Every cloud has an insulated lining

Every cloud has an insulated lining

The phenomenal rise in insulation sales this winter shows that every cloud has a silver or in this case, insulated, lining says Heather Staley Chief Executive of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA).

Pink Batts(r) manufacturer Tasman Insulation has had the most successful sales month in the company's 43 year history. Sales of hot water cylinder wraps are up 100 percent on May last year - showing that the message about the amount of electricity old cylinders waste is getting through to homeowners.

"Hot water cylinder wraps are an easy and affordable way to make savings in a home. With hot water heating accounting for up to 45 percent of a home's energy bill and old cylinder's wasting up to 40 percent of the electricity they consume, a cylinder wrap is a great place to start to reduce your power bill. The investment is repaid within one to two years," says Ms Staley.

It is estimated that there are more than 400,000 power hungry hot water cylinders in New Zealand homes - costing the home owners around $70 a year in wasted heat.

Ms Staley says sales in ceiling, wall and under floor insulation are also up with Tasman Insulation's plant running at capacity. "New Zealand's 600,000 poorly insulated homes are accountable for heat leaks costing New Zealanders around $1 million a week every year. Insulation not only stops heat leaks it also makes homes warmer, drier and, according to anecdotal evidence, healthier to live in.

"While many of the homeowners installing insulation this winter may be doing so in response to the call to save power, they have made an investment that will repay them for years to come. Short term conservation measures will drop away once the lakes fill up but efficiency measures, such as hot water cylinder wraps and ceiling and under floor insulation, make a permanent improvement to the comfort of the home," Ms Staley said.

Ms Staley said EECA is working to improve New Zealanders' energy choices. Information on insulation can be found on http://www.energywise.org.nz

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