Cold comfort and the cost to our health

We all benefit from living in drier, warmer, healthier homes.

It's a fact that too many New Zealand houses are colder and damper than recommended for a healthy living environment. This doesn't help in avoiding winter colds and flu.

A recent Wellington School of Medicine study confirmed cold homes impact on our health.

It looked at people with respiratory problems living in uninsulated houses and measured the effects on their health after some of those homes were insulated.

Those living in insulated houses generally felt better, took fewer days off work or school and visited their doctor less.

The study found that insulated houses were significantly warmer and drier - and used nearly 20% less energy.

It's simple. Keeping your home warm and dry means better health for your family.

Insulate for your family's health

Fiona and her 9 year old son Connor are feeling far healthier since insulating their Dunedin home and installing energy-efficient heating.

Insulation in their ceilings and floors, a heat pump, and draught strips around doors and windows have resulted in big health improvements.

"My son gets asthma, but hasn't suffered from it nearly as much since our renovations," says Fiona. "If he does get a cold, he's off school for a day or two rather than a whole week. He's generally happier and healthier. As for me, my health has been better overall too."

Fiona says she has also enjoyed having lower power bills. Her advice to anyone thinking about insulating their home is to "...just do it! It's fantastic for a dry, healthy home and better health."