Help & support
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about our ventilation, heating, cooling, insulation and electrical services.
Roof Ventilation
How much does roof ventilation installation cost in Auckland?
Professional smart roof ventilation installation starts from $1,500. This includes assessment, custom design, installation, and system calibration. Our system typically pays for itself within the first summer through energy savings.
How much money will I save on electricity bills?
Our system costs just 15¢ per day to run versus $1+ per hour for air conditioning. Most Auckland families save $150–600 per month during summer, meaning our system pays for itself in 3–12 months.
Will roof ventilation work in Auckland's climate?
Yes, our system is specifically designed for New Zealand conditions. Auckland's intense summer heat (roof temperatures reaching 70°C) makes roof ventilation highly effective. Even during winter, our system helps prevent condensation and keeps insulation dry.
How long does installation take?
Most installations are completed within 48 hours with minimal disruption to your daily routine. Our team handles everything from roof assessment to final calibration.
Does roof ventilation require maintenance?
No. Our systems have no filters to replace and no regular servicing requirements. Once installed, they run maintenance-free for decades.
Will it work with my existing air conditioning?
Absolutely. Roof ventilation reduces the heat load on your AC by up to 30%, making it run more efficiently and extending its lifespan. Many customers find they barely need their AC after installation.
Home Ventilation with Heat Recovery
What is the difference between heat recovery ventilation and a standard extractor fan?
Standard extractor fans simply push air out, wasting the heat it carries. A heat recovery system recovers up to 90% of that heat and uses it to warm the fresh air coming in — so you get ventilation without the energy loss.
Will heat recovery ventilation help with condensation on my windows?
Yes. Condensation is caused by excess moisture in still air. Heat recovery ventilation continuously exchanges damp indoor air for drier outdoor air, significantly reducing window condensation and preventing mould growth.
How noisy is a heat recovery ventilation system?
Our heat recovery units are designed for residential use and run at barely audible levels. The ceiling-mounted unit is typically quieter than a household fridge.
How often do the filters need replacing?
HEPA filters should be checked every 6–12 months and replaced as needed. We provide filter replacement guidance at installation and can supply replacement filters directly.
Can heat recovery ventilation be installed in an existing home?
Yes. We retrofit heat recovery systems into existing Auckland homes regularly. Ducting runs through the ceiling space, and ceiling-mounted diffusers are discreet and unobtrusive.
Does heat recovery ventilation heat my home?
A heat recovery system recovers and recirculates heat — it doesn't generate new heat. It works best alongside your existing heating to maintain warmth while keeping air fresh and dry.
Herschel Infrared Indoor & Outdoor Heaters
How do infrared panels differ from normal heaters?
Traditional heaters warm the air, which rises and circulates dust. Infrared panels heat people and surfaces directly — like sunshine — so you feel warm immediately without heating the entire room's air volume.
Are infrared panels safe?
Yes. Herschel panels operate at safe surface temperatures and are certified to international safety standards. They have no exposed elements, no moving parts, and produce no fumes or emissions.
How much do infrared panels cost to run?
Infrared panels use up to 30% less energy than convection heaters because they heat directly rather than warming air. A typical 700W panel costs around 15–20 cents per hour to run.
Can infrared panels be ceiling mounted?
Yes. Ceiling mounting is a popular option that keeps floor and wall space free. The radiant heat travels downward and warms you and your furniture just as effectively.
How many panels do I need for my room?
Panel sizing depends on room dimensions, insulation levels, and ceiling height. We provide a free assessment to calculate the right panel size and placement for maximum comfort.
Do infrared panels need maintenance?
No. Infrared panels have no moving parts, no filters, and no servicing requirements. They are rated for 100,000+ hours of use — that's over 30 years of daily operation.
Ceiling Fans
What size ceiling fan do I need?
Fan size depends on your room dimensions. As a guide: rooms up to 10m² suit a 900mm fan, 10–20m² suit 1200mm, and larger rooms need 1400mm+. We measure and recommend the right size during our free assessment.
Can a ceiling fan be installed on a low ceiling?
Yes. Hugger-mount (flush) fans are designed for ceilings under 2.4m. They mount directly to the ceiling without a drop rod, maintaining clearance while still providing effective airflow.
