Home Energy Advice Centre September News

” I wasn’t able to sleep before - now I haven’t got so many aches and pains and cramps”.

No, this isn’t a comment from someone who purchased a biomag underlay but from one of the callers to the Home Energy Advice Centre (HEAC) commenting on the difference heating their bedroom had made to their health and well being.  Considering we spend on average eight hours a day/night in our bedrooms it pays to keep this part of the home warm when you are in it. Breathing in cold, damp air all the time can exacerbate existing/cause respiratory problems.  The World Health Organisation recommends an overnight temperature of at least  16^o in bedrooms to help keep ill health at bay, and the advisors at the HEAC are here to help you work out the best way to do this. 

Who are we? 

The Home Energy Advice Centre (HEAC) is an independent, not-for-profit service providing free, impartial, personally tailored advice to help people to make their homes warmer, healthier and more energy efficient.

We can help you choose the best insulation and heating options for your home, and give advice on other improvements including reducing moisture and damp conditions in the home, ventilation, wall insulation, double glazing and curtaining.

Our service is overseen by the Energy Efficiency Community Network (EECN) and delivered and funded by regionally based not for profit charitable trusts including EcoMatters in Auckland, The Sustainability Trust in Wellington and Community Energy Action in Christchurch.

For free, independent, and locally relevant energy saving advice, call our toll-free number 0800 388 588 to speak to an advisor.  Advisors are on hand to answer your call 10am - 4pm Monday to Friday.

To email us with an enquiry click on your nearest regional office and fill in the online query form. We try and answer all queries within two business days.

What’s hot - our energy efficiency tip of the month

Think you might be with the wrong power company? The good folk at Consumer magazine have teamed up with the Ministry of Consumer Affairs to create www.powerswitch.org.nz , a website where you can compare your current pricing plan against other companies and see if those persistent telephone sales people are correct. If you or your clients don’t have access to the internet, you can call us at the HEAC and we will do the online assessment for you. All you need is a copy of your recent power bills and be able to answer some multi-choice questions about your household power use.

Cold Comfort - energy efficiency that leaves us cold

Up to nine per cent of heat loss from an average home occurs through draughts, and whilst many homeowners rely on them to ventilate their home, it is far better to open windows and doors to provide controlled ventilation when and where it is needed. Most leaks can be plugged with DIY products and the first place to start should be around your exterior doors and windows. Billowing curtains during windy weather is an obvious indicator of gaps but to find those little leaks try holding a lit incense stick/candle around the inside of window and door frames, and see how the smoke behaves (if it moves or the flame goes out, you have a leak). Gaps at the bottom of external doors should be fitted with hinged weather seals which seal the gap tightly when the door is closed.  Gaps at the base of internal doors can be fitted with self adhesive brush strips or plugged using some funky looking door snakes/sausages. Bare floorboards are another source of draughts along with cat doors, key holes and of course down lights!

Get Connected - events and websites of interest

Wellington Curtain Bank Working Bee - 4 September, 12pm-4pm at 8 Horner Street, Newtown. The curtain bank has been open for a month and its time for a working bee! If you are keen on creativity and want some fun join with other volunteers turning donated material into door snakes and hottie covers. More details either on  facebook :) http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=152149258133873  or on the Intersect site http://intersect.ning.com/events/hottie-covers-door-snakes

Hutt City Green Drinks - 8 September, 5.30pm-7.00pm, at Jetty Place, 160 The Esplanade, Petone. All welcome. Come along and chat with others interested in environmental issues. Nibbles provided (sponsored by the venue).

Sustainable Energy Forum (SEF) Seminar on Feed-in Tariffs - 10 September, 12.15-1.30pm.
Where: Large Gallery, Turnbull House, 11 Bowen St, Wellington.
Admission: By koha.
Speakers:  Stephan Heubeck of REFIT-NZ, an organisation advocating the introduction of feed-in tariffs in New Zealand, will speak in favour of their introduction. Energy analyst Steve Goldthorpe will offer a more cautious view. There will be plenty of time for questions and discussion.

Websites - Some great websites that may be of interest to you…..

www.treehugger.com - not as flaky as it sounds this website highlights new innovations and good news energy stories from around the world.

www.intersect.ning.com - a New Zealand based social networking site for purposeful people who want to meet like-minded (and not-so-like-minded!) people, learn, inspire, seek assistance, share events and develop opportunities.

www.energysavingtrust.org.uk - the British equivalent of the EECN and packed full of interesting info on energy efficiency.

Eco kids - is an educational game for children about energy and a great source of fun energy facts.

If you have an energy related event happening please let us know and we will be happy to promote it for you.

Energy Fact

Oceans cover over 70% of the Earth’s surface, making them the world’s largest solar energy collectors and potentially the largest powerhouse on Earth. The ocean can produce two types of energy; thermal energy from the sun’s heat, and mechanical energy from the tides and waves.

