Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to get my ceiling AND underfloor insulated at the same time?

Energywise™ funding is only available to bring the insulation in your home up to NZ Building Code standard for both ceiling and underfloor insulation. If you already have, for example, ceiling insulation which has been installed correctly then you will only need underfloor insulation and this will be subsidised.

Who will I be dealing with?

This offer is brought to you by Bunnings. We're working in partnership with the best in the industry to deliver this outstanding offer:

  • The Insulation Company manages the coordination of customers, product and installers. This is who you will be dealing with. They will also look after the subsidy for your insulation and clean heating.
  • Autex Industries Ltd is the manufacturer of GreenStuf® polyester insulation that will be used to insulate your home. Autex are also the accredited EECA Service Provider.
  • Hire a Hubby is our preferred contract installer. They are professionally trained and will come to your home and conduct the free insulation assessment, and later install your new insulation.

How do I pay?

Payment must be made to The Insulation Company in advance of your install. There are a variety of ways to pay:

  • Credit card - we accept all major credit cards with the exception of American Express and Diners
  • Finance is available (Conditions Apply)
  • Personal or Bank Cheque

What is EECA?

EECA (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority) is a Government organisation set up to encourage, support and promote energy efficiency in New Zealand.

In July 2009 it launched the "Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart" programme which aims to enhance energy efficiency in over 180,000 NZ homes built before 1st January 2000 by providing funding to improve both ceiling and underfloor insulation. EECA also provides some funding towards "clean" efficient heating.

What is Polyester?

Polyester is a synthetic fibre. It is made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the same material used to make plastic drink bottles. Many drink bottles are recycled and re-processed into polyester fibres, which in addition to being an efficient re-use of plastics, also helps keep polymers out of landfills. As consumers, we must choose to recycle and re-use our plastics, not simply landfill them.

Autex takes its responsibilities for resource use seriously. We are using more and more already recycled polyester fibres (polyester that has already had a previous life as PET plastic). Our GreenStuf® products contain a minimum of 45% already recycled fibre.

Are there any chemicals used in the manufacture?

No, all GreenStuf® polyester insulation products are made from only 100% polyester fibres. We use heat to weld the fibres together to form the structure of our insulation materials. This process is known as "thermal bonding" of fibres. Polyester fibre is naturally fire, insect and vermin resistant so no chemical retardants are needed or used. We take this fact very seriously. The use of chemicals is important for us as consumers because unknown exposure can pose serious health risks. Some brands of the more common "fibreglass" insulation materials still use formaldehyde based binders in their manufacture. Formaldehyde is a known and classified human carcinogen.

What is an "R-Value"?

The R-Value of an insulation material is the industry accepted measure of a product's thermal performance. The higher the R-Value the better the insulation will perform. The test method for determining a product's R-Value is the same for all bulk-fibre insulation materials (i.e. polyester, wool blends and fibreglass) allowing you to compare products on an "apples for apples" basis. R-Value performance is based on a product's ability to reduce heat flow. So a higher R-Rated insulation product will keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

Can I install insulation myself?

Installing GreenStuf® insulation is relatively easy. There is no itching and scratching that is often associated with fibreglass products but the Energywise™ funding is not available unless the insulation is professionally installed by an "Approved Partner". Your GreenStuf® insulation will be professionally installed by your local Hire-a-Hubby.