The insulation quality of Tauranga homes has been criticised by the city's eco design advisor.
Carsten Beetz estimates about three quarters of homes in Tauranga have poor or no insulation and is urging residents to assess their insulation before winter sets in.

File Picture of a heatpump.

He says many people do not realise that insulating their home is the most important method to keep their house warm.
'This is the most cost-effective way to improve the quality of the living environment in a home.”
He says many people do not understand that if they buy an appliance like a heat pump, if their home is not insulated they will have to keep the heat pump going all the time to keep the house warm.
'Insulation is a passive system so there's no further cost.”
Carsten says New Zealand has the worst rate ofrespiratory ailments in the developed world and the insulation of houses is about 20 years behind many other countries.
At least until the end of June, Carsten will visit any Tauranga home in the region for free and advise them on efficient ways to warm their home.
People can contact the Tauranga City Council or Western Bay of Plenty Council and ask for him.