Find answers to your questions about heating and insulation
At Awarua Synergy we’re specialists in helping you tame your power bill, ensuring you capitalise on advances in technology to bring energy efficiency in your home, on your farm, or in your business, commercial, or public buildings. In this section we answer many frequently asked questions!
Insulation Questions
Home insulation acts like a thermal blanket for your house. It slows the transfer of heat in and out, keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. This translates to lower energy bills and a more comfortable living environment.
There are a few signs that your home might be under-insulated:
- High energy bills
- Drafty rooms, especially near windows and doors
- Cold floors or walls
- Inconsistent temperatures throughout the house
R-value stands for resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulation’s effectiveness. When choosing insulation, you’ll need to consider the recommended R-values for your climate zone.
The most important areas to insulate are:
- Ceiling: Up to 30-40% of heat loss can happen through an uninsulated ceiling cavity.
- Floors: Contribute to cold draughts
- Moisture barrier – raising damp is a serious probably in New Zealand, with 20-60 litres raising daily
Read our blog to find out more
Common insulation materials include:
- Fiberglass batts and rolls: Affordable and easy to install, but can lose effectiveness over time if exposed to moisture.
- Polyester: Made from recycled plastic drink bottles, great thermal performance.
- Wool: Excellent insulation made from natural wool
Insulating your property is best left to professionals, several hazards only trained professionals are aware of. If installed incorrectly this can be ineffective and cause potential moisture problems long term. Read our blog to find out more.
The insulation cost depends on the type, amount, and size of the property. It’s generally an investment that pays off in energy savings over time. You can get an estimate here, or use our quote calculator.
Yes, we have access to several government and other funded programs. Find out more here.
We can provide quotes excluding subsidies, we can also advise you of financial institutes and bank offerings, some banks have a Green Loan scheme of interest-free loans. Find out more.
Insulation generally requires minimal maintenance. However, addressing any moisture problems that could damage the insulation and lead to mold growth is important.
Heating Questions
Unlike traditional heaters that generate heat, heat pumps act like a refrigerator in reverse. They absorb heat from outside air (even cold air!) and transfer it indoors to warm your space. In the summer, they can be switched to reverse mode and act as an air conditioner, pulling heat from inside and releasing it outdoors. Read our blog to find out how to use your heat pump efficiently.
Yes, heat pumps are highly energy efficient. They can move heat more efficiently than generating it, which translates to lower energy bills compared to electric resistance heaters or gas (depending on your fuel costs).
Heat pumps are designed to work in a variety of climates. Most models function well down to freezing temperatures (around -10°C). However, efficiency can decrease as it gets colder. Some models have advanced features for colder climates, allowing them to operate in even lower temperatures.
During cold weather, your heat pump might go into a defrost cycle. This is normal and necessary to remove frost buildup from the outdoor unit that can affect efficiency. The unit will shut down briefly or blow cool air while defrosting, then resume normal heating operation.
The ideal size heat pump depends on the square footage of your home, climate, and insulation level. Our professional team can perform a heat load calculation to determine the right size for your specific needs. An oversized unit will cycle on and off more frequently, reducing efficiency, while an undersized unit won’t adequately heat.
With proper maintenance, a well-maintained heat pump can last 10 to 15 years. Regular cleaning and professional inspections can help ensure its lifespan and efficiency.
Modern heat pumps operate relatively quietly. The outdoor unit will generate some noise, but it’s typically comparable to a central air conditioner and shouldn’t be disruptive.
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your heat pump running efficiently. This includes cleaning the outdoor unit’s coils to remove debris and scheduling professional inspections every year and a half.
Yes our team have subsides available. Find out more
- Energy efficiency and lower energy bills
- Year-round comfort with heating and cooling functions (depending on the model)
- Environmentally friendly as they use less electricity than traditional heating systems
- Can potentially increase your home’s value
General Questions
All quotes include the supply and installation of the insulation and or heat pump product.
Our team will remove and dispose of all the old foil insulation