Ocean energy has the potential to deliver ten million terra-watt hours of electricity per year and the largest but most experimental form of ocean energy is ocean thermal energy conversion, which taps heat stored in the ocean to generate electricity.

From All of You-

Elaine Winchester of Petone sent us the following energy efficiency tip to share:  She boils a jug to make a cup of tea and then pours any unused water into a thermos flask which is useful for subsequent cups or alternatively the warmed /stored basis for the next boiling.

Remember that we are always interested to hear from you about your energy efficiency experiences, upcoming events of interest, energy saving tips, or even just what you would like to see in our newsletters.

Kind regards 

Kyle, Susie, Aaryn, Sarah, Seth, Carolyn, Katie and Adam

Home Energy Advisors

 

Home Energy Advice Centre August News

In July the first effects of the Government’s Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) began to be felt as some of the power companies chose to increase their prices in anticipation of receiving their first bill from the Government for their emissions. If you would like to more about the ETS, the Government has produced this informative little website , which explains the scheme quite nicely and the advisors at the Home Energy Advice Centre can help you find ways to reduce your energy consumption and mitigate the effects of the price increase.

Who are we? 

The Home Energy Advice Centre (HEAC) is a free, not for profit and impartial telephone service which helps people to make their homes warmer, healthier and more energy efficient. 

The service is managed by the Energy Efficiency Community Network (EECN) and delivered and funded by regionally based not for profit charitable trusts including EcoMatters in Auckland, The Sustainability Trust in Wellington and Community Energy Action in Christchurch. 

You can call us on 0800 388 588 between 10am - 4pm Monday to Friday. To email us with an enquiry click on your nearest regional office and fill in the online query form. We try and answer all queries within two business days.

What’s hot - our energy efficiency tip of the month

To help you find ways to save electricity around the home we recommend making use of handy little gadgets such as a Centameter or a power meter. The Centameter attaches to your main circuit board (which may require the help of an electrician to install) and measures the amount of electricity being used as a household and displays the cost per hour on a portable display unit. By switching off various appliances you can work out how much power each one uses and what savings can be made by switching if off at the wall when you are not using it e.g. a washing machine still uses power when turned off at the appliance but not at the wall.  A power meter is a portable device which plugs into the wall socket and then you plug the appliance into the device. It measures how much electricity the appliance uses and by entering what power rate you are on you can also see the cost of using that appliance. By moving it from one plug to another around the house you can quickly see which appliances are using what and where savings can be made.  For more information contact the Home Energy Advice Centre on 0800 388 588.

Cold Comfort - energy efficiency that leaves us cold

While many romantics find the crackle and spark of the open flame irresistible, open fires are one of the most inefficient, expensive and polluting types of home heating. Over eighty per cent of the heat produced is lost up the chimney and they create a cold draught inside the house. Unless you have an inexhaustible supply of free wood, and do not live in a Clean Air Zone, an open fire should only be considered as a back up option. If you are not using it, seal it off so it is not an “open window” in your home.  For information on getting help with replacing your open fire contact the Home Energy Advice Centre on 0800 388 588.  

Get Connected - events and websites of interest

Release of the Draft New Zealand Energy Strategy and Draft New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy for public consultation - The Minister of Energy and Resources has released the Draft New Zealand Energy Strategy and Draft New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy for public consultation. The two drafts are presented together in one document. They are available through the Ministry of Economic Development’s website in both html and PDF formats at www.med.govt.nz/energystrategy . Anyone can provide feedback on the drafts and details on how to submit are on the website and in the document. Submissions must be received by 5pm, Thursday 2 September 2010.  

New Curtain Banks for the Wellington Region - Two recently opened curtain banks (Wellington City and Upper Hutt) are able to offer free, good quality, second hand curtains for the main living space for lower income households. Donations of good quality second hand curtains are also welcomed. For information on the Wellington Curtain bank see http://www.sustaintrust.org.nz/OurProjects/Current20Projects/Curtain_Bank.htm For information on the Upper Hutt Curtain bank see http://www.earthlink.org.nz/Curtain+Bank.html

13th August. Interactive Webinar: Climate Change and the Challenge of Science Communication - The public are cordially invited to participate in this free online interactive webinar. For more details see http://sustainablecities.org.nz/wpcontent/uploads/Science-Communication-and-Climate-Change-A4.pdf

15 August 9.30 am. Paekakariki Tree Planting at QE II Park - Come along, bring a spade, and help with the planting of 10,000 new trees. A free sausage sizzle and hot drinks will be provided.

26 August 11.30-1.00pm. Wellington School of Medicine, Small lecture theatre, - Free Seminar: Parking….the missing link in the evolution of our cities. All welcome, no RSVP required. Speakers: Angus Hulme-Moir, Julie Anne Genter, Philip King.

