New Zealand houses: A reality check.

Are you being bombarded by sales pitches and unsure about which products to choose? Our team at Sustain & Enable can offer impartial advice on your home's insulation, ventilation, mould, moisture, and heating needs. 

We understand that many homes in New Zealand suffer from issues such as dampness and mould, which can have a negative impact on the health of its occupants. By consulting with us, you can get a better understanding of the true state of your home and the best solutions available. In many cases, the interventions we suggest are cost-effective and can make a significant difference to the health and comfort of your home. Don't waste your money on unnecessary products - talk to us first!

The reality of New Zealand houses

New Zealand has some of the highest rates of asthma, respiratory illness, bronchitis, and preventable third-world diseases in the world. While our colder climate may seem like an obvious culprit, research by the University of Otago, BRANZ, and other experts have shown that the poor quality of our homes is a significant contributing factor to our poor health outcomes. In fact, countries with much colder climates have much better health outcomes due to better housing standards. 

BRANZ 2015 House Condition Survey Results

  • The World Health Organisation recommends minimum temperatures of 18 degrees Celsius overnight, or 20 degrees Celsius for vulnerable individuals such as the very young and elderly.
  • When temperatures fall below 16 degrees Celsius, breathing becomes difficult.
  • At 12 degrees Celsius, it becomes hard to pump blood around our bodies, causing permanent damage in vulnerable people such as children who may develop Rheumatic Fever.

Unfortunately, many homes in New Zealand fall below these temperature thresholds, with some measuring less than 12 degrees Celsius and many more measuring less than 16 degrees Celsius overnight. This poses a serious risk to the health and well-being of our communities.

New Zealanders are known for their resilience, but when it comes to the health of our loved ones, we can't simply toughen up and soldier on. Breathing in air that is too cold can result in serious respiratory and cardiovascular issues, which may require hospitalization. Don't wait until it's too late, reach out for help today.

Still not convinced if you need a Healthier Home Assessment? Download our Healthier Homes Brochure.


Did you know

1,600 more people die in Winter in NZ than in Summer!

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