Good news for New Zealanders this winter as the Government continues to provide funding towards home insulation installation. The Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart programme started in 2009 and was succeeded by the Warm Up New Zealand: Healthy Homes programme in 2013. Both of the programmes coincided with the change in the Residential Tenancy act which now states that all rental properties must have appropriate ceiling and underfloor insulation by 1st July 2019.
Over 200,000 homes have been insulated since 2009 and the programmes are considered an overwhelming success. The health benefits have been substantial and there has already been a significant reduction in deaths, particularly in over 65’s who have a pre-existing respiratory or circulatory condition. The number of asthma sufferers being admitted to hospital has also decreased. Studies also found that the health benefits were more pronounced for lower-income households, which was why the WUNZ: Healthy Homes programme focused particularly on low-income tenants.
Interestingly enough, energy consumption has not decreased significantly with improved insulation as first predicted. It appears that the message about keeping warm in winter is being received by the population and that people are beginning to heat more than just their living rooms. This comes at no extra cost to the householders, who appear to be happier turning on their heaters, confident that the heat will actually stay in their houses.
Paul van Oord is director of Pricewise Insulation: “This has been a great step towards a warmer, healthier and happier New Zealand. Locals have been living in damp and cold houses for as long as they can remember, without realising the impact that it’s having on their health and well-being.” Mr van Oord urges home owners and landlords who still haven’t insulated their homes to get on board. “Some people have this idea that insulation is purely about comfort. The truth is, being warm and dry is essential to good health. Yet we know that there are still people out there living in housing that is detrimental to their health.”
The Warm Up New Zealand: Healthy Homes funding is still available for rental properties built before 2000 and occupied by low income tenants. Visit www.energywise.govt.nz to see if you are eligible.
About Pricewise Insulation:
Pricewise Insulation sells their products through New Zealand, providing a quick delivery service. Their popular brands include Knauf Earthwool, GreenStuf and Bradford Gold.
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Company Name: Pricewise Insulation
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Phone: 0800 697 742
Address:Welcome Bay
City: Tauranga
State: Bay of Plenty
Country: New Zealand
Website: https://pricewiseinsulation.co.nz
