INSULATION

Comprehensive insulation - that is insulation in ceilings, walls and floors - will contribute to the comfort of a dwelling all year round, as well as a reduction in energy use for heating and cooling.

The proportion of insulated dwellings in Australia has substantially increased since 1994 (graph 2.3 and table 2.12). In 1994, more than half of Australian dwellings had insulation (52%), and this proportion had risen to 61% in 2008.

In 2008, nearly one-fifth (19%) of households did not know if their dwelling had insulation, up from 15% in 1994.

Of those dwellings with insulation, 98% had it in the roof or ceiling (table 2.14). Most of the winter heat loss and summer heat gain occurs in the roof or ceiling. Roof and ceiling insulation can save up to 45% on energy consumption for heating and cooling (DEWHA 2008c).

Most Australian households insulated their homes to achieve comfort (83%) (table 2.18). Savings on energy bills and reductions in energy use were relatively minor factors (11% and 4%, respectively). Australian Capital Territory households were the most likely to nominate cost savings as the main reason for installing insulation (17% of households).

Of those households with no insulation, 'not home owner/not responsible' was reported as the main reason for not having insulation (34%), followed by 'cost' (17%) and 'have not considered it' (12%) (table 2.19).

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