Winter is fast approaching, so it’s a good idea to check that you’re prepared for the colder weather.
Here are some of our top tips for keeping your house warm.
- Borrow a Home Energy Audit Toolkit from your local library to find out which parts of your home use the most energy and how you can save power by making your house warmer and healthier.
- Apply for a grant to insulate your home. All Auckland homeowners can apply for a grant of up to $500 for home insulation.
- Replace incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs to reduce your power bill.
- Get eco-design advice for your home.
- Use draught-stopping v-seal or tape around windows and doors or door snakes along the bottom of doors.
- Dry clothes outside or install a duct to your drier to take air outside. Try not to use indoor airing racks or clothes dryers that vent into your house – the moisture in the clothes will end up in your home.
- Cooking, showering and washing all introduce moisture to your home. The best way to get rid of this moisture is with externally vented extraction. Make sure to open windows and doors a few times a day to air the house.
Another great source of ideas is Live Lightly – it’s full of great lifestyle choices we can all make to save money, have a healthier life and care for the planet.