Is your home cold?
One out of three New Zealand homes are too cold and damp, according to a recent study.
Somebody sent us this video to illustrate that even as far north as Auckland, many homes are cold, damp, draughty and suffer from condensation on windows. That can lead to mould, not to mention respiratory and cardiovascular problems.
Here’s where the problem comes from. Traditionally, New Zealand homes haven’t been built for our weather. It wasn’t until 1979 that you needed any insulation under regulation in a new home at all. And it took another 29 years for truly adequate insulation and heating to start becoming mandatory.
So if your home was built before 2008, and hasn’t been upgraded since, chances are that it doesn’t meet minimum standards and your family’s need for a warm, dry, healthy home.
What are the minimum standards?
Well, they vary from region to region depending on the climate. But many homeowners seem to believe that the warmer the climate, the less the need for insulation. They forget that there’s a need to keep heat out as well as in. If you’ve ever been in a tent and tried to sleep in on a hot summer’s morning, you’ll know what I mean.
The World Health Organisation recommends that homes should be kept at a consistent temperature of around 20oC, summer and winter. The minimum temperature for comfort and health is 18oC.
There is a simple solution, but it may not be what you think.
I’ll just chuck a few Pink Batts up in the ceiling.
If you don't already have adequate insulation in your ceiling cavity, that’s going to be better than nothing. But given that you lose only 25% of your heating that way, it’s only a partial fix. And if you have vents or other 'leaks' in your ceiling, more insulation isn't going to stop all that heat loss anyway.
I'll buy more heaters and a dehumidifier.
Again, these are quick fixes that only address part of the problem if you have a cold, damp home. They are only effective in the room they are placed in, and their running costs can be more over time than the cost to fix the problem for good!
What you really need is a ‘whole home’ solution.
Prevention is always better than cure – and generally less expensive. To ensure your whole home is as warm, dry, comfortable and healthy as it should be for your whole family, your local Pzazz Building owner can offer expert advice on the best ways to fix the causes – not the symptoms – of your problems.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Start with a
free In Home Consultation.
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