Ceiling Insulation FAQs

What are the significant changes to the Home Insulation Program?

The Home Insulation Program has been discontinued as of 5pm Friday 19 February 2010, It has been replaced with the Home Insulation Safety Program and the Foil Insulation Safety Program. Under the Home Insulation Safety Program, a minimum of 150,000 safety inspections of homes that have insulation installed under the former Home Insulation Program will be carried out.

The safety program aims to provide a level of assurance to households who have had insulation installed under the former Home Insulation Program. If you have any concerns, call the Government hotline on 1800 808 571 or Call Mark Group for further advice. http://www.environment.gov.au

How does insulation benefit me?

Solar Hot Water FAQs

Often we're asked the question 'I need a new hot water service today, can I go solar?'

The simple answer is yes! More than a luxury, hot water is an essential part of most of our daily lives. When your existing hot water system expires, needs replacement, or you simply want to upgrade to a solar powered hot water system, the Mark Group can make sure you have hot running water within days.

Although people are more knowledgeable about solar hot water systems than ever, there are still some questions we're asked all the time. We've provided a brief answer to most of these below. Naturally, you can also get answers to your questions and more information by contacting The Mark Group on 1800 ASK MARK, 1800 275 627, or using our on-line contact form.

How does a solar water heater work?

There are different types of solar water heaters available, but essentially they all work by converting light into heat. When sunlight strikes the darkened surface of the solar collector panel, the visible and ultraviolet light (short wavelength) is converted into infrared radiation (long wavelength) through heat exchange. The glass panel above the collector surface along with other insulated materials traps the heat generated in what is essentially a miniature greenhouse. This heat is what warms the water.

Will I run out of hot water?

No. When you install the right unit with the capacity for your needs, you'll always have hot water. In the case of unexpected heavy usage or periods of low solar gain, the booster will kick in to heat water.

How much can I save?

From an environmental perspective, you could help save the planet! Solar hot water systems produce the lowest greenhouse emissions and pollutant levels of any type of water heater. On average, swapping from to solar hot water will reduce your greenhouse gas emissions by 3 – 5 tonnes every year!

Economically, this will depend on where you live, water usage, the system you're replacing, energy tariffs and the model you choose. The Federal Government estimates the average household will save approximately $300 per year on energy bills. Add eligible rebates and RECS to that and you can save money upfront as well. Whichever way you look at it, your solar hot water system will recoup its installation costs during its service life. Interestingly, nearly half of the respondents to a recent survey of homebuyers on realestate.com.au stated that solar heating and solar hot water enhance the value of a property.

What about cloudy days, does solar still work?

Even on a cloudy day, the solar panels of your hot water system will still convert light into heat. On very cold and cloudy days or after extended poor weather, the gas or electric booster will automatically kick in, meaning you will always have hot water.

Do I have to have the tank on my roof?

Not necessarily. Most systems installed by Mark Group are designed with the storage tank separate from the solar panels so your collector panel and storage tank can be in two different locations. Discreet and practical and you won't need to strengthen the roof.