Are We Properly Insulated?

More than 30% of heat loss in homes occurs through un-insulated roofs, around 30% through windows and another 30% through the walls. The remaining 10% is lost through the floor, and from draughts around doors and windows.

There's no point in installing any new heating system if the heat's going to rush straight out of your house, so the first step to a warm home is to make sure it's properly insulated.

At today's prices, insulating your roof alone will burn a massive $400 off your annual power bill. That's a saving you'll notice right away.

Warm homes are healthier homes. Many older New Zealand homes come nowhere near the World Health Organisation's recommendation of maintaining an optimum temperature of 18°C. A large number don't even reach 16°C, the WHO's absolute recommended minimum.

Children and older people are particularly at risk in colder homes, with clear links seen between lower temperatures and increased rates of illness and hospital admissions.