4 steps to a warmer, drier home this winter

Checklist of 4 steps for creating a healthier, more comfortable environment.

Step One: Seal it up

Most homes, even many modern ones, still rely on air leakage for ventilation. Stale air and odours leak out through gaps around doors and windows, and fresh air finds its way in to replace it.

Problem is, these gaps also allow your expensive heating to escape into the great outdoors and let in draughts.

Part of the solution is to make your home as airtight as possible by sealing up the gaps and creating an effective air and vapour barrier.

Step Two: Control your ventilation

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Plugging the gaps is only part of the solution because you still need a way to get fresh air into your home and stale air out.

The next part of the solution is a ventilation system that allows air circulation without draughts and heat wastage.

The system may include kitchen rangehoods, bathroom fans and other external venting, heat pumps, roof space venting systems such as HRV and DVS, and airconditioning.

Step Three: Insulate

Fix_It_Building_Services_Underfloor_Insulation Most of us take our insulation for granted but the fact is that the majority of New Zealand homes are either uninsulated or under-insulated. Even if you have a loft full of Pink Batts, it may not be doing its job properly.

Movement or shrinkage may have caused the Batts to no longer fit snugly, creating heat leaks. Heat may also be escaping through vents, unsealed or uninsulated pipes, attic hatches and the like. And ceiling insulation is only part of the answer.

You could be losing more heat through walls, floors, windows and external doors.

Step Four: Talk to generalists, not specialists

Unlike the ventilation, heating and insulation specialists out there, Fix It Renovations are generalists.

1. We look at the big picture - your whole home.

2. We don’t push one type of product or system - we look out for your requirements.

3. We weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of a range of products or systems - give you professional advice on the complete solution that will work best for you.