• The hot water temperature at the tap is 55°C - 60°C, or the hot water thermostat is adjusted to 60°C.

Action: Check thermostat is set correctly and working properly.

• The hot water cylinder is insulated, and the first metre of hot water pipe is lagged. Possible yearly savings: $100 Payback: Less than one year.

Action: Ask us about our cylinder wraps.

• Hot water taps aren’t leaking.

Action: Sometimes as simple as changing a washer.

• Check the shower flow rate. Should be between 6-10 litres per min. Yearly Savings: $85 Payback: up to 3 years.

Action: If greater than 13 litres per minute, install a low flow shower head - flow restrictor.

• The hot water cylinder's overflow vent (which is located on the roof) is not overflowing or losing water. 

Action: If it is overflowing the thermostat may be set too high or faulty. If the cylinder has a Pressure Reducing Valve it may need checking by a registered plumber.

• Rinse dishes in cold water
• Wash clothes in cold water
• Take shorter showers, on minute less each person will make a big difference over a year.

Heating is usually one of the biggest bills after the mortgage/rent, and food for a home. But after insulation has been installed, heating bills can significantly decrease. Understanding how to heat a home can save you energy consumption and money, here are a few tips to consider when heating your home.

• Heat one room at a time, e.g. heat the living up first, then open the doors if you want heat to travel to other rooms.
• If you have a fire or heat pump, look to install a heat transfer kit to shift heat to bedrooms instead of using extra heaters.
• Heat living areas to a comfortable level, 16-21 degrees is good.
• Choose heaters with thermostat controls and timers.
• If you use an unflued gas heater, consider other options as they can create moisture. For safety reasons ensure you vent the room if you are using one (www.moh.govt.nz).
• Close windows and doors when you are heating (unless using an unflued gas heater).
• Open curtains and drapes on sunny winter days to let the sunlight in, then close them before the sun goes down to trap as much heat in as possible.
• Make sure curtains have thermal lining; it will help to keep the heat in longer.

Ask us about funding toward heating solutions.