Ōtorohanga’s Aaron Milne and Maru’s Renee Parkes at Aaron’s home which has had a new heat pump installed, at no cost, by Maru Energy Trust.
A King Country News story has made a world of difference for Ōtorohanga dad Aaron Milne.
He read about Maru Energy Trust and realised his house might qualify for free heating or insulation.
So he cut the story out, stuck it on the fridge and gave Maru a phone call.
That was all it took to get Aaron’s 100-year-old home furnished with a new heat pump in time for winter.
“I rang on a Friday afternoon. Jo from Maru called me back on the Monday, asked me a few questions and got the ball rolling fast,” Aaron said. “It was really easy because Maru did all the work, no drama at all.”
The weatherboard home is thought to be one of Ōtorohanga’s original houses. It already had some ceiling and underfloor insulation, but an old and inefficient heat pump had reached the end of its life and was barely used.
Ōtorohanga’s Aaron Milne and Maru’s Renee Parkes at Aaron’s home which
has had a new heat pump installed, at no cost, by Maru Energy Trust.
Within six weeks, King Country Cool Air, with help from Kiwitown Electrical, had a new heat pump installed, transforming Aaron’s home for him and his 12-year-old son.
“It’s really good. This heat pump can really push it out and heats the whole house up really fast,” Aaron said. “We noticed the difference straight away. It’s a big difference from last winter.”
The heat pump costs were picked up by Maru. The Trust was established by The Lines Company in 2018 to help keep homes across its network warm and dry, keep people well and reduce power bills.
Since it was formed, Maru has insulated more than 1200 homes and installed close to 600 heat pumps across the network.
Aaron confirmed the King Country News story gave him the confidence to pick up the phone.
“When I read the story, it was as plain as daylight that I should do something. And I’m glad I did because the heat pump is awesome and the process was easy.”
Aaron has already encouraged others to contact Maru to see if they quality for free insulation, heating or both.
“What’s the worst that can happen? They can only say no. Just ring the number and you’ll know one way or the other.”
Maru Energy Trust team leader Renee Parkes said warming up Aaron’s home was exactly why Maru existed.
“If you own the home you’re living in, if it was built before 2008, if you have a Community Services Card or SuperGold Combo card, it’s likely we can help you out,” she said. “Give us a call on 0800 808 901 – easy.”
