Community & Business
22 June, 2024
Insulation could be key to saving energy costs
COLD nights and mornings are upon us now and with energy costs rising, householders looking for a way to reduce that bill should turn their attention to the benefits of insulation.
As Australians contend with rising home prices, the significant surge in gas and electricity costs, which far outstrips inflation, highlights energy-efficient homes as a crucial solution for keeping costs down.
Building or renovating your home with the right insulation isn’t just about comfort – it’s about creating a sustainable future and saving on energy bills, no matter the season.
Insulation acts to slow down heat flow and is essential for regulating the temperature between inside and outside. It’s typically installed in walls, ceilings and floors.
Older Australian homes often lack adequate insulation, making them extremely hot in summer. As a result, improving even the most accessible roof and ceiling insulation can help minimise heat loss, which in turn reduces the need to rely on appliances, potentially saving up to 45% on heating and cooling costs.
Homeowners embarking on new builds should proactively discuss with their builder what type of insulation will be installed in the walls and whether it is considered standard or an upgrade.
This initial decision is crucial as retrofitting wall insulation in these newly constructed homes is not feasible later during renovations, especially due to structural limitations.
For existing homes, opting for roof and ceiling insulation remains an effective alternative to enhance thermal efficiency.
It’s important for homeowners to confirm the insulation type during the planning phase to ensure their new home reaches the right level of comfort and energy efficiency from the start.
As of October 2023, Australia’s National Construction Code mandates a 7-Star energy efficiency requirement for new homes to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
This standard ensures that modern homes are built to a higher energy efficiency target. The implementation timeline and specific requirements vary by state and territory, affecting local building and renovation practices.
In Queensland, from 1 May 2024, the 7-Star energy efficiency standard started across new home construction.
This upgrade will enhance the energy efficiency of the building shell and include considerations for the energy consumption of household appliances for the first time.
It’s crucial for those building or renovating to focus on features like optimal house orientation and high-performing insulation, which are key to maximising comfort and achieving energy savings.
The new standards not only contribute to make homes more comfortable and reduce living costs but also aim to lower emissions, providing a net benefit to the community and aligning with Queensland’s commitment to a sustainable future.
One easy way to ensure that your home is built or renovated to meet new standards is by checking local regulations or speaking to your builder, who can also advise accordingly.
Upfront costs for quality insulation may be slightly higher but the long-term savings on energy bills and increased home comfort are invaluable investments.
Comfort comes in many forms and there are different ways to insulate your home. By choosing insulation products, we can achieve significant strides in sustainability and environmental conservation.
These efforts not only benefit individual households but also contribute to broader initiatives aimed at combating climate change.
