Our Products     

At Community Energy Action we believe we can offer you the best insulation and heating products and the best installation service your money can buy. Below we have put together some information that outlines some of the differences between us and other companies.

If you have any questions, just call us and we'll be happy to answer your queries. As a charitable trust our aim is not to make a profit from insulaton and heating but to ensure all people in our community, regardless of income, have a warm, dry and healthy home and surpluses are re-invested into our charitable programmes.

How we choose our products

We very carefully choose the products we install to make sure you get a quality product that will give you good value for money. Some other products may be less expensive to buy but will give you fewer benefits and in the end may cost you more. Insulation (and heating) is a significant investment and you want to make sure you get it right.

How you can compare insulation

Insulation comes in different insulation values (R-values). The higher the R-value the better the insulation will keep the heat in. There is a difference in the "product R-value" and the "installed R-value". The product R-value is the R-value of the product itself. The installed R-value is the product R-value and the way it is installed.

How we get you the best deal

When we provide you with a quote, you can be assured that you are quoted for insulation that meets your needs. We are not looking at getting you the absolute cheapest deal. We are looking at what you really need, nothing more, but nothing less either. If you are getting other quotes, make sure you are comparing like products with like products. Make sure you ask companies about R-values, insulation material, etc. and not just the prices so you can fairly compare quotes.

About our ceiling insulation

For our ceiling insulation we use "Pink Batts".

Some advantages of our ceiling insulation:

• We use batts with a product R-value of 4.0 (homes without insulation) and 2.4 (homes with partial insulation). Our installed R-values are in excess of 3.3 and will get you a better pay-back on your heating bill and more comfort than lower R-values.
• Our ceiling insulation is not just installed in between the rafters but over the rafters as well. This reduces heat escaping through rafters.
• Pink Batts are made of 80% recycled glass, helping the environment.
• Pink Batts are manufactured in Christchurch, providing jobs for local people.
• Pink Batts are not a health risk and are approved by the Asthma Foundation.
• Ceiling pipe lagging is fitted over all pipes in the ceiling to prevent bursts and water damage from frozen pipes.

About our underfloor insulation

For our underfloor insulation we use "Technobond".

Some advantages of our underfloor insulation:

• We use a blanket with a product R-value of 1.6. This will give you a better pay-back on your heating bill and more comfort than lower R-values.
• Technobond is precut to fit between the floor joists. We staple it to the joists under the floor. This product is easily removed if trades people (plumber, electrician, etc.) need access to the floor.
• Technobond is manufactured in New Zealand, providing jobs for New Zealand people.
• Technobond is a polyester, non-toxic product made partially from recycled PET bottles.
• Technobond will not lose its loft over time and is guaranteed for 50 years.

About our damp proofing

We use polythene sheeting as a vapour barrier.

Some advantages of our damp proofing:

• We quote for damp proofing where we know you need it. Moisture rising from wet soil can make your home damp which will make it harder and thus more expensive to heat.
• We use heavy duty (250 microns) polythene ground sheeting, staple it to the ground and tape it around piles (where possible). This means trades people (eg. plumbers) are not likely to rip or dislodge the sheeting by accident so you can enjoy the benefits of damp proofing for a long time.

About our heating

Our heat pumps are installed by Airco Residential. You can also choose from a wide range of low-emission woodburners, flued gas heaters and pellet fires (installed by Eenergy). Please be aware that not all homes are allowed to install woodburners.

Some advantages of our heat pumps:

• You have a choice of three quality brands: Panasonic, Fujitsu and Mitsubishi.
• Our heat pumps will perform well in the cold Canterbury climate and will still work in sub-zero temperatures common in Canterbury.
• Nova Systems is very experienced in making sure you get the right size heat pump for the area you want to heat. A heat pump that is too small may be cheaper but may not be able to keep you warm.