Power prices are rising along with just about everything else these days, but you can take action to rein in some of the costs and keep your power bills manageable, even as the cooler weather creeps in. The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) provides advice on getting your home warm, healthy and ready for winter – with solutions to suit any budget.
They have advice on Quick Wins, Small Purchases and Big Improvements to keep your home warm, dry and easy to heat this winter — while making some savings on your power bills.
Quick Wins
- Clean your heat pump filter (save $50 a year). A clogged heat pump filter makes the system work harder (and cost more) to keep your house warm. Give it a clean each month — it’s easy, quick, and saves on wasted energy. More about using your heat pump efficiently
- Set your heat pump temperature (save $40 a year). The higher the temperature, the more energy the heat pump will use. Set your heat pump temperature between 18 and 21 degrees to help fight damp and mould, while saving on power. If you have older people or babies at home, it might need to be a little higher. How to run your heat pump efficiently at home
- Close your curtains at dusk (save $90 a year). Good quality blinds and curtains can reduce the amount of heat loss through single glazed windows – be sure to close your curtains before it gets dark each night. Easy ways to save on your energy bills
- Set your hot water cylinder to 60°C (save $80 a year)/. Set the temperature of your hot water system to a minimum of 60°C. Higher temperatures waste energy and increase the risk of scalding – any lower risks the growth of bacteria. Fine tune your hot water system
- Damp-proof your home. Stop moisture at the source, before it becomes a problem: Open your windows to air your home for 10-15 minutes each morning. Dry your laundry outside. Move furniture away from walls. Use extractor fans and rangehoods. More on preventing dampness
The EECA guide includes similar advice on Small Purchases and Big Improvements, which are detailed on the website:
https://www.eeca.govt.nz/for-homes/improve-your-home/get-winter-ready/
In addition EECA offers advice on easy ways to save on your energy bills including Saving on hot water bills by using hot water efficiently, and tips for heating your home.
https://www.eeca.govt.nz/for-homes/save-on-your-energy-bills/easy-ways-to-save-on-your-energy-bills/
The EECA provides Heating and Insulation Grants
EECA Warmer Kiwi Homes offers grants of 50-90% of the cost of ceiling and underfloor insulation, and up to 80% of the cost of an energy-efficient heater, to eligible homeowners.