Frequently asked questions FAQ
QUOTES
What is included in my quote?
All quotes include the supply and installation of the insulation and or heat pump product.
When removing any old foil insulation, what’s included?
Our team will remove and dispose of all the old foil insulation
INSULATION
1. What does insulation do?
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.
2. How do I know if I need more insulation?
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
3. What’s this R-value I keep hearing about?
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.
4. Where should I insulate my home?
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
5. What types of insulation are there?
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
6. Can I install insulation myself?
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.
7. How much does insulation cost?
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.
8. Are there any government incentives for insulation?
Yes, we have access to several government and other funded programs.
9. What are some if I don’t meet any criteria for subsidy or don’t want to access the subsidy?
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.
10. How do I maintain my insulation?
Insulation generally requires minimal maintenance. However, addressing any moisture problems that could damage the insulation and lead to mold growth is important.
HEAT PUMP
1. How does a heat pump work?
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.
2. Are heat pumps energy efficient?
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).
3. How cold can a heat pump operate effectively?
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.
4. Why does my heat pump seem to stop heating sometimes?
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.
5. What size heat pump do I need?
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.
6. How long does a heat pump last?
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.
7. Are heat pumps noisy?
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.
8. What maintenance does a heat pump require?
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.
9. Are there any government incentives for heat pumps?
Yes our team have subsides avalaible
10. What are some of the benefits of using a heat pump?
- 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
