Government Grants

Insulation Rebate

The Australian federal government has introduced an Energy Efficient Homes Package to help save homeowners money on their annual electric bills-and to help create more jobs for the construction industry during this uncertain economy. Under this program, owner-occupied homes that have little or no insulation in the ceilings can qualify for a rebate of up to $1,600 $1,200 if they have the proper insulation installed and/or if they have a solar hot water system installed. Landlords can qualify for a similar rebate of up to $1,000 if they have insulation installed on a rental property.

Of course, there are some guidelines that must be met, but the government estimates nearly 40% of the nation’s homes-which adds up to nearly 2.7 million homes-could qualify insulation rebate. In addition to the rebates homeowners will receive, the actual work being completed is estimated to save each homeowner another $200 annually in energy savings.

The Homeowner Insulation Program Guidelines (dated July 1, 2009) specify that homeowners cannot install the upgrades themselves since part of the reason for the program is to stimulate jobs for the construction industry and hopefully also stimulate the nation’s economy. However, homeowners can choose an installer from any of the government approved and accredited installers associated with this program. A list of approved installers is available at the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage, and the Arts website online. Just look for the Department’s Installer Provider Register. If you prefer, you can call the Department directly via their toll free hotline at 1-800-808-571.

Homeowners are encouraged to contact multiple installers to get estimates for the completion of the work prior to scheduling a contractor to come in so they can get the best pricing. But if they prefer, they can also use the national hotline to arrange for the installation directly.

The installers on the list must agree to having their work checked for quality by government authorities and promising to repair any deficiencies found before they will be accepted as installers for this program. This prerequisite helps ensure customer satisfaction and high standards for any installations completed in conjunction with this program.

The Energy Efficient Homes Package program is set to run from July 1 through December, 2011. However, there is a program provision that allows homeowners to get these upgrades made prior to July 1 so they can begin to realize immediate energy savings and still get the rebate. Detailed information is available on the website.

If homeowners decide to get the upgrades prior to July 1, 2011, and the list of installers is not yet complete or available, they should check to be sure any person installing any thermal insulation is trained and certified to install this product according to Australian Standard AS 3999-1992. This will help protect against installations by unethical or unscrupulous contractors, inept installers, or the installation of defective or substandard products.

They should also note that random installations that occur both after and prior to the July 1, 2011, date will be selected for thorough site inspections by government-designated assessors to ensure high quality. The homeowners will not be charged for these inspections in any way.

If for any reason a homeowner is dissatisfied with the installation performed-either due to the quality of the installation work completed or the product used-they should contact the installer directly and ask him to remedy the situation. If the problem is not satisfactorily resolved, they can also contact the fair trading department for assistance. In addition, please notify the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage, and the Arts at the toll-free number to ensure disreputable installers are identified.

Installers who fail to meet the program’s standards for installation will be evaluated and, if they fail to remedy the situation, are subject to removal from the federally approved installer list.

Be sure to download the consumer reimbursement rebate form from the Department’s website prior to any installation. Installers will need to complete the form and sign it to verify they have completed the work according to the program standards.

The Energy Efficient Homes Package program is designed to be a win-win situation for everyone-homeowners, contractors, the construction industry, and the Australian economy. In addition, this effort will conserve energy and make the nation a better place to live.

Insulation Rebates Australia will help you find an insulation installer company to quote and apply for the rebate. For more information on insulation rebates and more in Australia, visit http://www.ausreviews.com.au/insulation-installer.html