Sydney Contracting

Sydney Contracting "The Insulation Specialist"

FAQ:

Q: Am I eligible for more than one component of the package?

A: If you are an owner-occupier, landlord or tenant you may apply for either the ceiling insulation assistance under the Home Insulation Program or the Solar Hot Water rebate, but not both.

 

Home Insulation Program

Q: What changes to this program came into effect on 2 November 2009?

A: On 1 November 2009 revised Program Guidelines for the Home Insulation Program were released.

The main changes are:

  • Insulation assistance up to a maximum of $1,200 regardless of whether the householder owns or rents the dwelling.
  • 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.


Householders

Q: Can I install the insulation myself?

A: No. To be eligible for assistance, the ceiling insulation must be installed by the owner or employee of a business that is listed on the Australian Government's Installer Provider Register.


Q: What type of insulation can I get?

A: There is a wide variety of ceiling insulation available in Australia and you will need to consider what type is most suitable for your particular circumstances. You will need to take into account such things as your geographic location, the aspect of your home, the type of roofing fixture etc.

The insulation you install must meet the relevant standards that are set out in the Home Insulation Program Guidelines. You can also visit www.yourhome.gov.au for more detailed information on insulation.


Q: What sort of insulation can I get?

A: You can choose from a wide variety of ceiling insulation as long as it meets the relevant insulation standards for your locality. For further information about standards, please visit your state or territory government website. (Information will also be available in the Program Guidelines, available from 26 February 2009 on www.environment.gov.au/energyefficiency


Q: What do I pay?

A: Nothing. The Australian Government will be responsible for paying the installer the amount (which is up to $1,200 for householders and rental/tenants).

If the cost of the installation is over $1,200, you will need to pay the installer the difference. We will assess your site before the job starts so you know how much the insulation will cost.


Q: Can I access this program for more than one property?

A: 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.


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

A: 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.


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

A: 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.


Q: Does the assistance cover both product and installation costs?

A: 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).


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

A: 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.


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

A: 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.


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

A: 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.