How to heat your home efficiently and save
Why it's important to get the temperature level just right
To create a comfortable and healthy indoor environment, the World Health Organization suggests keeping temperatures indoors above 18°C. For households with young children, the elderly, or individuals with health concerns, maintaining temperatures around 20°C is ideal. This not only ensures optimal comfort but also helps reduce power bills and improve heating efficiency.A quality heater in your most-used room can transform your comfort and well-being. Opt for a smaller, budget-friendly heater in a spare bedroom or study room where you spend less time.
Do's for heating your home
Choose the right heater- Small electric heaters are ideal for bedrooms.
- Heat pumps or wood burners are perfect for larger living areas.
- When it comes to choosing the right heater consumer.org is a great source of information covering convection, portable and radiant heaters, along with heat pumps.
Use thermostats and timers
- Set your heaters to come on only when needed.
- Ensure they automatically switch off at a certain temperature.
- For heat pumps, make sure to follow the ‘How to use your heat pump’ guide if you have one.
Heat bedrooms
- Especially important for rooms with young children or older people, as they can get very cold overnight.
Turn off unused heaters
- Save energy by only heating rooms that are in use.
Insulate your home
- Properly insulating your home ensures that your heat pump or heater operates more efficiently, which reduces the strain on these systems and lowers your monthly energy bills. Discover more about how to insulate your home by visiting eeca.govt.nz.
Don't's for heating your home
Avoid placing portable heaters under windows
- The heat will escape through the window.
Don't heat hallways
- The warmth won't effectively reach bedrooms.
Never use unflued gas heaters indoors
- This includes LPG cabinet heaters, patio heaters, gas BBQs, or cookers.
- They release harmful gases like sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide.
- They add a lot of moisture to the air, making your home damp and unhealthy.
Ensure your safety by keeping heaters clear of curtains and flammable items. Always use a separate socket for each heater. By following these tips, you can keep your home warm, safe, and comfortable for your entire whānau.
By visiting genless.govt.nz you can do a comprehensive healthy home check yourself online.