July 29^th-15^th August - Christchurch International Film festival - Included in this year’s film festival are a couple of documentaries about energy and the environment. Check out www. nzff.co.nz for more information.

Solar power

The good folk at NIWA have created this online calculator which gives an estimate of the available solar energy at a particular location and is great if you are considering installing a solar energy system. You just type in your address and away you go. The website address is  http://www.niwa.co.nz/our-services/online-services/solarview or http://solarview.niwa.co.nz/  

Choosing the right light for your house.

Don’t forget that 29^th August is the end of the www.rightlight.govt.nz  promotion where each week you could win $500 worth of energy efficient lighting for your home. All you have to do is complete a Bulb Finder report and you are automatically in the draw. Plus you get to find out how much money/energy you can save by replacing those inefficient light bulbs. The site also helps you work out what lighting is required for which area in your house or business (either new or existing) and is a Government sponsored initiative.

Energy Fact

A brief history of oil discovery

Various world historians agree that the first crude oil was pumped from the ground in Sichuan, China, 2500 years ago. Oil wells as we know them came into existence a little later in AD347, also in China, where wells up to 800 feet deep using bits attached to bamboo poles were drilled.
The first commercial oil well was drilled in Oil Creek, near the town of Titusville, Pennsylvania, USA on the 28^th August 1859 and the oil was sold for use in medicine (the car hadn’t been invented yet). 

 Kind regards

Kyle, Susie, Aaryn, Sarah, Seth, Carolyn, Katie and Adam

Home Energy Advisors 

 

Home Energy Advice Centre July News

Yay, the shortest day has passed and although the days are still going to get colder, we think every extra second of daylight from now on helps, if only psychologically.  We are sure the Energywise providers are also looking forward to that extra daylight in order to help people get their insulation and new heating appliances installed before the end of winter. The uptake for the Government scheme has increased since winter made its appearance and the providers are doing their best to come out and see everyone but we have heard of some delays. If you are waiting for an assessment, hang in there, as the wait is worth it and please continue to encourage others to make the most of these subsidies. Winter after all has only just begun and the advisors at the Home Energy Advice Centre have lots of tips on what people can do to take the chill off whilst waiting.

Who are we? 

The Home Energy Advice Centre (HEAC) is a free, not for profit and impartial telephone service which helps people to make their homes warmer, healthier and more energy efficient. 

The service is managed by the Energy Efficiency Community Network (EECN) and delivered and funded by regionally based not for profit charitable trusts including EcoMatters in Auckland, The Sustainability Trust in Wellington and Community Energy Action in Christchurch. 

You can call us on 0800 388 588 between 10am - 4pm Monday to Friday. To email us with an enquiry click on your nearest regional office and fill in the online query form. We try and answer all queries within two business days.

What’s Hot - our energy efficiency tip for the month?

Up to 34% of an average power bill is spent on heating your water. Cylinder wraps increase the effectiveness of older hot water cylinders (installed before 1987 or do not have an A grade rating) saving you up to 10% on a monthly power bill. Insulating/lagging the pipes that come out of the top of the cylinder and into the roof space (till they head downwards again or at least one meter from the tank) will help you save even more.  10% may not seem like a lot but over time this could be as much as $100 per year. A subsidy for cylinder wraps and pipe lagging may be available under the Energywise programme.  For more information contact the Home Energy Advice Centre on 0800 388 588.

Cold Comfort -energy inefficiency that leaves us cold.

Yes it’s true, down lights are little chimneys and could be the reason why your new/renovated home is not as warm as you thought it would be.  The reasons for this are two- fold. The first being that because of the risk of fire, New Zealand building standards dictate that insulation must have a clearance of either 200mm or 50mm (depending on the type of fitting) around the lights, which could reduce the insulation value (R-value) of the entire insulated area by as much as 68% (based on 10 down lights per 10m²). The second being that because of the heat that the lights themselves generate, a gap is made in the ceiling around the fittings, which cannot be filled and the heat from your room below quickly finds a way out through these gaps and into the ceiling space above.

Lastly down lights are great for task lighting, but not for general household lighting as you need several halogen down lights to get the same light coverage as one surface mounted light of the same amount of illumination.

For information on what you can do with your little chimneys, contact the Home Energy Advice Centre on 0800 388 588.  

Get Connected - events and websites of interest

Wellington Region gets its first Curtain Banks

The Wellington Region is about to get not one, but two new Curtain Banks! Curtain banks offer a service where people can donate good quality second hand curtains which can then be redistributed to households needing better curtaining.

The Hutt Valley Curtain Bank (hosted by Earthlink) opened on 22 June. Households with community services cards can receive a set of free curtains by filling in an application form available from Earthlink, Unit 2, 26 Goodshed Road, Upper Hutt. Other households will be able to buy curtains at a small cost.

