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Media Release |
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Insulation Plays Major Role in Winter Archicentre Declares June Warm-up Month
Wednesday, 02 June 2010 00:00
Archicentre, the building advisory service of the Australian Institute of Architects has declared June WARM UP MONTH by focusing on the importance of insulation in the home.
 By installing ceiling insulation, wall insulation and floor insulation home owners can save energy costs and create a comfortable environment in their home by reducing heat loss in winter, and heat-gain in summer. |
Archicentre, the largest supplier of pre-purchase housing inspections and renovation design concepts in Australia, will use June to promote the image of insulation as a product which has received a massive battering because of the Federal Government's failed Home Insulation Program. Angus Kell, ACT & NSW State Manager of Archicentre said good quality insulation installed by a professional, reputable installer provided the most important single step people can take in saving energy costs and creating a comfortable environment in their home. "Ceiling insulation, wall insulation and floor insulation is paramount to the energy-wise home experience. "Lining the roof, walls and floor can reduce heat loss in winter, and heat-gain in summer. Home owners should look beyond the major concerns over the Federal Government's failed insulation program that was rorted by unscrupulous fly by night installers. "People now apprehensive about ceiling insulation shouldn't be...they should just use a reputable installer and make themselves aware of the quality Australian made products which can be safely used when installed properly." |
Mr Kell said it is important, both environmentally and economically, to restore community confidence in the insulation industry with installers and Australian manufacturers.
Archicentre is also urging all home buyers to check if the home they are considering buying has been part of the Government Home Insulation Scheme. If so home buyers need to request an inspection report by a qualified person which lists the time it was done, the qualifications of the insulation inspector, and the details of the professional indemnity insurance policy which covers the quality of the inspection.
Mr Kell said in the case of the home owner, for peace of mind and safety, the same type of inspection by a qualified person should take place with the home owner receiving a similar report.
We would urge people to take advantage of the Government's inspection hotline on 13 17 92 to arrange a safety inspection.
Archicentre winter warming points to consider for your home
Eaves and pergolas can be precisely designed to block the summer sun, and still allow the desirable winter sunshine to penetrate.
North-side deciduous trees that shade the house during summer, allow the sun prime access once they have lost their leaves in winter.
A concrete slab, with its high thermal mass, can reap huge benefits from prolonged exposure to the winter sun, radiating warmth at night, when it's needed most.
Other important factors include:
- locating windows away from the western sun, and in some areas, the eastern sun.
- placing tight fitting pelmets over curtains and close-fitting blinds to trap air and create a layer of insulation to reduce heat loss on winter nights
- double glazed windows
Install door and window weather-seals to prevent cold air from whistling under your windows and doors.
Reversible ceiling fans are great in summer and winter. In winter they push the warmed air down to where you are sitting.
Everyone who books an Archicentre Renovation Design Concept in June receives a FREE Home Heating Audit as well.
The audit will focus on heat losses in the home and make recommendations on the best ways to reduce them.
www.archicentre.com.au
Media Enquiries:
Angus Kell, ACT & NSW State Manager Archicentre (02) 9411 1000 Mobile: 0412 565 023
Ron Smith Corporate Media Communications Archicentre Mobile: 0417 329 201