With the 1 July deadline for landlords to insulate their rental properties approaching, there’s a lot to organise if the property isn't already up to scratch, says Auckland Council.
Insulation needs to be correctly installed as even small faults can compromise performance or create hazards. Auckland Council has urged landlords to their research before booking someone to install insulation at properties.
Here’s some key information to help:
How much will it cost?
Expect to pay around $18-23 a square metre to install ceiling insulation and about $19-25 a square metre for underfloor insulation.
Auckland Council would recommend getting a minimum of 2-3 quotes from different installers.
Cheapest does not always mean best - insulation is an investment and it pays off in the long run to get good quality insulation that is long-lasting.
Are there payment options available?
There are finance options available to help landlords reduce the upfront cost of insulation, such as Auckland Councils Retrofit Your Home scheme.
Some banks such as ANZ offer interest-free home loan top-ups for insulation.
Who is a qualified installer?
Use a trained professional installer who:
Where can I find qualified installers? Answer: Several places.
A reliable option is installers who work for Auckland Council’s Retrofit Your Home scheme (list found in this information pack) or the government’s Warmer Kiwi Homes programme, as they go through regular work quality audit checks.
Other trustworthy options are installers who are members of the Insulation Association of New Zealand or the Community Energy Network.
What type of insulation products do installers offer?
Generally, the choice of insulation products includes fibreglass, polyester, polystyrene, cellulose or mineral fibre and wool.
Before deciding, talk to the suppliers and find out the following about the different products:
Established businesses will have evidence-based reasons for offering specific insulation products and should be able to back up product quotes with data and building science
How do I decide on a product?
More important than the materials the insulation is made of, is the insulation's 'R value’. The R value is the effectiveness of the insulation. The higher the R-value the more heat it stops from escaping.
Landlords are required to insulate to R2.9 in the ceiling and R 1.3 underfloor according to the New Zealand Building Code levels.
More information on required R levels can be found here.
If you’re insulating, it’s worth investing in a higher R value than the required minimum, for greater warmth and wellbeing.
Can I install insulation myself?
Yes, you can. See these resources for more information:
Be aware that there need to be safety gaps between insulation and heat sources like recessed downlights, chimneys, flues or extractor fans for fire safety