With the objective of increasing jobs and pumping up the economy through energy efficiency, the Australian government has allocated more than $2 billion dollars to insulate ceilings of Australian homes. Because of the significant amount involved, though, some dubious insulation installers have taken advantage of this program and have preyed on unsuspecting Australians through poor or improper insulation. For some, the result is a less energy-efficient and less comfortable home. For others, the results are devastating.

Those whose homes were razed when they availed of the free insulation rebate in Victoria could attest to this. In Melbourne alone, house fires have more than doubled in number in 2009 because of poor insulation work. From just 19 fires in 2008, the fires have now increased to 38 in 2009.

The components used for insulation in Victoria are mostly aluminum to adjust with all the warmer weather when compared with other places in Australia. Dodgy installers have inserted aluminum on leading of downlights, ceiling fans and transformers, hence growing fire risk. And, with Victoria's hot summers, the chance is even higher.

If you live in Victoria and would like to avail on the rebate, it really is best to request the companies of firms with a confirmed observe record of quality, safety and efficiency. Consider: how several many years have they been installing insulation? What do their buyers say about them? Also, maintain an eye within the news and watch out for reviews on dodgy installers.

Though the authorities may possibly be now more vigilant on this form of installers, don't rely within the government registry of approved installers. If you might be applying for a federal government insulation rebate in Melbourne or in any part of Victoria, do your groundwork with utmost diligence. It could possibly just conserve your life.