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Why Airtightness Testing Matters in Green Star Projects

Airtightness testing is now mandatory for Green Star credits — but passing isn’t always straightforward. This guide walks you through the exact steps to hit your target, avoid testing failures, and submit airtight documentation (pun intended). Whether you’re a builder, architect, or ESD lead — this one's for you.

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Denise Martin Denise Martin

What’s the Most Efficient Way to Heat a House in New Zealand?

Wondering whether to upgrade your windows or invest in a new heat pump? This guide walks you through the most efficient and cost-effective ways to heat your home in New Zealand—backed by real numbers and expert insights. Learn when to prioritise building upgrades and how to avoid costly mistakes.

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Denise Martin Denise Martin

Passive Solar Design: Why Principles Alone Are Not Enough for Real Results

Passive solar design sounds simple — orient your building, add glazing, and let the sun do the work. But without energy modelling, it’s mostly guesswork. Learn why true passive performance demands science, not assumptions, and how BEO Buildingscience ensures your home performs as promised.

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Denise Martin Denise Martin

Ventilative Cooling for Eco Homes in NZ

Ventilative cooling can make a massive difference to summer comfort in eco homes—if it’s done right. In this article, we explain how to design effective cross, stack, and night purge ventilation, and when to bring in systems like the COLD. range to manage humidity and heat when nature falls short.

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Denise Martin Denise Martin

Dehumidification for Airtight NZ Homes | BEO Buildingscience

Moisture can quietly undo the comfort and durability of even the most well-designed home. In this article, we explore why airtight homes in New Zealand need more than ventilation to stay dry. Learn the top strategies for managing indoor humidity—including MVHR integration, post-cooling, smart controls, and daily design tips that actually work.

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Denise Martin Denise Martin

MVHR in Summer: Why It Fails & How to Fix It

MVHR systems work wonders in winter—but in New Zealand’s summer, they can cause overheating and discomfort. This post breaks down why MVHR may fail in warm, humid months and shows you how to design it for true year-round comfort using post-cooling and dehumidification strategies.

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Denise Martin Denise Martin

Sick of High Energy Bills? Fix Poor Thermal Performance & Cut Costs

Sick of skyrocketing energy bills? The real issue might not be your power provider—it could be your home’s thermal performance. Poor insulation, air leaks, and hidden thermal bridges could be draining heat and forcing your heating system to work overtime. Learn how airtightness testing, thermal bridge analysis, and energy modelling can cut your costs and make your home more efficient.

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Denise Martin Denise Martin

Cold Drafts Making Your Home Uncomfortable? Here’s How to Fix It

Cold drafts making your home uncomfortable? If your heating bill is climbing but your home still feels chilly, air leaks could be the culprit. Learn how airtightness testing, air sealing, and ventilation improvements can eliminate drafts and make your home warmer, healthier, and more energy-efficient.

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Denise Martin Denise Martin

Mould Problems? Why It’s Happening & How to Fix It for Good

Tired of battling mould in your home? Scrubbing it away won’t solve the real problem. Mould is a sign of poor insulation, condensation issues, and inadequate ventilation. Learn how to eliminate it for good and create a healthier, drier home with expert solutions from BEO Buildingscience.

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Denise Martin Denise Martin

Renovating? Don’t Make This Mistake! How to Avoid Costly Insulation Errors

Renovating? Adding insulation might seem like the obvious way to improve your home’s comfort, but if you do it wrong, you could create bigger problems—mould, condensation, and wasted money. Before you start, learn why airtightness and energy modelling matter and how to get it right the first time.

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Denise Martin Denise Martin

Thermal Bridging is Costing You Money – Here’s How to Fix It

Your home is leaking heat, and so is your wallet. Thermal bridging is the invisible energy thief that makes your house colder, your power bills higher, and your comfort levels drop. But don’t worry—it’s fixable. Let’s dive into why your home is losing heat and how BEO Buildingscience can stop it for good.

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Denise Martin Denise Martin

Passive Design Done Wrong? Let’s Fix It

Passive design is supposed to keep your home comfortable year-round, but what if it’s doing the opposite? If your home overheats in summer and freezes in winter, your passive design might be working against you. Let’s break down why that happens and how BEO Buildingscience can fix it.

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Denise Martin Denise Martin

Old Homes Need Upgrades – Here’s Why & How to Fix It

Old homes weren’t built for modern comfort, and if yours feels drafty, cold, or expensive to heat, it’s time for an upgrade. Discover how airtightness testing, insulation, and smart ventilation can transform your home into a comfortable, energy-efficient space.

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