KEY POINTS:
Beacon Pathway's proposals for improving dwellings:
1. INSULATE
Focus, first, on uninsulated areas as this will have a stronger impact than topping up existing insulation. Insulation primarily reduces the energy needed for space heating or cooling.
With wall, ceiling and underfloor insulation, households can save 1267kWh, or shave $253 off their annual power bill. Add to that the reduced costs of better health - research is increasingly linking cold damp housing to asthma and other respiratory diseases. A cost-benefit analysis has shown that retrofitting insulation saves more in health costs than the cost of installing insulation.
2. UPGRADE HOT WATER CYLINDER
Upgrading your electric hot water cylinder to a solar or heat pump hot water system can save money. The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority calculates solar water heaters can provide around 75 per cent of a household's water heating in summer, and between 25 and 45 per cent in winter, cutting annual power bills by close to $430. Heat pump hot water systems use electricity more efficiently and can save $328 per year.
3. WATER-EFFICIENT BUNDLE
Consider low-flow shower heads, and water-efficient dual-flush toilets and washing machines. These simple and cheap measures, in combination, can reduce the amount of water a household uses daily from 241 to 177 litres. A low-flow showerhead uses between 5 and 7 litres a minute, compared to a standard 12L/min, without sacrificing shower quality. It costs only $50 plus $118 for labour and will also save energy from reduced hot water use.
Dual-flush toilets can use 3L/6L compared to11L for a full-flush toilet and cost the same as a standard toilet.
Efficient washing machines use 60L per wash, a reduction of 90L for only $60 more per machine.
4. RAINWATER TANK
A 2000L tank can capture 50 per cent of rainwater from the roof and fully meet the demands of the laundry, shower and toilet (93,000L). In areas where people pay for water directly through metered water charges (Auckland, Tauranga, Nelson), this can save $138 per year, and more where wastewater charges are calculated on water use.
5. VENTILATE
Along with insulation, ventilation is vital to a healthy home; ventilation draws fresh air into the house, preventing dampness. About 45 per cent of our homes suffer from problems associated with moisture. High moisture levels encourage the growth of moulds, fungi, dust mites and mildew that can be harmful to health. Research conducted by Otago University School of Medicine shows damp homes are associated with increased numbers of doctor's visits for respiratory problems such as asthma, and increased incidence of colds and 'flu. Mould and damp also add to maintenance costs. Yet there are a few simple measures that people can take to make their homes healthier:
Ensure windows can be safely left open (security stays, small high windows); ventilate the kitchen (rangehood) and bathroom (extractor fan) to the outside.
6. HEAT ADEQUATELY AND EFFICIENTLY
Combining a low-emission wood or pellet burner with a heat transfer system will save money. A pellet burner costs 7-9 cents per kWh; an enclosed efficient wood burner uses 5-10 cents. These compare to an open fire which uses 27-54 cents and an electric resistance heater which uses 18-21 cents. Given that space heating consumes 36 per cent of the average household's energy use, the impact on power bills will be noticeable.
