Keeping your home warm, dry and safe
Sometimes you will need something fixed. Here is some information on what you can do yourself and what we maybe able to do for you
For a dry and healthy home follow these steps:
Wipe down any moisture from your windows and walls
Open windows in the bathrooms while showering or in kitchen while cooking
Hang washing outside to dry when you can. If you need to hang washing inside, hang it in a room with a window open.
Keep beds and furniture away from walls, so that moisture and air doesn’t get trapped.
If you receive a benefit from Work and Income you will be automatically eligible for the Winter Energy Payment. If you are unsure whether or not you are entitled to this payment go to the Work and Income website for more information.
Keeping your home warm during winter and keeping your power bill down can be a challenge. We have put some tips together to help you reduce that winter monthly power bill.
Curtains: Check that your curtains are the right fit for your window, not too short and not too narrow. Opening your curtains during the day to let the sunlight in is a natural way to heat your home and making sure you close them before it gets dark to keep the cold air out.
Heating: Set timers on your heat pump or heater and set the temperature to a good healthy temperature generally between 19 and 21 degrees. Rooms generally take around 15 minutes to heat up. Closing doors and only heating the rooms you are in will save you money. Once the room is heated you can have periods of time that you will be able to turn the heater down or off to save power.
Drafts and Insulation: We will ensure your home is up to standard. This will include making sure all windows and doors close correctly and that the house is insulated and up to standard. Check that your window latches are not loose. Cover any unused chimney. Use draft stoppers to cover gaps in doors.
Clothing: Wear appropriate clothing and add extra layers
Oven / Stove: The oven can consume a lot of power. Avoid using the oven to heat your kitchen. This can cost more than running a heater and can be very dangerous. Maybe have an oven free night. If you own a slow cooker this can be a better alternative.
Hot water: Have shorter showers or bath the kids together. Use cold water to rinse your dishes before filling the sink up to wash them. Hot water is one of the biggest reasons for a high-power bill.
Washing: Wash your clothes at night and hang outside first thing in the morning. This will allow your clothes to dry during the day and save power on using a dryer. Air drying clothes in a room with the windows open on rainy days is also efficient.
Lights: Turning lights off in rooms you are not in. Most people think a small light bulb won’t consume too much power. But if you look at the layout of your home, every room has a lightbulb and if all lights are turned on this can consume a bit of power. Replacing all your standard light bulbs with LED lights can be 85% more efficient.
Power points: Power points use power if something is plugged in and turned on. Make a habit of switching off the power at the wall this will save you power.
Fridge/Freezer: Ensure your fridge or freezer have good seals. If the doors do not close properly your fridge or freezer will consume more power to keep the air coolWe aim to deal with your repairs within the following timeframe:
Power companies: Compare power companies before signing up. Some power companies have special deals and plans that suit your household. It is also a good idea to go with a power company that shows how much power you consume daily; this will give you a clear estimate of how much your bill would be a month.