Housing Improvements and Development
Homes now warmer and drier
- Glen and Rachael in their newly insulated home.
Upper Hutt tenants Glen and Rachael Sullivan can't believe the difference insulation has made to their home - and to their power bill. Last winter, power costs were around $500 a month. This year it's closer to $150, says Rachael.
"We haven't used the heater as much as we did this time last year, and we've not used the wood burner as much this year, which saves the family money. Insulating the home has been of great benefit to our health and has made the house a lot more warmer."
- Sally Falaniko and her young family.
New Plymouth tenant Sally Falaniko and her young family are cosy and comfortable since her home was insulated earlier this year. Sally says it's great at home now that the ceiling and floor have been insulated, and draught stops fitted. Her four kids are happy, warm and sleeping a lot better.
"I've noticed a big difference, especially with the children. Last winter both my sons suffered bronchial problems and my daughter spent time in hospital with pneumonia. I was dreading winter, because the house was always so cold, but since the house has been insulated, this winter has been the best."
Her gas heater was running constantly last winter. Now the family is keeping good health and saving heaps on the gas bill.
Sally was so grateful to the guys from the company who completed the retrofit that she gave them a beer for a job well done.
- Lerenzo and his grandfather Joseph Ihaia. A warm home has helped the little boy manage his liver disease.
In November 2006, Clendon tenant Joseph Ihaia became a grandfather. Unfortunately his new grandson Lerenzo was soon diagnosed with a rare liver disease called biliary artresia.
Joseph found that cold conditions affected baby Lerenzo, and he had to make regular visits to Starship Hospital. "The property was very cold and we didn't even have a heater. But since the house has been insulated Lerenzo is just thriving and you'd never know he has this rare disease."
Joseph says that since insulation and carpet was installed in January, the trips to Starship have virtually stopped -apart from when Lerenzo has scheduled appointments.
Joseph says he's happy with the condition of the house and appreciative of the work done to insulate it. He says, "I can think, for once."
Caption: Lerenzo and his grandfather Joseph Ihaia. A warm home has helped the little boy manage his liver disease.
