ODT Online readers have had mixed experiences with the government's subsidised insulation scheme.
The scheme has been in the spotlight this week after a University Otago report which said homes in the South would benefit little, if at all, from the insulation.
We asked readers for their responses.
These were split between those who questioned the value and cost of the work and those who had seen benefits.
Scott Liddell, of Alexandra, said he had been quoted to have his ceiling and underfloor done as part of the scheme and had been told by the installer they would use R1.4 insulation on his underfloor.
"I spoke with my brother who installs for the same scheme in Auckland and they have to install underfloor at R1.9 up there.
"I live in Alex, so it doesn't really seem to make sense, but I have no option of contractors to supply quotes if I want the subsidy."
Colin Smithies, of Dunedin, said he was "incredibly concerned" about prices he had heard quoted for the work.
Mr Smithies said a friend of his was quoted $5600 to insulate a 120sqm house - $4300 plus the $1300 that the govt would pay for the job.
"What is going on here? I had a 110 sqm house insulated before the scheme for $2400 in total and the insulation has only gone up by around 10% since then."
Andrew Metcalfe, of Dunedin, said the house he rents had been transformed by a combination of a heat-pump and the Government insulation after he 'nearly froze to death' last winter.
"Electricity bills were going through the roof and I could barely get some parts of the house above 12 degrees.
"The biggest impact was the heat pump. The insulation (under floor and ceiling) took longer due to the demand/waiting list i.e. this was not installed until about October.
"The house has been transformed... but I would have to say it is primarily due to the heat pump more than anything. I have also put draught proofing on windows and some doors, but do lose heat through the walls and single glazing."
"It will be interesting to do heating bill comparisons this winter..."
Paulette and Keith, from Waikouaiti, said they had their house insulated under a scheme run by a trust similar to the government programme.
"It has made such a huge difference to warmth in our older home especially during last winter.
"Our only heating is a log burner and we were able to heat the whole house most days and nights last winter where prior to the insulation we could only warm the open plan lounge and kitchen."
