When You Move In

Comfort

• Is all ceiling insulation still in place?
• Are there any leaks though the insulation deteriorating?
• Do you have underfloor insulation?
• Do you have wall insulation? (Install if relining walls!)
• Adding more insulation will pay for itself and will keep you warmer.
• Also See Home Improvement Insulation

Heating

• Are any unused open fires blocked?
• Can open fires and log burners be replaced? Do they meet the current standard? 
• Do you heat rooms you are not in? 
• Do you have thermostats and heater timers? 
• Is the heated towel rail turned off in summer?
• Do you shower with the windows open to avoid moisture forming?
• Can you put an extra blanket on the bed instead of using your electric blanket? Or can you use blanket on lower setting?
• Is our house weatherproof? Are there leaks around doors and windows?
• Do you use a ceiling fan to distribute heat in winter and cool air in summer?
• Have you checked out subsidies available under the Clean Heat Programme ? 
• Also see Home Space Heating Links

Doors and Windows

• Are there trees and shrubs that are blocking solar access?
• Have you installed draught-stopping material? Or ‘door snakes’? 
• Is retrofitted double-glazing or (less expensive) plastic window kits affordable options?
• Have you fitted lined or thermal curtains and installed pelmets above windows?
• Also see Home Improvement Doors and Windows

Lights

• Have you used compact fluorescent light bulbs as much as possible? 
• Do you have any light bulbs over 60 Watt – do you need them?
• Do you have sensors on our outside lamps?
• Have you painted your walls in a light colour to reflect more light?
• Do you clean lights and lampshades to get most effective light?
• Do you turn off lights in unoccupied rooms? 
• Have you replaced recessed lights and heat lamps, or used sealed ones with compact fluorescent light bulbs? 
• Also see Home Improvement Appliances

Appliances

Do you

• Shut down computer when not in use?
• Switch off appliances completely (not stand by)? 
• Unplug charger when batteries are fully charged (e.g. mobile phones)? 
• Have you checked the energy efficiency star rating when buying new appliances?
• Is the fridge out of direct sunlight and away from stove?
• Are worn seals on our oven, fridge or freezer replaced? 
• Are fridge and freezer overloaded?
• Is the freezer defrosted regularly?
• Is food covered to reduce moisture build-up on the inside of the fridge?
• Is moisture from bottles and containers wiped away before putting them back in the fridge? 
• Is the freezer set at -18°C and the fridge between 2°C and 5°C?
• Is there space around the back of fridge or freezer for air to circulate?
• Do you have a second fridge. Can it be turned off when not in use? 

Do you 

• Only use dishwasher and washing machine when full? 
• Use the water saving mode if not?  
• Try to wash cold and use as short cycle? 
• Also see Home Improvement Appliances

Hot Water

• Is your hot water cylinder set at 55 - 60°C? 
• Do you have a hot water cylinder wrap (if cylinder not A-grade) and is the hot water piping lagged?
•  Do you have a low-flow showerhead?
• Do you take (short) showers instead of baths?
• Are there any dripping hot water taps and pipes?
• Do you turn the hot water system off if isn't needed for longer than two weeks (when on a long vacation)?
• Have you inspected the water heater pressure relief valve for excessive water overflow? 
• Are broken hot water thermostats replaced? 
• Do you use cold water when you're filling the jug, rinsing dishes and washing clothes?
• Have you considered solar units, instantaneous gas or heat pumps?
• Also see Home Water Heating Links

Moisture

• Do you avoid using portable gas heaters?
• Do you ventilate well when cooking, showering and drying clothes?
• Do you keep the foundation space dry by keeping vents clear from debris and plants, ensuring spouting down pipes are draining effectively into storm drains and fixing leaky pipes?
• Also see Home Improvement Ventilation

More Information

Do the Smart Home Tour or Home Health Check on homesmarts.org.nz

More Energy Saving tips

• Trustpower  lists 33 easy ways to use less power and compares power costs of appliances.
• Sustainable living NZ compiled an action sheet on energy saving as a PDF  (first document in list)
• MainPower Rangiora  provides a bullet point list of energy saving tips.
• Carbon Zero Homepage  has a section on being efficient and saving energy
• The EECA brochure (2006)  “getting warmer by degrees”  ( 1.4MB) is a homeowner’s guide to energy savings and comfortable, healthier living