Thinking of emigrating to the Gold Coast?

There will always be times when we need to weigh up the pros and cons of a decision: trade in the old car or hold on to it until it breaks down? Stay at home with the kids or work to pay for their daycare? Fork out money up front to insulate your house properly, or pay for the lost heat through your monthly power bill? Ride out another Canterbury winter or emigrate to the Gold Coast?

They bred them tough in the old days.

Houses that were built last century – in particular those erected prior to 1978 before insulation requirements came into force – are notoriously unpleasant to live in during the peak of the Canterbury winter. There will be many of us over the age of 40 who recall olive oil freezing in jars in our kitchens, unbearably cold bathroom floors as we brushed our teeth in the mornings, and ice forming on the inside of our bedroom windows overnight!

Even homes that were built after 1978 would struggle to hold a candle to the hermetically-sealed constructions that abound today, as they were often poorly insulated, with empty roof cavities and single glazed windows. A warm, dry home is better for the environment, better for your health, and better for your wallet, so what are the best ways to reduce heat loss in your older residence without breaking the bank?

• Ensure your curtains are thermal backed and cover the entirety of the window, no gaps!
• Cover bare floors with good quality rugs.
• Block any drafts under doors with a draft-stopper, rolled up towel, or even a pool noodle sliced to fit.
• Consider installing plastic film or bubble wrap on your windows – a cheap alternative to double glazing.
• Open your curtains and windows on blue sky days and let the sun work its magic.
• Think long and hard about gas heaters, as the aim is to reduce condensation. For the same reason, always use your extractor fan when cooking, and try not to dry clothes inside.
• Install a heat pump if finances permit, or invest in a heater with a thermostat.
• If a room is not in use, keep the door closed.
• Insulate your ceiling cavity with either Pink Batts or wool. With up to 50% of warm air escaping through your ceiling, this is a cost-effective way to reduce your power bill.

Shall we count the ways?

Your home can potentially be losing heat in four ways:

Roof – up to 50%
Floor – around 10%
Windows – 15 to 25%
Walls -30 to 35%

Older homes in New Zealand are notoriously under-insulated, and often it’s not until we walk into a brand new building that we realise just how cold and draughty our own house is. There are a number of ways you can retrofit insulation into an old home to make it more comfortable to live in and reduce your power bill each month:

Wall insulation – your insulation specialist will drill small holes in your walls, either inside or outside, and blow insulation fibres into the wall cavity.

• Pros – lasts a lifetime, no maintenance required.
• Cons – May require building consent to insulate with water-repellent fibres. This method is not suitable for every home.

Underfloor insulation – blanket installation can be installed under the floor of homes that are built on piles or wooden frames.

• Pros – can significantly reduce heat loss. Helps to reduce noise.
• Cons – unless it’s mineral wool it will need replacing at some point, must be installed correctly to avoid gaps.

Window insulation – double glazing consists of two panes of glass separated by air. It can be retrofitted to most old houses and will significantly reduce heat loss through your windows.

• Pros – will reduce condensation and heat loss.
• Cons – can be very expensive to retrofit in older homes.

Roof insulation – Pink Batts, wool, or a similar product will be laid above your ceilings between the rafters.

• Pros – the majority of heat loss occurs through your roof, so great value for money. Cheap and quick to install.
• Cons – will need to be replaced every 15-20 years.

If roof insulation is something you might be interested in, give Iain and the team at DCM Roofing a call on 027445 5597 today and have a chat. We promise it will be cheaper than a family trip to the Goldie!