Underfloor insulation

A well-insulated floor saves money on heating and gives you the comfort of warmer feet. Timber floorboards can be fitted with underfloor insulation. It is possible to install underfloor insulation yourself, but as it is not an easy job to do correctly, it is best done by professionals.

Community Energy Action is a charitable trust working on home energy efficiency. They install underfloor insulation and offer subsidised rates for households on low incomes.

The Government's Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart programme offers subsidies for homeowners to install insulation and clean heating. To see if you are eligible, visit www.energywise.govt.nz

Ground cover

For very wet soils, it can be useful to apply polythene sheeting on the ground, preferably along with underfloor insulation, to prevent moisture from entering your home. The sheeting needs to have securely-taped, well-lapped joints, using a good quality PVC tape.

Ceiling insulation

The current Building Code requires a minimum construction R value of R3.5 for the ceiling (when the schedule method is used). This is a minimum, and achieving higher R values is advised. The insulation should cover the whole ceiling, including the manhole, hallways and around the chimney. Check that the insulation is continuous – i.e. has not been dislodged by the wind or displaced by activity in the roof cavity.

Walls and windows

Around 25% of the heat lost from a house is through the walls. So if you need to re-line walls, consider putting in insulation.

Double glazing is effective but if you are discouraged by the expense, consider plastic window kits (available from Community Energy Action). The kits can be installed easily.