Energy Efficiency Checklist for Homeowners

Energy Efficiency Checklist:

Comfort

• Sunny, north-facing main rooms, not blocked by trees, etc.
• Not too many south-facing windows
• No high ceilings
• Ceiling insulation, up to recommended level of R3.5 (app. 200mm of batts) but at least up to R2.5 (app. 100mm of batts)
• Wall insulation
• Concrete slab foundation (best)
• Underfloor insulation
• Carpeting 

Heating

• Heat pump
• Other type of electric heater or flued gas or diesel heater 

Doors and Windows

• Internal doors to close off heated rooms and separate floors in multi-storey houses
• Double-glazed windows
• No single-glazed skylights 

Moisture

• No mould or mildew on walls or floors due to wet soils or drainage problems 

Hot Water

• A-grade cylinder
• Cylinder close to kitchen, bathroom and laundry 

Lights

• Ample natural lighting 

When you move in...

Once you have bought your new home and are moving in, take note of your electricity meter reading. It gives you some idea whether or not your home is energy efficient. New Zealand households using electricity for hot water and space heating are estimated to use:

• 7,700 kWh per year (1-2 people households)
• 11,000 kWh per year (3-4 people households)
• 16,000 kWh per year (5 or more people households).

The Canterbury average (2.2 people per household) is 8,000 kWh or $1080 per year (based on a single rate plan and an average electricity price).

Even houses with a lower energy use will benefit from energy efficiency. There are lots of inexpensive options and sensible investments to keep your heating and electricity costs as low as possible.

Checklist:

Comfort

• Is all ceiling insulation still in place, or has it been dislodged by the wind or by roof repairs?
• Are there any leaks that deteriorate the insulation? 
• Adding more insulation will pay for itself and will keep you warmer.
• Underfloor insulation is cheaper than you think, keeps your feet warmer and stops moisture under the house rising into your home. 
• If relining walls, install wall insulation.

Heating

• Block an unused open fire by capping the chimney. 
• Replace open fires, they are very inefficient and cause a lot of pollution. 
• Consider replacing the logburner, especially if it doesn't meet the current standard.  A logburner also contributes to air pollution. 
• If you are considering installing electricity, gas or diesel, see what subsidies are available!

Doors and Windows

• Cut back trees and shrubs that are blocking sunny windows.
• Stop draughts at windows and doors with draught-stopping material. Sash windows that rattle can be adjusted.
• Add double-glazing or use the less expensive plastic window kits.
• Fit lined or thermal curtains and install pelmets above windows.

Lights and appliances

• Compact fluorescent light bulbs use only 20% of the energy of conventional bulbs. Use them in rooms where you keep the light on at least a few hours at a time.
• Use 40-Watt to 60-Watt light bulbs in all other rooms.
• Turn off lights in unoccupied rooms.
• Replace recessed lights and heatlamps. They use a lot of energy and cannot be covered with insulation material, making the ceiling insulation less effective.  Or buy ones that are sealed and use compact fluorescent bulbs.
• Put the fridge away from sunlight and stove. In warm areas it will need more energy to cool.

Hot Water

• Set the hot water cylinder at 60 degrees Celsius (140o Farenheit).
• Get a hot water cylinder wrap (if not A-grade) and get hot water piping lagged.
• Install a low-flow showerhead.
• Fix dripping hot water taps and pipes.
• Solar, instantaneous gas or heat pumps may be a more cost-effective way to heat water.

Moisture

• Avoid portable gas heaters as they release a lot of moisture and dangerous gases in your home.
• A damp house is harder and thus more expensive to heat. Ventilate well when cooking, showering and drying clothes.
• 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.