Pay Less for your Power this Winter

Tips for lowering your winter energy bills:

0. If your home is more than 10 years old consider upgrading the ceiling insulation as the original insulation will have compressed over time.


0. Get a professional installation. A 2% gap in roof insulation increases the heat losses by about 20%. Use professional installers who are experienced at checking for gaps, and make sure they re-inspect for holes at the end of the job.


0. Hot water cylinder wrap is one of the most effective energy efficient measures you can take for an old cylinder and installing one is easy and takes less than 30 minutes. If your cylinder is warm to the touch; you will benefit from a wrap.


0. Deciduous trees and vines give shade in summer and shed their leaves in winter, allowing warm sun into your home, and are useful in some climates. Shade from strategically placed trees or trellises with vines can modify indoor temperatures and improve comfort.


0. Stopping draughts in winter is important so check out the air tightness of your windows and doors. Gaps around the frames are often caused by warped frames and hinges and the fix is very simple. Foam-type strips or compressible ‘V'-shaped strips with self-adhesive backing are available from most hardware stores. The ‘V'-strips have the advantage that they adjust more flexibly to the gap width around the window.


0. If you have an air conditioning system its important to get it inspected regularly. Research has shown that an annual air conditioner tune-up can reduce your heating and cooling costs by five percent. An inspection should include items such as measuring the refrigerant to see if it needs recharging, and measuring the airflow over the air conditioner's heating and cooling coils.


0. Its better to close the curtains just before dark in winter; rather than after the sun has set. Heat loss through windows (even if they are double glazed) is rapid and closing the curtains early ensures the heat is captured inside.


0. Whenever you replace lights; use energy efficient bulbs. The most efficient light bulbs at the current time are compact fluorescent lamps. They now come in a variety of attractive shapes, majority look just like traditional light bulbs.


0. If you have a second fridge that you don't use – get rid of it. Many households have the classic ‘beer fridge' in the garage. They tend to be older and use much more energy than newer models. Chances are that the little fridge uses more energy than the big one in your kitchen.


0. Using the remote control to switch off appliances like your TV and video/DVD player doesn't stop them using power – if there is a red light or timer display showing, it's still drawing.


0. Control that heat pump! True - heat pumps use a lot less energy than normal plug-in electric heaters. But you need to control how often they are used to reap the benefit. Contrary to some rumors it will take more energy keeping the house warm over night than let it cool down and heat it up in the morning just before you get up.

New Zealand is becoming more environmentally aware – now that our costs are rising, there are specialists available that can assist with energy efficient design if you are building or renovating your home. Check out Right House for a house that can run better, for less.