Did you know that by installing ceiling insulation and solar hot water system, you can cut your power bill by $200 - $700 a year? That’s exactly right, and here is the best part - you won’t need to pay a dime for the insulation or the hot water system.

Many of us, and I guess there is nothing wrong with admitting it, care about our family budgets first and about the environment second. Bearing that in mind, our government came up with Homeowner Insulation Program.

A lot of Aussie homes were built a while ago, when ceiling insulation wasn’t a standard and when nobody knew the term “global warming”. Simply put, if your home is hot in summer and cold in winter, ceiling insulation is the most effective and cheapest solution. It is so effective that you can save 40% on your heating and cooling bills.

From the 1st of July homeowners can have their ceilings insulated for free, courtesy of Australian government. By participating in so-called Homeowner Insulation Program, you can get assistance for up to $1600, without having to pay anything out of your pocket. An estimated average cost of insulating a house is $1200, which means that you can be reasonably sure you won’t have to pay anything.

Here is how to arrange an installation:

1. Visit this website and make sure you’re eligible.

2. Ring 1800 808 571 to find an installer(s).

3. Contact the installer to get a quote. Better yet, speak to more than just one.

4. Choose the best offer and arrange for the installation.

If the total cost doesn’t exceed $1600 - no out of pocket expenses for you. The installer will finish the work, you will sign a Work Order form and they will get paid by the government.

What if I am just renting, you say, do I miss on an opportunity to pay lower energy bills? No worries at all, there is a solution for tenants and they too can get the house insulated. The amount renters get to insulate their homes is less, a $1000 only - but if you’re lucky and the house is not too big, it might just be enough.

The process of arranging an installation for tenants is almost the same as for homeowners, except they need to get permission from their landlord. Read this page for eligibility requirements and detailed information.

And the last but not the least - if you had your house insulated already, you can still get a rebate. If your house has been insulated between 3 February 2009 and 30 June 2009, apply for reimbursement and get a $1600 back. You would be crazy not to!

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