I found a really intereting article in a 'Home' magazine here today whilst in the waiting room at the solicitors. I hope they don't mind the fact that I ripped the page out so that I could relay some of it you you guys.
The following kind of puts paid to all that 'tough Kiwi - get use to it' attitude.
Is your home making you sick?
Too many New Zealand homes are damp and cold, leading to colds, flu and perhaps worst of all, aggrivated asthma. Mildew and dampness occur in nearly half our homes, and we have colder houses than many other countries. We have one of the highest rates of asthma and other respiratory illnesses in the world.
A recent study undertaken by the Housing and Health research programme, involving people with respiratory problems in over 1400 homes, showed significant benefits for both adults and children whose homes were insulated half way through the study versus those that were not. The same study also reported drier, warmer homes, improved energy efficiency, health, well-being and less visible mould.
A healthy home is dry:
Even in cold parts of the country New Zealand has a humid climate, so managing the moisture content within the home is important. This starts with keeping the damp out and reducing the amount of moisture we create around the home. You'll notice improvement, with fewer musty smells and feelings of dampness. Here's how to keep damp out and create a drier environment.
Check for leaks from guttering, plumbing etc and repair them.
Plant away from the walls of the house to allow air movement and to use the sun's free heat.
Make sure air can circulate freely under the house.
Ensure adequate drainage around your home.
FACT. Dry air is easier and cheaper to heat !!
Short showers with ventilation are better than a long soak in the bath.
If building a new home, consider installing double glazing.
Make sure no moisture is venting into the ceiling.
Air the house at least once a week.
Put lids on cooking pots.
Dry your clothes outside.
FACT. A healthy home is warm !!
Every type of heating has a cost, so it is important to choose heating that is both healthy and efficient. For greater savings, choose heaters with smart electronic timers and thermostats. For the healthiest heating, avoid heaters that give off large amounts of moisture.
FACT. Mildew and dampness occurs in almost half of all New Zealand homes.
FACT. the average temperature inside many New Zealand houses is well below that recommended by the World Heath Organistaion.
FACT. Up to 15% of the population is allergic to moulds, spores and their toxic by-products that grown in most New Zealand households. The allergies manifest in asthma, headaches, eczema and sneezing fits.
.....................and so it goes on .......................
If I stay in this country until the day I die I'll NEVER get my head around the housing. Thankfully the people who sold us our house had a modicum of sense and insulated it throughout, installed warm air heating and it's properly ventilated. I wouldn't have looked twice if that hadn't been the case.
All this 'Clean Green New Zealand' twaddle kinds of flies out of the single glazed, metal framed, ill fitting window when it comes to energy efficiency in the home.
There are so many wonderful things about this country, but sadly their housing isn't one of them. It's just plain stupid !!!!!
Diny