The Wellington Curtain Bank (hosted by Sustainability Trust) is due to open in late July. Again households with community services cards will be able to have a set of free curtains by filling in an application form at Citizen’s Advice Bureau. (Other partner agencies will also be added in due course).

Both curtain banks are always keen to receive donations of curtains and offers of volunteer help with light sewing tasks are also welcome. If you have curtains to donate or would like to volunteer your skills contact Earthlink on 527 9900 or Sustainability Trust on 04 389 3400 ext 704

Tree Planting

Did you know that mid winter is a great time for tree planting? Trees and other vegetation play an important role in controlling ground water, providing summer shade and helping put oxygen in the air to balance out CO2 to slow climate change; all important for our long term energy usage! Many councils and community groups have projects going. If you are interested in volunteering, see the Greater Wellington Regional Council (http://www.gw.govt.nz/ ) for some local planting projects. Or you may be interested in turning some of your own patch into trees or a vege garden. However we don’t recommend vege beds or plants too close to the walls of your house as good air flow is important.

Sustainable Living  Education Trust - road tour of energy efficiency

The Sustainable Living Education Trust will be running a series of free energy efficiency workshops throughout the Central Canterbury district in July. Topics  discussed will include:

• How do heat pumps and dehumidifiers work?
• Why woodstoves sold in NZ often overheat your lounge?
• How to keep bathroom steam from condensing where it’s un-wanted.
• Why care about frame design as well as the double glazing in new windows?
• Where to start insulation work in an older house, for best cost-return.
• How to decode Energy Efficiency Star labels on appliances.

When and where:

5^th July, Rolleston ,7pm,  Community Centre Lounge

6^th July, Ashburton ,7-9pm, Ashburton Hotel, Race course road

19^th July, Rangiora, 7pm, Community Gardens classroom at the High school, 115 East Belt.

 21^st July, Timaru, 7pm Aoraki Polytech

24^th July, Christchurch, time to be advised, Eco Expo, Christchurch Convention Centre.

For more information visit their website www.sustainableliving.org.nz or phone 960 2656

Christchurch - Eco Expo July 24^th -25^th 2010, Christchurch Convention centre.

Everything you wanted to know and more about living sustainably.  From Eco building and heating solutions to nappies and fashion accessories, the eco expo is the place to find it and for more information check out their website www.ecoexpo.co.nz

Choosing the right light for your house.

www.rightlight.govt.nz are still running a promotion where each week you could win $500 worth of energy efficient lighting for your home. The competition began in May and finishes on the 29 August 2010 and all you have to do is complete a Bulb Finder report and you are automatically in the draw. Plus you get to find out how much money/energy you can save by replacing those inefficient light bulbs. The site also helps you work out what lighting is required for which area in your house or business (either new or existing) and is a Government sponsored initiative.

Eco my flat Christchurch winners

Congratulations to all those who took part in the Eco My Flat competition run by the University of Canterbury in term one of this year. Katie from the Home Energy Advice Centre presented some of the workshops and was impressed by the innovative ideas that students came up with to reduce their energy consumption and their commitment to do so.  You can read all about the winners here and maybe even pick up a few tips for your own home.

Energy Fact 

Did you know that the light given off by the sun travels a little over eight minutes before reaching the earth and that the sun is not actually yellow? The sun has a surface temperature of about 5,510 degrees Celsius, causing it to burn white. We view the sun as yellow because of atmospheric scattering of light. The sun is so massive that it contains 99.85 percent of the mass in the solar system and the amount of energy that is produced by the sun is equal to one hundred billion tons of dynamite being detonated every second.

 Kind regards

Kyle, Susie, Aaryn, Sarah, Seth, Carolyn, Katie and Adam

Home Energy Advisors 

 

News-Wellington Regional Council makes funds available to help with insulation and heating upgrades.

From April 2010, ratepayers in the Greater Wellington region will be able to apply for up to $2600 to help with the cost of installing insulation or clean heating under EECA’s Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart Programme.

If you are a ratepayer with a house built before the year 2000 and are up to date with your rates you can apply. Repayments will be made via a “targeted rate” on your rates bill over nine years. The interest rate  will be similar to a bank loan (presently around 7%).

Click here for further details of the scheme

Other councils offering similar schemes include the Hawkes Bay Regional Council, Environment Canterbury and Nelson City Council.

Make Earth Hour Every Hour with the Home Energy Advice Centre

The Home Energy Advice Centre is proud to be a supporter of WWF’s Earth Hour.  Earth Hour sends a powerful message of what scale is possible if we all take small actions together.

Click here to tell us what you have done to improve the energy efficiency of your home.

Or want to know what you can do? Call or email the Home Energy Advice Centre to discuss your individual situation and solutions for your home.

If you would like  further advice call us on 0800 388 588.