Cold, damp conditions provide the perfect breeding ground for mould and mildew which can have serious effects on health and wellbeing and trigger allergy, asthma and respiratory illnesses. Children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems or respiratory conditions are particularly at risk.

"Ventilation, insulation and heating are all equally important when it comes to maintaining a healthy home over the winter," says Tony Sandes, Managing Director of DVS. After 20 years in the industry, DVS are the most experienced home ventilation experts in the country. www.dvs.co.nz

Last winter, we saw the spotlight fall on New Zealand's large number of cold, damp houses and the dangerous health implications of living in such houses.

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) estimates around 30% of New Zealand homes suffer from problems associated with dampness and that most have mould. A Statistics New Zealand survey last year found nearly half of all renters battle excess moisture in their homes.

To achieve a warm, dry and healthy home, three key factors need to be addressed; insulation, heating and ventilation. Neglecting any one of these can result in problems.

Traditionally, the Kiwi approach has been single room heating and opening the windows for ventilation. Compared to other countries with similar climates, we seem to have lower expectations for indoor comfort levels during the colder months. Many of us are familiar with wiping down moisture-laden 'crying' windows on cold mornings and simply popping on another layer of clothing when entering a chilly room.

"Fortunately, this mindset is changing and we now know a warm, dry home is essential for maintaining good health," says Sandes.

Last year, the government announced new residential tenancy laws which will require every rental property in New Zealand to be fully insulated within four years.

"Good ventilation is essential for maintaining air quality and is especially important in a house that's fully insulated," says Sandes.

The typical New Zealand house produces about 12 litres of water a day from cooking, showering, and general day-to-day living. That's equal to a big bucketful of moisture sloshing around a house and it's that moisture that causes dangerous mould, mildew and damp.

If your home is damp, it's much harder and more expensive to heat, while heating a mouldy home can actually encourage mould growth. Ventilating your home properly removes the damp, moisture-filled air and improves the overall air quality inside the house.

A DVS ventilation system costs about five cents a day to run and, because a dry home is much more efficient to heat, you'll actually save money on heating costs too.

Contact DVS today to arrange a free consultation: www.dvs.co.nz