FAQ's About the Government Insulation Grant

Questions and answers regarding the Australian Government Home Insulation Grants initiative. Click the FAQ menu below to find answers to the most commonly asked questions about the home insulation grant:

• > Changes To The Insulation Grant Program? - Important Update
• > Do I need to get insulation quotes?
• > Can I access this program for more than one property?
• > What are the arrangements for people living in aged care facilities?
• > I live in government owned public housing. Am I eligible for the assistance?
• > Does the grant cover both product and installation costs?
• > I have the ceiling in one room insulated. Does this mean I am not eligible for assistance?
• > I own multiple rental properties, can I install insulation in more than one property?
• > I have down lights at home, is it safe to put insulation in my ceiling?

Frequently Asked Questions

Changes To The Insulation Grant Program? - Important Update

On the 1st of November 2009 the revised guidelines for the Home Insulation Grant were released.

The main changes to the home insulation grant that affect home owners are stated below:

1. Insulation assistance up to a maximum of $1,200 regardless of whether the householder owns or rents the dwelling.
   
   
2. The Program funds have been capped at $2.45 billion.

A transitional phase will apply to householders and installers who have pre-booked installations to occur between 2 November and 16 November 2009. Installers must lodge claims for quoted work completed before 16 November 2009 before 1 December 2009.

The Home Insulation Program will run until 31 December 2011 or until the funds have been fully allocated.

 

Do I need to get Insulation quotes?

From 2 December 2009 householders are required to obtain a minimum of two (2) genuinely independent written quotes before arranging installation.

It is recommended that householders seek as many quotes as necessary to satisfy themselves that they are getting the right products and services for their situation and the construction and location of their home. The quote will likely form part of the contract between the householder and the installer and the quote must be retained for audit purposes. In providing the quotes, the installers are required to undertake a physical site inspection.

 

Can I access this program for more than one property?

Provided that you meet the eligibility criteria as set out in the Program Guidelines, which you should read carefully before making any commitment, you can insulate your permanent place of residence, and if you own a holiday home and/or rental property/ies these may also be eligible for assistance.

Please note that homes built after the introduction of the mandatory thermal performance requirements under the Building Code of Australia commencing from 2003 are not eligible for the assistance.

To find out if you are eligible, please check the Home Insulation Program Guidelines.

 

What are the arrangements under the Energy Efficient Homes Package for people living in aged care facilities?

The Government is very conscious of the circumstances of people living in aged care facilities and has ensured the Energy Efficient Homes Package addresses their needs.

People living in an independent unit in a retirement village or in an aged care facility, can access either the insulation assistance of up to $1,200 under the Home Insulation Program or the Solar Hot Water Rebate of $1,600, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.

Aged care and other facilities such as bed-sits in aged care centres, full care nursing homes and hostels can apply for insulation assistance of up to $1,200 per facility under the Home Insulation Program.

 

I live in government owned public housing. Am I eligible for the assistance?

No. Whilst public housing is not covered by this Package, as it is a state and territory government responsibility, the Government has held discussions with the states and territories to address the issue of energy efficiency in public housing through the National Strategy on Energy Efficiency.

As a result, states and territories have agreed to audit the energy efficiency of their public housing stocks and to make the results of these independent audits publicly available. States and territories have further committed that subsequent to these audits, they will consider implementing cost-effective energy efficiency upgrades.

 

Does the GRANT cover both product and installation costs?

Yes. The cost of the product and the installation costs (including any materials required for the safe and proper installation such as down light covers, glue, sealants and non metal fasteners) are included in the Program up to the value of $1,200 (including GST).

 

I have the Loft in one room insulated. Does this mean I am not eligible for assistance?

No. You may still be eligible. Please check the Program Guidelines for further details. Your insulation installer will also be able to advise you on the overall R-value of any insulation currently in the ceiling space.

 

I own multiple rental properties, can I install insulation in more than one property?

Yes. If you meet the eligibility requirements of the Home Insulation Program then you can apply for the assistance for each of your rental properties. Please check the Program Guidelines.

 

I have down lights at home, is it safe to put insulation in my ceiling?

Yes. If you have down lights in your ceiling you will still be able to put insulation in your ceiling.

Installers MUST use an appropriate cover over down lights and other relevant ceiling appliances, as approved and installed in accordance with relevant Australian Standards. Where it is not possible to install a cover (e.g. due to space limitations in flat ceilings,) installers MUST still leave the minimum clearance distance required under the relevant Standards.

The content on this page has been soured directly from the official Energy Efficient Homes Package website, insuring the information provided to you by FreeInsulationGrants.com.au is accurate & as up-to-date as possible.