Insulation Program FAQ

• How do I tell if my ceiling is insulated already?

The only way to tell if your ceiling is insulated already is to look. In a house with a pitched roof and manhole access, this means accessing the ceiling space via the manhole and looking to see what is there. Where the roof is flat, the steel roof sheeting may have to be lifted to see what is under it. This may not be easy or possible for some people; please feel free to contact us for an inspection.

• What is if its old or poor quality insulation? Can I replace it?

There are very limited circumstances where you can replace old insulation under the Energy Efficient Homes Package, and that is where what you have already is deemed ineffective, ie an R value of 0.5 or less. The practical interpretation of this is that if you have insulation less than 20mm thick, and no sarking or foil under your tiles or roof sheets, then you may still qualify.
If you are not eligible, we can still help with upgrading your existing insulation, please contact us for more information and a quote.

• Will it affect my ceiling or wiring?

Under normal circumstances, your ceiling or wiring will not be affected by the installation of insulation.
Old wiring may be a problem for the safety of the installer and under those circumstances the installer may choose not to proceed until the wiring is made safe. If you own an older house that has not been renovated, it may be worth checking the condition of your wiring for your own safety as well.
Ceilings are fixed in a way that matched the Building Code requirements of the day, and are only designed to take a certain load. A typical loading figure is 6.5kg/m2 for a new 10mm plasterboard ceiling. Autex Greenstuf R4.0  batts will not overload your ceiling when installed correctly.  Installation methods for some other forms of insulation may cause issues.

• What if I have downlights or other recessed light fittings?

Insulation must be installed to the Australian Insulation Standard, AS 3999-1992, ‘Thermal Insulation of Dwellings – bulk installations – installation requirements. The additional requirement is to comply with the minimum clearance distances from recessed light fittings and downlights covered by wiring rules in AS/NZS 3000:2007.

• I have a flat roof, will that be ok?

A flat roof will incur an installation surcharge, as the roofing material needs to be lifted to install the insulation, and this requires a licenced plumber to be present as well as requiring more labour time over a standard installation. Please contact us for more information and a quote.

• I have a low pitched roof, will that be ok?

A low pitched roof may incur an installation surcharge, depending on access. If the roofing material needs to be lifted to install the insulation, this requires a licenced plumber to be present as well as requiring more labour time over a standard installation. Please contact us for more information and a quote.

• I have an asbestos roof, will that be ok?

The Environment Shop has made the decision not to work on asbestos roofing where it needs to be disturbed. Entering a pitched roof cavity where the roofing material is asbestos will be up to the discretion of the installer.

• I have a two storey house, will that be ok?

A two storey home may incur an installation surcharge, depending on access and roofing material; refer above.  Please contact us for more information and a quote.

• I want to install it myself, will this be ok?

No, the insulation must be installed to the appropriate standard by a registered installer.

"Insulation must be installed to the Australian Insulation Standard, AS 3999-1992, ‘Thermal Insulation of Dwellings – bulk installations – installation requirements. The additional requirement is to comply with the minimum clearance distances from recessed light fittings and downlights covered by wiring rules in AS/NZS 3000:2007. "

• What about wall insulation or underfloor insulation?

At this point, the Environment Shop is focusing on providing an installation service for ceiling insulation under the Energy Efficient Homes Package. We stock suitable products, and will be delighted to supply insulation for insulation of walls or underfloor or any other application but at this point may not be able to provide an installation service in those areas. Please contact us for further information.

• If I have a problem with the installation, what do I do?

In the unlikely event that you have any issues with installation or the product, please contact us for further information. The installer has to comply with all relevant laws including any licencing requirements. When you use The Environment Shop for your insulation installation, we use installers who meet the required prerequisites and take responsibility for the quality of the job.

• Why might I have to pay more?

The cost of installing Greenstuf® in an average home with a pitched roof and no complicating factors should be covered by the Homeowner Insulation Program rebate, and mostly covered by the Low Emission Assistance Plan for Renters rebate. Things that might increase the cost include roofing type and pitch, number of storeys and area to be insulated; whether space or water heaters and other appliances installed in the roof space restrict access; and whether there is manhole access to the roof space.

• I recently had insulation installed. Can I still get the rebate?

If you had insulation installed between 3 February 2009 and the start of the new program on 1 July 2009, you may be able to get reimbursement by sending a copy of their tax invoice and receipt for the purchase and installation of the ceiling insulation with their reimbursement application form, along with copies of two quotes that they have obtained to:
Homeowner Insulation Program
Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
GPO Box 787
Canberra ACT 2601
Ph 1800 808 571
More information can be found here:
http://www.environment.gov.au/energyefficiency/insulation/homeowners/guidelines-early-installation.html

• Can I get the rebate for my office, school or commercial building?

Yes, but not under the Energy Efficient Homes Package.  There may be rebates in the future through Sustainability Victoria or the Federal Government. This program is for residential dwellings only, however we would certainly encourage you to think about the savings in heating and cooling bills in any building once insulation is added. If you are interested in finding out more, please contact us for further information.

• What else can we do for you?

The Environment Shop is a multifaceted business that is also registered to provide Solar PV Panel Installation, Solar Hot Water installation, and Rainwater Tank installation complying with Federal or Victorian Government Rebates. Please contact us for further information.
For more information on the Energy Efficient Homes Package see: http://www.environment.gov.au/energyefficiency/index.html
Another excellent resource: “Australia's guide to environmentally sustainable homes”: http://www.yourhome.gov.au/technical/fs47.html