Isolite downlight guards from Austech External Building Products to improve thermal efficiency

The government has now approved the use of Austech's Isolite Downlight Guards on insulation installed under the insulation rebate. Isolite downlights guards can be included in the $1600 quote, effectively making them free for homeowners.

The $1600 insulation rebate is designed to insulate 2.9 million Australian homes and reduce the impact of heating homes on the environment. The original plan received criticism for not taking into consideration the wide spread use of downlights and their incompatibility with many forms of insulation, but Isolite Downlight guards let installers bypass this problem.

The current standards for insulation installation require a minimum insulation clearance of 200mm around and above all downlights. Insulation is only as effective as the weakest point, so large clearance holes render the insulation almost useless, but when Isolite guards are installed, insulation can be placed next to the guard, vastly improving thermal efficiency.

On top of the thermal benefits, Isolites also help prevent Downlight related ceiling fires by removing any combustible material from around the Downlight. Ceiling fires caused by downlights are very dangerous as they often get out of control before they can be detected.

As part of the $1600 insulation program the government will conduct random checks of premises to see if the insulation was installed in the correct manner. Excessive Downlight holes will result in the residence failing inspection and the contractor will not receive payment. Insulation contractors can avoid this risk by installing Downlight guards.