Energy Audits & Efficiency Upgrades
Your power bill is high, but you’re not sure why. Or your heat pump isn’t performing the way it did when you first bought it. Varcoe conducts thorough energy audits and recommends efficiency upgrades that actually reduce your costs.
- Free quote
- No obligation
- NZ-certified installers
What You Get With Energy Audit & Upgrades
- Professional energy assessment of your entire home
- Identification of heating/cooling inefficiencies
- Clear recommendations for improvement
- Cost-benefit analysis for each upgrade
- Implementation plan with realistic timeline
- Post-upgrade performance verification
- Ongoing monitoring to ensure savings
Common Energy Efficiency Issues
Poor Insulation
- Heat loss through walls, ceilings, underfloor
- Drafts from doors and windows
- Impact: 30-50% energy waste in poorly insulated homes
- Solution: Insulation upgrade + heat pump optimization
- Cost: $2,000-$8,000 depending on scope
- Payback: 3-7 years through energy savings
Inefficient Heating/Cooling Systems
- Old electric heaters (100% inefficient)
- Portable air conditioning units (energy hogs)
- Outdated split systems (30% less efficient than modern)
- Impact: 50-100% higher energy costs
- Solution: Modern heat pump installation
- Cost: $2,500-$15,000+
- Payback: 4-7 years
Poor Heat Pump Performance
- Dirty filters reducing efficiency 10-15%
- Low refrigerant charge (leak)
- Wrong system size for space
- Poor placement or airflow issues
- Impact: 20-30% higher operating costs
- Solution: Maintenance, repair, or replacement
- Cost: $200-$2,000 depending on issue
Inadequate Ventilation
- Moisture buildup forcing dehumidifier operation
- Heat pump working overtime
- Windows constantly fogging
- Impact: 15-25% energy waste
- Solution: Ventilation system installation
- Cost: $2,000-$4,000
- Payback: 3-5 years
Uncontrolled Temperature Settings
- Heating/cooling when home is empty
- No programmable thermostat
- All rooms heated/cooled equally
- Impact: 20-30% unnecessary usage
- Solution: Smart controls, zone management
- Cost: $500-$2,000
- Payback: 1-2 years
Energy Audit Process
Initial Assessment
We visit your home and walk through every area. We check current heating/cooling systems, insulation quality, ventilation, windows/doors, thermostat setup, and power bill history. We ask about comfort issues and usage patterns.
Detailed Analysis
We calculate heating/cooling loads for your home. We identify energy losses. We model different upgrade scenarios. We estimate energy cost reduction for each option. We provide written report with findings and recommendations.
Upgrade Planning
We prioritize improvements by impact and cost. We explain which upgrades deliver fastest payback. We discuss phased approaches (do some now, some later). We provide transparent pricing for each recommendation.
Implementation
We coordinate installation of approved upgrades. This might include heat pump repairs, system optimization, insulation upgrades, ventilation installation, or thermostat upgrades. We manage the entire process.
Performance Verification
After upgrades, we verify system performance. We confirm energy reduction is achieved. We help you understand your new power bills. We provide maintenance recommendations to sustain savings.
Total timeline
2-4 weeks from initial audit to completion of upgrades (depends on scope).
Energy Audit & Upgrade Comparison
| Upgrade Type | Investment | Annual Savings | Payback Period |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Insulation upgrade |
$3,000-$8,000
|
$500-$1,500 |
3-7 years |
|
Heat pump installation |
$2,500-$15,000+ |
$600-$3,000 |
4-7 years |
|
System optimization |
$200-$1,000 |
$300-$800 |
6 months-2 years |
|
Ventilation system |
$2,000-$4,000 |
$300-$800 |
3-5 years |
|
Smart thermostat |
$500-$2,000 |
$200-$600 |
2-4 years |
|
All upgrades combined |
$8,000-$30,000 |
$2,000-$6,000 |
3-5 years |
What to Expect: Costs & Savings
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
|
Initial audit |
$200-$400 (sometimes waived with upgrades)
|
|
Audit report |
Written recommendations with cost-benefit
|
|
Typical investment |
$3,000-$15,000 depending on upgrades chosen |
|
Typical annual savings |
$1,000-$4,000 (30-60% reduction) |
|
Payback period |
3-7 years typically
|
|
Savings continue |
15-20 years or more
|
Why Choose Varcoe for Servicing
- 50+ years energy efficiency expertise
- Professional auditors trained in home energy analysis
- Access to all upgrade solutions (insulation, heat pumps, ventilation, controls)
- Full implementation capability (not just recommendations)
- Performance verification after upgrades
- Maintenance programs to sustain savings
- Warmer Kiwi Homes funding expertise
Special Offer: Warmer Kiwi Homes Funding
Government funding available for eligible homes (up to 80% of heat pump costs covered, capped at $3,450) via the Warmer Kiwi Homes initiative. Our audit helps identify which upgrades qualify. We handle all paperwork.
Check your Warmer Kiwi Homes eligibility
FAQ: Energy Audits & Efficiency Upgrades
Assessment of insulation, heating/cooling systems, ventilation, windows/doors, thermostat settings, power usage patterns. We identify inefficiencies and recommend improvements with cost-benefit analysis.
Depends on current efficiency and which upgrades you implement. Typical range is 30-60% reduction in heating/cooling costs. A full audit estimates your specific potential.
Phasing is smart. Prioritize by payback period (fast payback items first). Many people do heat pump first (largest savings), then insulation, then controls. We help plan the sequence.
Start with upgrades that have fastest payback (usually heat pump or system optimization). Then layer in others as budget allows. Even partial upgrades reduce costs significantly.
We verify performance after installation. Your power bills will show clear reduction. We provide baseline vs. post-upgrade comparison. Continued monitoring ensures sustained savings.
Yes. Warmer Kiwi Homes provides heat pump funding for eligible homes. Some local councils offer insulation rebates. Our audit identifies which upgrades qualify.
Usually 1-2 hours for a thorough home assessment. We provide written report with recommendations within a few days.
Ready to Cut Your Energy Costs?
High power bills are often a sign of inefficiency, not high usage. An energy audit identifies exactly where you’re wasting money. Upgrades pay for themselves through savings.
Get your free energy audit with Varcoe. We’ll assess your home, identify inefficiencies, and create a cost-benefit plan for improvement.
Get in Touch
- 21 Elliot St, Papakura, Auckland
- FREE PHONE: 0988 743 35
- +64 (09) 298 3725
- info@varcoe.co.nz