Renovations and Cost Effective Retrofits

New Zealand homes are well known for being cold, damp and draughty. Older houses often exceed 20 ACH50, making them nearly impossible to keep warm or comfortable.

Mould and mildew are common, contributing to some of the worst respiratory health stats in the OECD. Traditional upgrades like removing wall linings to install insulation are costly and highly disruptive. The EnergytightTM Retrofit Solution makes it easy to significantly improve energy efficiency and comfort in existing homes.

Energy use

Retrofitting or Building New

Note: Every home is different, and while Energytight™ aims to deliver excellent results in both new builds and retrofits, outcomes depend on many factors—read our full disclaimer here to learn more.

Renovation or Retrofit?

If you are renovating, Aero will work with your builder and architect to add the Energytight™ Solution to your project to get the best performance from your renovation.

If you are not renovating but want to make your home warm and comfortable the Energytight™ Retrofit may be the ideal solution for you.

Either way, the first step is to get an Energytight™ Audit; a diagnostic service that identifies air leakage issues and recommends practical, alternative, airsealing improvements.

What Is the Energytight™ Retrofit Solution?

The Energytight™ Retrofit Solution is a smarter, faster way to create an energy-efficient home by making the building envelope both airtight and properly ventilated—without the need to remove wall linings.
Research from the IECC and ENERGY STAR shows that you can leave the walls intact and still achieve excellent performance by sealing air leaks and adding mechanical ventilation.
Unlike traditional renovations that are costly and disruptive, this solution can be completed in just a few days.
 
It doesn’t just deliver similar energy savings—it also brings all the key benefits of an Energytight™ home:
 
  • Energy Efficient – Dramatically lower energy use
  • Comfortable – Consistent comfort in all seasons
  • Healthy –Fresh, filtered air and no hidden mould
  • Durable –Moisture control protects your home’s structure
 
Backed by certified results—proven airtightness, not just promises
Energytigh Solution
Solutions
Description
Energytight™ Audit
A diagnostic service that identifies air leakage issues and recommends practical airsealing improvements. It includes a blower door test, smoke diagnostics, an airtightness rating (ACH50), and a formal ATTMA report. This is ideal for homeowners planning phased upgrades or assessing current performance.
Energytight™   retrofit
A full-service upgrade starting with an Energy Audit to identify leakage and performance issues. Your technician will recommend the best retrofit approach based on cost, realistic outcomes, and performance potential. While not all homes can reach 3 ACH50, most can achieve 10 ACH50 or better with targeted upgrades. Verified results are provided through an Energytight™ Airtightness Certificate
Energytight™ Airtightness Certificate
A standalone service providing a professional blower door test and certified AATMA report to verify a home's airtightness level. Suitable for new builds or renovations seeking independent confirmation of performance.

The Energytight™ Retrofit Process

The Energytight™ process starts with an Energy Audit using blower door technology and leak detection to measure air leakage and identify problem areas. Based on the audit, your technician will advise the most suitable option and discuss alternatives based on cost, realistic outcomes, and potential performance improvements. While not all homes can achieve 3 ACH50 or below, most should be able to reach 10 ACH50 or better if the right systems are addressed. A full Energytight™ retrofit can upgrade an older home to outperform many new builds, while a more targeted retrofit may offer a cost-effective alternative that will still deliver a substantial improvement in energy efficiency and comfort.

Why Mechanical Ventilation Needs Airtightness

Energytight™ Comparison

Process
Deep Renovation
Traditional Renovation
Energytight™ Retrofit
Add ceiling and floor insulation
Remove wall linings
Remove skirting and architrave
Create wall cavity
Install wall insulation
Fix and stop new wall linings
Fix skirting and architrave
Remove windows
Fit new frames and windows
Retrofit new glazing in existing frames
Airseal house
Install ventilation system
Potential impact on energy saving - based on IECC data.
100%
61%
74%

Source: Comparison based on IECC data from NEHERS presentation, ANSI/RESNET Conference, November 2023

Energytight Airtightness Certificate

Energytight™ Airtightness Certificate

A standalone service providing a professional blower door test and certified AATMA report to verify a home’s airtightness level.

Book an Energytight™ Audit or Retrofit

Call  0800 758 937 or click on the link below to find out more or book an Energytight™ Audit or Retrofit

Book CPD presentation

(10 Formal CPD points)