Insulation on offer
Temperatures in Taupo are dropping as winter takes its icy grip – likely a chilly reminder for those living in older houses.
The Building Act 2004 requires new houses to be fitted with insulation. Many older baches, holiday houses and homes will be hollow in the walls, and not insulated. They can be retrofitted to include it though.
In most cases, ceiling, under-floor and interior wall insulation can be installed by someone with a bit of DIY experience; otherwise a professional installer can be arranged.
However, retrofitting of insulation into exterior walls of existing houses cannot be done by any DIY handyman – a Licensed Building Practitioner must oversee the work.
Deane Egerton – retail manager at Taupo’s Mitre10 Mega – said retrofitting insulation had grown in popularity in recent years as a means to warm up houses.
‘‘People choosing insulation are looking at the health benefits and cost savings from warmer and drier homes.’’
He said he noticed the change overnight after insulating his own home.
‘‘It takes the chill off – I woke up and the house was all nice and warm,’’ he said.
Egerton said Mitre 10 had a promotion for the coming winter called ‘‘Warm homes start here’’ which involved both a 30 per cent discount and delayed payment.
‘‘We’ve got 30 per cent off both Pink Batts and Greenstuf insulation, and 30 per cent off installation by PinkFit.’’
Egerton said the special – on offer until October 31 – applied to both under-floor and wall insulation.
It made sense to insulate now because the payment for retrofitting could be delayed, he said.
‘‘Potentially people can insulate their homes this winter and not need to make payments until January next year – no interest and no repayments,’’ he said.
Some terms and conditions applied, and installation needed to be done by PinkFit installers, he said.
The Mitre10 Mega had a large range of woodfire, gas, and electric heating products too, he said.
‘‘In order to install a fireplace in town, it must be clean air approved. But we also sell fireplaces specific to rural areas.’’
Egerton said queries could be answered by his staff – some of whom have more than 20 years experience in the industry.
‘‘They are very familiar with council requirements and what the latest products are,’’ he said.