The world’s energy demands and costs continue to increase. Here at Enstall we are passionate about doing our part to help you reduce your energy waste and maximise the comfort of your home.

1 – Insulation

Improving the insulation of your home is a simple and cost-effective way to reduce your energy waste. Once the insulation is installed it quietly does its job without any additional energy input and very little maintenance.

Ensure your home has insulation installed in the ceiling and underfloor. Minimise the number of gaps required by upgrading your lighting to energy-efficient modern fittings.

If possible, insulate your walls as well. Enstall operates a Building Research Association of New Zealand (BRANZ) CodeMark approved system for retrofitting blow-in insulation to external walls.

2 – Using curtains & windows effectively

Using curtains and windows effectively reduces the need for heating, cooling or ventilating the property. Open your curtains during the day. This allows allow sunlight in to warm your home for free. Drying your clothes outside on a clothesline is another great way to take advantage of the sun. This keeps the moisture from your clothes drying outside your home, where it belongs!

Open your windows to let warm moist air out of your home. Drier air from the outside is easier to heat. Additionally, extraction ventilation in the kitchen and bathrooms removes moisture direct at the source.

3 – Efficient heating

Finally, use an efficient heater to heat your home. Gas heaters are often inefficient, dangerous, and if not properly ventilated can cause harmful gasses to build up in your home. Instead, use a modern electric heater. For example, a heat pump. This is a safer, cheaper, and more efficient than alternatives.

If you have a modern wood burner and access to free firewood, then this becomes the most cost-effective form of heating.

These three simple tips embody the three basic principles of a warm and healthy home. Getting these basics right will go a long way towards helping you reduce your energy waste and hopefully result in smaller energy bills at the end of the month!

If you would like any further advice on any of these areas, please get in touch and arrange a free assessment with one of our friendly experts!

Nathan

(Who is Nathan?  With a technical background in biologic sciences, and joining the energy efficiency sector in 2018, visited over 1000 homes throughout New Zealand. Passionate about the environment and helping Kiwis improve our little slice of paradise.)