Tips
Because we’re interested in the same things you are – in getting a warmer, more comfortable and energy efficient home that costs less to heat – we’ve trawled the globe to find some nifty tips to help you save money, energy and the environment!
Energy assessments
- Make undertaking the checklist fun by involving all the family.
- Implementing 2 or 3 of the recommendations will more than cover the cost of the report.
Energy assessments - read more »
Heating
- Before choosing a heating system think about the overall ‘thermal envelope’ of your home – how well it retains heat. It is likely to be more efficient to invest money in insulation, double-glazing and thermal curtains before you spend money on heating systems.
Insulation
- Insulate the ceiling first 25% of heat loss occurs through the ceiling. Happily, it’s also one of the easiest places to insulate in an existing home.
- If your home is more than 10 years old consider upgrading the ceiling insulation as the original insulation will have compressed over time.
- Install the highest R-Value you can afford If you’re building, think about increasing the size of your wall cavity from 90mm to 150mm and installing a higher R-Value insulation – you’ll save money on heating in the long run.
- Get a professional installation. A 2% gap in insulation causes 20% heat loss. Use professional installers who are experienced at checking for gaps, and make sure they re-inspect for holes at the end of the job.
- Start with an energy-efficient home design If building a new home, talk to us about your home design and aspect. We’ll give you a plan that takes the whole picture into account – so you get the most value from your budget.
- Natural wool insulation is a preferred option for people with asthma and allergies.
- The composition of natural wool insulation means that the maximum R-Value for a 90mm standard (which is usually R2.2 ). This is lower than a non-natural alternative insulation.
- Reflective foil is an effective low cost underfloor insulation option. Don't install yourself, use a professional.
- Insulating with concrete slab is an essential. 10 % of heat can be lost through an uninsulated concrete slab.
- Installing a hot water cylinder wrap is easy and takes less than 5 minutes and is one of the most effective energy efficient measures you can take.
- Adding a cylinder wrap to an older cylinder can save you 1kwh/day in energy or about $66 per year.
- Gas hot water cylinders lose about three and a half times as much heat as a well insulated electric cylinder.
Hot water heating systems
- The most environmental solar hot water system circulates water by natural convection ('thermosiphon') instead of using an electric pump. This requires no electricity and so is very eco-friendly. However your water tank needs to be placed on the roof.
- Solar water heaters require manual control of the pump and booster heating. If not used effectively, you won't see the full energy savings. Right House will show you how to use the controller properly to ensure you get the maximum benefit.
- A solar hot water system or a hot water heat pump can deliver similar operating cost savings as a home's hot water heating costs.
- If you would like to future proof your home but do want want to install a solar hot water system then consider installing a hot water cylinder anyway.
- The Building Code requires that the temperature of the water in your cylinder must reach at least 60°C once each day.
- If you have a large family or a need for a large volume of hot water, then a hot water heat pump may be the best solution for your home.
Hot water heating - read more>>
Energy-efficient lighting
- Don't just bin energy-efficient bulbs! We suggest you contact Interwaste New Zealand to safely recycle them.
- Like regular incandescent bulbs, energy-efficient bulbs come in a variety of shapes, sizes, light output and colours.
Energy-efficient lighting - read more>>
Generation
- A Right House Energy Assessment is the ideal place to begin if you don't know which systems you need.
House aspect
- Contact a Right House Consultant to discuss your new houses aspect and design to maximize energy efficiency and comfort.
- A north facing site is ideal for maximizing solar gain.
- Good orientation is a key aspect of building a home that is energy efficient, warm and comfortable all year around.
- A window facing the morning sun can capture up to 1,000 watts per square metre on a sunny day. This is the same amount of heat as an average size space heater.
- Even if your home doesn’t face due north windows can be positioned to get north sun or consider using skylights or a celestory window.
- Building a deck or outdoor living space on the exposed side of the house may be a waste of time and money.
House design
- If you would like to consider solar water heating or solar electricity generation then incorporate sufficient north facing roof space into your design and make sure the pitch of the roof is optimal.
- Even when renovating good design can have a significant benefit to the warmth, comfort and energy efficiency of your home.