Insulation can reduce the amount of heat transferred in and out of your home. It can help keep your home warmer in winter, and cooler in summer.
- By law, all new homes and additions must have insulation.
- Insulation deteriorates over time. If your home is older, consider topping up or replacing insulation.
- Talk to your landlord about having insulation installed or topped up if you rent.
The performance of insulation - how well it resists heat flow - is known as its R value. The higher the R value, the higher the level of insulation. Speak to your installer about the best R value to suit your home and specific needs.
Safe installation
Insulation needs to be installed correctly to reduce the risk of fire and electrical accidents. Make sure your installer has a building license that allows them to carry out insulation work in South Australia.
Before you start work
There needs to be safe distances between insulation and wiring or electrical equipment, such as:
- halogen downlights or extra low voltage (ELV) downlights
- electrical wiring installed before 1986
- a gas or combustion heater with a flue through the roof
- high intensity heating lamps
- other items such as home security alarms, exhaust fans or
water heaters.
Tell your installer if you have any items on this list before they start work. They will need to make the correct safety adjustments and check if an electrician is required by law.
Pre-installation checklist for consumers
If you are concerned about your existing insulation, ask the licensed builder or electrician to check if it’s correctly installed.
Confirming work is safe
Any electrical work must have a certificate to confirm it meets necessary safety standards.