How does winter mode work?
In winter mode, the fan runs in reverse at low speed, gently pushing warm air trapped at the ceiling back down to living level. This redistributes heat your heating system has already produced, reducing energy waste.
Are ceiling fans noisy?
Modern DC motor fans are virtually silent at all speeds. They're significantly quieter than older AC motor fans and many customers forget they're running.
Can I install a ceiling fan where there's no existing light fitting?
Yes. As licensed electricians, we can run new wiring to any ceiling location. We'll assess the best position for airflow and handle all electrical work to NZ standards.
Do ceiling fans use a lot of power?
No. Ceiling fans are extremely energy efficient — a DC motor fan costs around 2 cents per hour to run. That's a fraction of the cost of air conditioning or portable fans.
Insulation
How do I know if my home needs more insulation?
Signs include cold rooms despite heating, condensation on windows, uneven temperatures between rooms, and high energy bills. We use thermal imaging during our free assessment to show exactly where heat is escaping.
What government subsidies are available for insulation?
The EECA Warmer Kiwi Homes programme offers subsidies covering up to 80% of insulation costs for eligible homeowners. We handle all the paperwork and can confirm your eligibility during our assessment.
How long does insulation installation take?
Most ceiling and underfloor insulation jobs are completed in a single day. Wall insulation retrofits may take 1–2 days depending on the size of your home.
Will insulation make my home cooler in summer too?
Yes. Insulation works both ways — it keeps heat out in summer and in during winter. Properly insulated homes stay noticeably cooler during Auckland's hot months.
What R-value insulation do I need?
The NZ Building Code requires minimum R2.9 for ceilings and R1.3 for underfloor. We typically install R3.2+ ceiling insulation for better performance. We'll recommend the right R-value for each area of your home.
Can you insulate walls without removing the cladding?
Yes. We use retrofit injection methods that fill wall cavities through small holes, which are then sealed. This is minimally disruptive and doesn't require removing interior or exterior cladding.
Electrical Work
Are your electricians licensed and registered?
Yes. All our electricians are fully licensed and registered with the Electrical Workers Registration Board. Every job comes with a compliance certificate and our 10-year workmanship guarantee.
Do you offer same-day electrical service?
Yes, subject to availability. For urgent electrical issues we aim to attend the same day. For planned work, we'll schedule a time that suits you.
How much does an electrician cost per hour?
Our rates start from $120/hour. We always provide a clear quote before starting any work, so there are no surprises. Many common jobs can be quoted as a fixed price.
Can you install a dedicated circuit for my heat pump or EV charger?
Yes. We regularly install dedicated circuits for heat pumps, EV chargers, ovens, and other high-draw appliances. This includes upgrading your switchboard if needed.
Do I get a compliance certificate?
Yes. All electrical work we complete comes with a Certificate of Compliance as required by NZ Electrical Standards. This is important for insurance and when selling your home.
Can you help with LED lighting upgrades?
Absolutely. We supply and install LED downlights, strip lighting, outdoor lighting, and security lighting. LED upgrades typically pay for themselves within 1–2 years through energy savings.
Eliminate Black Mould
Will this actually stop mould from coming back?
Yes. Unlike surface treatments, we address the underlying cause — excess moisture. By improving ventilation, insulation, or both, we create an environment where mould simply can't grow.
How do you know which solution my home needs?
We start with a free home assessment. We check ventilation, insulation levels, moisture readings, and airflow to identify exactly what's causing the problem — then recommend only what you need.
Do I need all three services?
Not necessarily. Some homes only need better ventilation, others need insulation upgraded, and some need a combination. We'll tell you exactly what's needed after the assessment.
How much does it cost?
It depends on what your home needs. Solutions start from $1,500 for roof ventilation and go up depending on the scope. We'll give you a clear, no-obligation quote after the assessment.
Is mould dangerous?
Yes. Black mould releases spores that can cause respiratory problems, allergies, and other health issues — especially in children, the elderly, and those with asthma. Fixing it is a health investment.
How long does the installation take?
Most installations are completed within 1–2 days depending on the scope. We work cleanly and efficiently to minimise disruption.