The WHO recommends that your house should be kept at least 18C, no matter how many layers you put on. In fact, 20-21C is the recommended healthy temperature. With power costs and creation of etra emissions, how do you keep your home warm sustainably?
For everyone: Keeping heat in
One of the most overlooked components of a good heating system in a home is not creating heat, but keeping it in. Heat loss is a major problem, and it makes heating a home wasteful and expensive. In 2012, it was estimated that 75% of New Zealand homes were not insulated correctly (Progressive Building 2012). This can cost homeowners and renters like you thousands of dollars of each year, and also cause increased health problems; which is why it is important to explore ways you can make your homes less leaky.
For renters: Know your rights
One of the best ways to improve the insulation in the home that you are renting is to enforce the rights you have as a tenant. In 2019 new legislation came into effect that gives landlords new minimum insulation requirements. The new requirement targets underfloor and ceiling insulation. You need to ensure that your landlord is meeting these requirements, and it is their responsibility to install and require insulation. Check the requirements on the Tenancy Services website here↗️.
For homeowners (and long-term renters):
There are some small investments to make your home a lot more heat efficient without having to rip open walls or spend tons on insulation. Leaky doors and windows are a big source of heat loss; and if your windows aren’t double glazed heat loss is even more extreme. A quick and inexpensive way to fix this problem is to install curtains and drapes. All you need is a curtain rod or track and a curtain; check out this easy guide for more details here↗️. Also, when you are in the need for a new heater there are many options to choose from. You can make sure that you get an efficient heater by doing some quick research. One of the top tips when selecting a heater is to choose one with a fan. Heaters with fans heat up a room much more quickly and much more evenly.
Check out this full heater guide on Consumer NZ↗️, it’s full of simple tips that can save you money and save the planet.
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