"Well-installed insulation and efficient heaters make a home warmer, drier and healthier, which means fewer visits to the doctor or hospital, and more comfortable homes."
A well-insulated home was also cheaper to heat, Thompson said.
The grants were available to those with a Community Services Card or people who live in an identified lower-income area, he said.
Tauranga Community Housing Trust acting manager John Gibson said the trust promoted these subsidies to clients through its BOP Healthy Homes programme.
"We refer families who are eligible to approved providers of insulation and heating.
"Where applicable we support the installation and access to appropriate other subsidies attached to the programme, which lowers the cost even further for low-income families.
Gibson said those who had accessed these subsidies had definitely benefited from having warmer homes.
Age Concern Tauranga's general manager Tanya Smith said the organisation had been promoting the scheme to members in a recent newsletter.
"This is a wonderful opportunity for people to help themselves to make their homes warmer and drier, and more comfortable to live in, and less expensive to heat."
Warmer Kiwi Homes grants in the Bay of Plenty region
(in the 12 months to June 30, 2019)
• 156 households in Tauranga City
• 64 in the Western Bay of Plenty District
• 616 grants paid out in the Bay of Plenty region totalling $1,110,838
Source: EECA
Other top energy-wise warmer homes tips
• Draw curtains at dusk to keep the day's heat in
• DIY window insulation kits from hardware stores and online shops cost a fraction of the price of double-glazing
• If you own a dehumidifier run it when heating a room to warm the room up faster
• If you run a heat pump, clean the filters regularly. Heat pumps clogged with dirt and dust don't run efficiently
• Stop draughts by making sure windows and doors fit their frames
• Use draught-stopping tape and make or buy door snakes to keep cold draughts from sneaking under doors
Source: EECA
