Installing sufficient home insulation is a long term investment that conserves energy, saves you money on energy bills and increases the market value of your home. It simply makes sense to insulate but before you do, you need to consider NZ regulations, your budget and practical aspects like when is the best time to insulate.
National Building Code for Home Insulation
The installation of any products into buildings must comply with the NZ Building Code, a set of rules that specifies the minimum acceptable level of safety and performance of a building and its components. The requirements are relevant when constructing a new building or altering an existing one. If you are installing home insulation the relevant compliance document is called H1 (Energy Efficiency).
This standard outlines minimum R-values or how well home insulation contains heat. It also takes into account the different climate zones within New Zealand which are categorised according to how hot or cold these areas are. Zone 1 covers the top of the North Island from Thames/Coromandel and Franklin. Zone 2 consists of the rest of the North Island excluding the Central Plateau. Zone 3 covers the South Island and the Central Plateau. Each zone has its own minimum R-value.
To understand the minimum requirements of the code for home insulation you need to read the H1 compliance document yourself or consult an expert.
Budget and Timing for Home Insulation
Another important consideration concerns costs. You will be paying for both materials and labour. It’s best to have the insulation professionally installed so you can be sure it meets best practice and is most efficient. The added bonus of contracting professionals is that the job will be completed in the shortest possible time-frame.
A professional insulation expert will firstly conduct an energy efficiency assessment on your home. The results will show which parts of your home need insulating, what kind of material is best suited to the job and how much the whole project will cost.
The best time to install home insulation in floors, ceilings and walls is when your home is being built. However, if you are renovating, you can still install insulation but your options aren’t as varied. Insulation in existing homes can be upgraded but, unless walls are being opened, insulation can only be added to ceilings and under the floor (where accessible).
Once you’ve sorted out your budget and engaged professionals to install your home insulation, the job can be completed quickly and efficiently.
Go ahead and contact us for a free quote to take care of your home insulation.
