Creating a healthy home is a top priority for many of us, but we often overlook a crucial factor – proper insulation. While we tend to focus on interior design and layout, insulation plays a vital role in enhancing our overall wellbeing at home. According to Bradford Insulation, a leader in the industry, making sure you have the right insulation can contribute to a healthier, more comfortable living space for you and your family.

A well thought out insulation plan provides optimal benefits for year-round comfort and energy efficiency, with proper insulation from the roof down to its foundation. Here are five reasons why you need to consider insulation when building or renovating.

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1. Improved indoor air quality

In Australia, we spend 90% or more of our time indoors, yet until recently, not much attention was given to the air we breathe inside our homes, schools, offices, and other buildings.[1] The COVID-19 pandemic really highlighted the importance of protecting ourselves from airborne viruses and pollutants. According to Burnet Director and CEO, Professor Brendan Crabb AC, improving indoor air quality interventions is essential to reducing the health, social, and economic impacts of transmissible diseases and airborne pollutants.[2]

One effective way to enhance indoor air quality is through proper insulation. By sealing gaps and creating an airtight environment, insulation helps keep outdoor pollutants, allergens, and toxins from entering your home. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with respiratory conditions such as asthma, as it reduces exposure to harmful substances and promotes better breathing. The latest statistics from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) show that approximately 2.8 million Australians, or 11% of the population, live with asthma. [3]

Excess moisture in your home can lead to mould growth, which can cause respiratory issues and allergies. Proper insulation helps control moisture levels, keeping your home dry and mould-free. Bradford’s insulation products are the only insulation products recognised by the National Asthma Council Australia’s Sensitive Choice® program, emphasising their role in maintaining healthier indoor air quality.

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2. Enhanced thermal comfort

Good insulation ensures that your home maintains consistent temperatures throughout the year. This is particularly important for the elderly, children, and those with chronic respiratory illnesses such as asthma. Stable indoor temperatures prevent the discomfort and health risks associated with extreme heat or cold, making your home a more comfortable place to live.

In the tropical and subtropical regions of northern Australia, insulation helps keep homes cool during the hot and humid summers, preventing heat stress. In the temperate southern regions of Victoria and Tasmania, insulation retains warmth during the cold winters, protecting against hypothermia. Even in arid central regions such as Alice Springs, insulation plays a vital role in regulating indoor temperatures, shielding from intense daytime heat and frigid nights.

This thermal regulation is crucial for maintaining a healthy and comfortable living environment across Australia’s diverse climate zones, ensuring that families stay safe and well regardless of the season.

3. Mental health benefits of a quieter home

A quieter home environment can significantly enhance mental wellbeing by minimising external noise disturbances. Insulation acts as an effective sound barrier, creating a more peaceful living space that reduces stress levels and promotes restful sleep. This tranquil atmosphere contributes to a better mental state and overall sense of calm.

Studies have shown that exposure to residential noise sources such as road traffic, aircraft, trains, and industrial activities can lead to psychological distress, anxiety disorders, and sleep disturbances. These detrimental effects severely undermine overall wellbeing and quality of life.[4]

By minimising external noise through insulation, homeowners can create a quieter sanctuary that fosters mental rejuvenation, reduces stress, and promotes a more restful living environment, ultimately enhancing their overall wellbeing.

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4. Protection against environmental hazards

Insulation is a key protective measure against extreme weather conditions, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change. Properly insulated homes are better equipped to withstand harsh weather, providing a safer environment for you and your family.

Insulation also helps protect the structural integrity of your home. By preventing moisture build-up and reducing the risk of damage, insulation ensures that your home remains safe and habitable, reducing health hazards associated with structural issues.

5. Reducing energy consumption and pollution

The benefits of better insulation extend beyond individual homes, promoting public health and environmental sustainability.

Proper insulation plays a vital role in contributing to a healthier community by significantly reducing energy consumption for heating and cooling homes. Lower energy usage means fewer pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions released into the atmosphere, leading to a cleaner environment that benefits individual health as well as the broader community and the planet.

According to a report from the Australian Climate Council, by adding insulation and fixing draughts, Australian households across different capital cities can save between $354 and $1,561 annually on their energy bills. These substantial savings are a direct result of reduced energy consumption enabled by improved insulation.[5]

From improving indoor air quality to enhancing thermal comfort, reducing noise, protecting against environmental hazards, and fostering healthier living spaces, insulation is a cornerstone of a healthy home.

References:

[1] https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/protection/air-quality/indoor-air

[2] https://www.burnet.edu.au/

[3] https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-respiratory-conditions/asthma

[4] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0749379722001568

[5] https://www.climatecouncil.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/CC_MVSA0353-CC-Report-Two-for-One-Home-Energy-Efficiency_V5.2-FA-Screen-Single.pdf

Architecture & Design Team

Bradford

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