The inaugural Aotearoa Housing Survey by AMI Insurance and Habitat for Humanity NZ has revealed a stark reality – several hundred thousand New Zealand homes are cold, damp and expensive to heat.
“Insulation is important for any home as it keeps the heat in and energy costs down. Heat escapes through windows so it’s important to ensure windows are properly fitted and covered effectively with double-lined curtains. Curtains are a safe and affordable buffer that help keep warm air in the room to help heat your home.”
At G-Force Healthy Homes Solutions, we understand that everyone’s lifestyle and needs are different, so you can trust our professional team to provide options that are tailored to suit you, your property, and your budget.
Our specialties include providing and installing the best insulation, ventilation, and heating/cooling options for homeowners and landlords, and we’re also experts in the latest Government guidelines for healthy rental properties.
Habitat for Humanity NZ’s top three tips
- Insulation is important for any home as it keeps the heat in, makes rooms easier to heat and keeps energy costs down.
- Insulation requirements vary depending where you live in NZ – so check that the insulation you have is right for your home. You can usually find the insulation notice near a trap door that provides access to your floor or ceiling space.
- Heat escapes through windows so ensure windows are properly fitted, close properly and are covered effectively with properly fitted curtains.
- Curtains are a relatively affordable form of insulation, providing they are double lined and hung to cover the window to the floor – so they act as an effective buffer keeping warm air in the room, and cold air sitting in the space behind the curtain.
- Ventilation is important because it removes or stops condensation which prevents mould. There are several ways to have more effective ventilation.
- Have an extractor fan in kitchen and bathroom.
- Open windows and doors to let steam out and for at least 15 minutes each day to air your home out.
- Remove condensation from showers and windows daily.
- Use a dry form of heating (don’t use unflued heaters inside).
- Dry washing outside, not inside your home.
- Safety & Security is important to ensure your home is structurally sound to allow you to live safely.
- This includes being able to lock all windows and doors.
- Keep on top of repairs to prevent these from becoming critical such as repairing rotten floorboards, exterior walls and guttering.
- Keep your family safe with fire alarms installed in every bedroom, living area and hallway, and make sure the batteries are regularly checked and replaced
Get in touch with our customer service team and they can take you through the best options for you.
