Is your home as green as it could be?

  • Posted on April 28, 2023
  • /Under General

Many homeowners are increasingly concerned about climate change and are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and improve the energy efficiency of their homes. One of the best ways to achieve this is by investing in green energy home improvements such as energy-efficient heat pumps and solar panels.

However, the cost of these upgrades can be high, which is why financing options are essential. Let’s look at some ways to improve the energy efficiency of your home.

Energy-Efficient Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are an excellent alternative to traditional heating and cooling systems as they use less energy to operate. They work by transferring heat from one location (such as outside) to another instead of generating heat from scratch.

Heat pumps come in different types, but they all share the benefit of being more energy-efficient than traditional heating and cooling systems.

Financing Options for Heat Pumps

There are several financing options available to New Zealand homeowners looking to install energy-efficient heat pumps. The most common options include:

  • Home Energy Efficiency Loans: These loans are offered by some banks and finance companies specifically for the purpose of funding energy-efficient home improvements such as heat pumps. The loans are unsecured and have a fixed interest rate and a repayment term of up to five years.
  • Personal Loans: Personal loans are another popular financing option for energy-efficient heat pumps. These loans can be obtained from banks, credit unions, or online lenders. They usually have a fixed interest rate and a repayment term of up to five years.

Solar Panels

Solar panels are another popular green energy home improvement. They work by converting sunlight into electricity, which can be used to power your home. Solar panels are becoming more affordable, but they still require a significant upfront investment. However, the benefits of installing solar panels can be significant, including reduced energy bills and increased home value.

Financing Options for Solar Panels

There are several financing options available to New Zealand homeowners looking to install solar panels. The most common options include:

  • Solar Loans: Solar loans are similar to personal loans, but they are specifically designed for homeowners looking to install solar panels. These loans usually have a longer repayment term of up to 10 years, and the interest rates can be fixed or variable.
  • Community Solar: Community solar projects allow homeowners to buy a share in a larger solar panel system, which is usually installed on a community building or on a large property. This option is ideal for homeowners who do not have suitable roof space for solar panels or who do not want to undertake the upfront costs of a full installation.

An Upfront cost provides long terms savings

Investing in green energy home improvements such as energy-efficient heat pumps and solar panels is an excellent way for New Zealand homeowners to reduce their carbon footprint and save on energy costs.

However, the upfront cost of sustainable energy home improvements can be significant, which is why it’s important to refer to well-informed finance guides where possible. By exploring the financing options outlined in this article, homeowners can find the right option that meets their financial needs and enables them to make the right decision for the long term.