News

Insulation warms the heart

After living with a healthy homes package for nearly a year, the Watson family knows it's in for an unusually warm winter.

Peter and Deborah Watson both suffer from medical conditions that respond badly to cold temperatures. Deborah has a debilitating heart and lung condition and Peter has leukemia so an energy-efficient home was a necessity for the family of six, to remain as healthy as possible through the colder months.

This had been difficult to achieve because the couple could not work and the cost of full insulation was out of their reach.

Built in the 1940's, the Watson home had virtually no insulation. The bedrooms were cold and damp, and subsequently visits to the doctor were common. Knowing their situation, Deborah's cardiac nurse put the Watsons on the healthy homes waiting list.

A few months later, an installation team was in contact with the family. The next day the team was around and by nightfall, the floorboards were insulated and moisture was a thing of the past.

Nearly 12 months on and the house is nice and toasty, the kid's rooms are well heated and the Watsons can't remember the last time they were at the doctors with a cold.

"We are so grateful for ECT and the healthy homes project. Our health has improved so much and the kids don't have to put up with condensation. It really makes you think, we are pretty lucky we live in a community that looks after those in need," they said.