2. If you are keeping a lawn, you can reduce the amount of water it needs by setting your mower to cut at 4 centimetres or higher. This encourages a deeper root system. You should water lawn deeply and infrequently instead of lightly and often.
3. Get a greywater system or a rainwater tank if you want to water your lawn during water restrictions.
MULCHING
1. Mulching saves water by stopping evaporation and helping water to sink into the soil instead of running-off. Mulching will also reduce weed growth.
2. There are many different kinds of mulch including leaves, grass clippings, straw and tan bark.
3. Before mulching, pull out weeds, break up the soil crust if needed and give the garden a good watering.
4. If you are using commercial grade mulch, read the instructions to check if you should wear a mask and gloves.
5. Top up mulch when it gets low.
WATERING
1. Before watering, check if there are water restrictions in place in your area and what watering activities are allowed.
2. Only water when you have to and only water the plants that need it.
3. Water early in the morning or late in the day to reduce water lost to evaporation. Focus the water onto the roots of the plants, not the leaves. It's generally better to give plants a deep watering less often, than to give them a little water more often.
ENJOY!
Source: Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Ceiling Insulation (Home Insulation Program)
The Home Insulation Program provides a $1,200 non-means tested rebate available for ceiling insulation. This applies to Australian Householders, including Owner-Occupiers, Landlords and Tenants of currently uninsulated homes or homes with very little ceiling insulation
For eligible households, if the total cost of the insulation is under $1,200 there will be no more for the household to pay. If the insulation cost is higher than $1,200 the householder will pay the difference.
The insulation must be installed by an insulation installer that is registered on the Australian Government’s Installer Provider Register.
ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible to obtain the assistance the Householder must:
i. be the Owner-Occupier or Beneficial Owner of the dwelling where the Ceiling Insulation is to be installed and be an individual who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident aged 18 or over; OR
ii. be the Landlord of the dwelling where the Ceiling Insulation is to be installed and be:
* an Australian citizen or permanent resident aged 18 years or over; or
* a corporate entity incorporated in Australia; or
iii. the Tenant of a dwelling owned by a Landlord who has evidence of the Landlord’s permission (letter from the Landlord or Landlord’s agent) to install Ceiling Insulation in that dwelling under the Home Insulation Program and to sign the Work Order Form including giving a release on the Landlord’s behalf;
and
* obtain the approval of the owners’ corporation , if applicable; and
* not have been granted assistance under the Australian Government’s Solar Hot Water Rebate program since the rebate was increased to $1,600 on 3 February 2009 for that dwelling; and
* not have applied for or been granted assistance under the Homeowner Insulation Program or the Low Emission Assistance Plan for Renters in relation to the dwelling (a dwelling can only be insulated once under the Program including the Homeowner Insulation Program and the Low Emission Assistance Plan for Renters); and
* correctly complete and sign the relevant section of the Work Order Form; and
* be arranging the installation of new Ceiling Insulation, not replacing existing ceiling insulation above what is deemed as having Negligible Effectiveness; and
*not have received or be entitled to receive assistance for the installation of Ceiling Insulation in the dwelling under any state, territory or local government scheme which combined with any assistance under this Program will result in the Householder receiving assistance in excess of the total cost of the installation of the Ceiling Insulation.
Note: People who are ineligible for assistance under the Home Insulation Program may be eligible for assistance under the Solar Hot Water Rebate.
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE REBATE
1. Ensure you are eligible by reading the Program guidelines (above)
2. Contact an insulator who is on the Australian Government’s Installer Provider Register
3. Do the installation
4. After installation, complete the appropriate section of the work order form supplied by the installer
5. In most cases the cost of the insulation will be under $1,200, in which case you won't be required to pay anything to the installer. If the quote is over $1,200 you will need to pay the installer the difference.
6. Retain your copy of the written quote, tax invoice, completed and signed work order form and any other proof of purchase documents provided to you by the installer for Australian Government audit purposes for a period of five (5) years.
TIMELINE OF THE HOME INSULATION PROGRAM
The current Program is set to run from 1 September 2009 until 31 December 2011 or until the date when Program funds have been fully allocated, whichever occurs first.
For eligible households, if the total cost of the insulation is under $1,200 there will be no more for the household to pay. If the insulation cost is higher than $1,200 the householder will pay the difference.
The insulation must be installed by an insulation installer that is registered on the Australian Government’s Installer Provider Register.
ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible to obtain the assistance the Householder must:
i. be the Owner-Occupier or Beneficial Owner of the dwelling where the Ceiling Insulation is to be installed and be an individual who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident aged 18 or over; OR
ii. be the Landlord of the dwelling where the Ceiling Insulation is to be installed and be:
* an Australian citizen or permanent resident aged 18 years or over; or
* a corporate entity incorporated in Australia; or
iii. the Tenant of a dwelling owned by a Landlord who has evidence of the Landlord’s permission (letter from the Landlord or Landlord’s agent) to install Ceiling Insulation in that dwelling under the Home Insulation Program and to sign the Work Order Form including giving a release on the Landlord’s behalf;
and
* obtain the approval of the owners’ corporation , if applicable; and
* not have been granted assistance under the Australian Government’s Solar Hot Water Rebate program since the rebate was increased to $1,600 on 3 February 2009 for that dwelling; and
* not have applied for or been granted assistance under the Homeowner Insulation Program or the Low Emission Assistance Plan for Renters in relation to the dwelling (a dwelling can only be insulated once under the Program including the Homeowner Insulation Program and the Low Emission Assistance Plan for Renters); and
* correctly complete and sign the relevant section of the Work Order Form; and
* be arranging the installation of new Ceiling Insulation, not replacing existing ceiling insulation above what is deemed as having Negligible Effectiveness; and
*not have received or be entitled to receive assistance for the installation of Ceiling Insulation in the dwelling under any state, territory or local government scheme which combined with any assistance under this Program will result in the Householder receiving assistance in excess of the total cost of the installation of the Ceiling Insulation.
Note: People who are ineligible for assistance under the Home Insulation Program may be eligible for assistance under the Solar Hot Water Rebate.
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE REBATE
1. Ensure you are eligible by reading the Program guidelines (above)
2. Contact an insulator who is on the Australian Government’s Installer Provider Register
3. Do the installation
4. After installation, complete the appropriate section of the work order form supplied by the installer
5. In most cases the cost of the insulation will be under $1,200, in which case you won't be required to pay anything to the installer. If the quote is over $1,200 you will need to pay the installer the difference.
6. Retain your copy of the written quote, tax invoice, completed and signed work order form and any other proof of purchase documents provided to you by the installer for Australian Government audit purposes for a period of five (5) years.
TIMELINE OF THE HOME INSULATION PROGRAM
The current Program is set to run from 1 September 2009 until 31 December 2011 or until the date when Program funds have been fully allocated, whichever occurs first.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
