Plan for a warm, healthy home
Renovating? Don't overlook good insulation
Insulation is key to a healthy home
Insulation in ceilings, walls and subfloor spaces is one of the most important steps you can take to improve your home’s heat retention. It reduces heat loss, minimises condensation and makes heating far more efficient by forming a barrier between the interior and the outside world.
Even insulating just the ceilings and walls can lead to noticeable improvements in comfort and energy savings. While the Building Code sets minimum insulation standards for new builds and additions, it’s worth going beyond these for even better performance and lower power bills long term.
Planning for warmth
When planning your renovation, don’t wait until the end to think about heating. Prioritising warmth and energy efficiency early on is far more cost-effective and will save you from disruption and extra costs down the line.
Your home’s ability to generate and retain heat plays a huge role in your family’s comfort and wellbeing, especially during the cold, damp New Zealand winter
It's estimated that 1.6 million Kiwi homes perform poorly when it comes to warmth, dampness and mould. Many of these homes were built between 1950 and 1990, so if you're renovating, there's a good chance your house falls into this category. Now’s the time to ensure your renovation leaves you with a warmer, drier and healthier home.
Don't forget your windows
Once your insulation is sorted, the next biggest source of heat loss is through glazed areas i.e. windows, skylights and glass doors. Consider upgrading to double-glazed joinery or retrofitting double-glazing to your existing windows.
A double-glazed window uses two panes, separated by a gap, which is filled with air or an insulating gas such as argon. Low-E (low-emissivity) and tinted glass can also be included in these retrofit options.
A warmer home for years to come
A little extra planning during your renovation can go a long way towards a healthier home for your family. By making smart choices about insulation and glazing now, you’ll enjoy a warmer, drier home and lower power bills for years to come.
