How to keep your cool when installing insulation

Insulation manufacturer Bradford has provided five tips so homeowners and investors who are looking to install insulation in their properties can get the best result.

If all eligible households took up the rebates offered under the Federal Government's Energy Efficient Homes Package, Australians could save close to $550 million in one year on their electricity bills, Bradford claims. Bradford marketing manager Ray Thompson says ceiling insulation could cut carbon emissions for the average household by five per cent.

However, he says consumers need to be cautious and do their research to ensure they're choosing the best product for their circumstance.

To get the best solution for the property and obtain the maximum value from the rebate, Bradford offers the following five tips:

1. Check you're getting the maximum energy efficient performing product for your home. Don't assume that's what you'll automatically be offered.

Products are rated with an 'R' value; the higher the value, the better the performance of the product for the home. "The rebate stipulates minimum R-values that must be installed dependant on where the home is located," Bradford says.

"The rebate can be claimed by the installer calculating either a 'product' or 'total' R value.

"Australian households should check which type of R value is being quoted as 'product' R values deliver a higher performing solution for the home."

2. Make sure the product you get has passed Australian standards and will perform for the life of the home. Don't take the installer's word for it.

"Look at the product brochures of the manufacturer and make sure that they state that the insulation is in compliance to Australian and New Zealand standards," Bradford says.

3. Check whether the product is non-combustible.

"Whilst always safe if installed correctly, not all products can claim this important standard," Bradford says.

"Only some products offer the added security of having passed Australian standards for non-combustible building materials. This means that they significantly reduce any fire risk to your home."

4. Correct installation is everything.

Ask questions and do your homework. "Ask how long the business has been in operation and whether they're backed by any additional training from a manufacturer," Bradford says.

5. Take your time finding the right solution; shop around.

"It's important to make sure that you explore all of your options in terms of the right product for your home prior to contacting an installer, who usually specialises in only one or two different types of insulation."