Source: MIL-OSI Submissions
Source: Lassoo Media
With winter on its way, DVS Home Ventilation is convinced there is room for New Zealand to improve its building code and ensure new homes are built to the highest and healthiest standards.
How does the change of season affect our new, more energy-efficient homes? In the UK, a recent report from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and Royal College of Physicians found that energy-efficient housing is actually reducing ventilation while increasing indoor air pollution. Buildings are becoming more airtight to improve energy efficiency. With improved insulation and air tightness we must allow for adequate ventilation to prevent pollutants building up.
Indoor air pollution has been linked to serious health conditions such as asthma and cardiovascular diseases. In New Zealand, asthma is one of the most common causes of admission to hospital for children.
The report suggests that the responsibility for clean air shouldn’t solely rest on individuals. Instead, the Government and the professionals involved should work together to ensure their buildings are fit for purpose.
DVS Home Ventilation has over 25 years of experience in the domestic ventilation industry and works closely with the building industry. While each home is different, insulation, heating and ventilation should equally be considered when building or renovating – underestimate one and the healthy home “stool” falls over.
Because of this, DVS believes that to represent all factors of ventilation in the building code, a new standard should see the light: “indoor air quality standards”. A new focus on indoor air quality, incorporating ventilation, insulation and heating, could prevent our new housing stock from becoming yet another problem for future generations.
‘’The building code won’t change overnight, but it’s important for Kiwis to know there are affordable options out there to build healthy, energy-efficient homes above the code standards,’’ says DVS Managing Director, Tony Sandes.
Kiwis should consider including insulation, heating and adequate ventilation solutions in their building plans at an early development stage to make it work for their budget. While there might be a few compromises along the way – building a smaller office or bathroom for instance – in the long run, it will ultimately reduce maintenance costs, heating costs and most importantly medical bills.
About DVS:
DVS have over 25 years of experience in the domestic ventilation industry and are recognized leaders in the field. Recognized by Asthma NZ and BRANZ Appraised, DVS Home Ventilation systems improve the air quality in your home and are most effective in reducing moisture and condensation.
