KEY POINTS:
1. ELECTRIC HEATERS
Generally very efficient, as they convert most of the electricity directly to heat.
Different types of electric heaters suit different circumstances. Close the curtains and ensure your house is well insulated to keep the warmth inside.
2. HEAT PUMPS
These are the most energy-efficient way to heat your home. As heat pumps transfer more energy than they use, they can be up to 450 per cent more efficient than other heaters.
Heat pumps draw heat from outside the house, instead of generating heat like traditional electric or gas heaters. They can also air-condition your house by pumping heat outside.
Replacing an electric heater with an energy-efficient Energy Star heat pump can slash heating costs.
3. WOOD BURNERS
These can be an efficient way to heat your home and are often cheaper than electricity or gas heating. But they cause air pollution.
Try to use plantation-grown wood that has been kept dry. Dry wood burns more efficiently and cleanly.
4. PELLET BURNERS
A clean and efficient form of heating that uses compressed wood pellets of waste wood shavings as fuel instead of solid logs. Pellet burners are limited to burning only pellets and cannot be readily changed to burning logs.
5. INSULATION
Good quality, well-installed insulation in the ceiling, underfloor and external walls will make your house easier and cheaper to heat.
Building code standards specify the insulation standards required for renovations and building of new homes. If possible, over-insulate your home, by installing more than the recommended amount, to increase the benefits of insulation.
6. DRAUGHTS
Draughts through poor-fitting doors, windows, gaps and cracks are common causes of heat loss in New Zealand's older homes. To stop draughts around your home, try:
* Placing stuffed "snakes" under doors.
* Blocking off open fireplaces when not in use.
* Fitting shields for draughts and rain on external doors.
Tips from www.sustainability.govt.nz
For more information see www.energywise.govt.nz
