A warm, dry home is not a luxury. It’s something every Kiwi whānau deserves. But when it comes to insulation myths for Kiwi families, there’s still a lot of confusion. Many households miss out on free or low-cost upgrades because they believe things that simply aren’t true. Let’s bust the most common ones.
Myth 1: “I only need ceiling insulation”
Yes, ceiling insulation is important. Heat rises, so it’s the first place to start.
But that’s not the full story.
A huge amount of heat escapes through your walls and floors too. If you ignore those, you’re still losing warmth.
Think of your home like a chilly bin. The lid matters, but so do the sides and base.
Myth 2: “It’s too expensive”
Good news: it might cost you nothing.
At WISE, we can often insulate your home for free.
If you’re a homeowner, you might qualify for the EECA Warmer Kiwi Homes grant. This government programme helps low-income households cover most of the insulation cost. Thanks to our funders, WISE can often cover the rest. Making it 100% free for you.
Plus, insulation pays for itself. A warmer home means less heating needed, smaller power bills, and better health.
That’s money back in your pocket every winter.
Myth 3: “It’s only for winter”
Insulation keeps you warm in winter. True. But it also helps keep your home cooler in summer.
It works both ways by controlling the flow of heat. That means year-round comfort, and fewer days feeling like you live in a sauna.
Myth 4: “It’s messy and disruptive”
Modern insulation installs are quick, clean, and safe. In many cases, we can get it done in a day.
No need to rip your home apart. We use techniques and materials designed for Kiwi houses, and we clean up after ourselves.
Myth 5: “I’ll do it myself”
DIY insulation can be risky.
If it’s not installed properly, you’ll miss out on the full benefits. Worse, you could damage wiring or leave gaps that let the heat out.
Professional installers know the standards and how to get the best results for your home.
Myth 6: “My home’s already insulated, so I’m all good”
Not always true.
If your insulation was done years ago, it might not meet today’s standards.
Some older products, like Insul-fluf, don’t perform well anymore. And old foil underfloor insulation is now considered inadequate, and unsafe to repair yourself.
Even if your home is insulated, it may need a top-up or replacement to keep it warm, dry, and healthy.
The bottom line:
Insulation isn’t just about comfort. It’s about keeping your whānau healthy, lowering your power bills, and protecting your home.
Many Kiwi families miss out because they believe these myths. Don’t be one of them.
