Where Does Your Power Go and How Can You Save on Heating?

FORTIfi Ltd has recently been joining with Mercury Energy to bring a seminar to some of Mercury's clients who are struggling financially. Our role is to share some hints and tips on saving money around the home and while out shopping.	► Want to save money? ►  pay off your mortgage faster? ►  be in control of your finances? FORTIfi Ltd has a solution to almost every financial need. Click on the FORTIfi logo to find out how we can help you.
Following on from our "Can you do better with your Power Bill?" article from last month, here is some information from Mercury Energy on electricity in your home.

As can be seen on the chart to the right, household electricity usage is made up of (on average); Hot water = 42% Lights and appliances = 25% Heating = 18% Cooking = 14%

As can be seen on the chart to the right, heat is lost from your home through (on average); Ceiling = 42% Walls = 24% Floor = 12% Windows = 12% Unblocked chimneys and draughts around doors and windows = 10%

  Step ONE: Getting started:

► Stop draughts under doors by either buying draught excluders from your local hardware or by making your own (e.g. a rugby sock stuffed with scrap material).

► Plug unused fireplaces by stuffing plastic bags stuffed with newspaper up the chimney.  (Remember to leave a note on the fireplace as a reminder).

► Insulate around doors and windows with self adhesive strips (available from your local hardware store).

► Fill or block any gaps around pipes and cables that go through an exterior wall or wherever you feel a draught.

Keep heat in.

► Windows are a significant heat loss area.  Closing windows and curtains around sunset keeps in warmth that has built up during the day.

  Step TWO: Getting Serious:

► Ceiling insulation is available from most hardware stores.  Check your Yellow Pages under 'Insulation - thermal.'  And, you may be eligible for a subsidy from the government.  Check out the www.eeca.govt.nz website.

Upgrade ceiling insulation.

► Older ceiling insulation can get blown about or moved.  Plus it may also get thin and less effective over time.  Have it checked by a builder or insulation professional - you may need to replace or upgrade.

Install underfloor insulation.

► DIY-ers can do this job, but it's often best left to a skilled installer.  If you have polished wooden floors, make underfloor insulation one of your 'First Steps.'  Check your Yellow Pages under 'Insulation - Thermal.'

Re-curtain.

► Curtains should be bigger than the window frame and close fitting with no gaps for warm air to escape.  Use thermal or close-woven materials and linings.  You can make your own or check your Yellow Pages under "Curtains."

Step THREE: Looking Ahead:

Insulate your walls.

► Installing wall insulation is a pretty simple task if you can get into the wall cavity.  Take the opportunity to insulate while renovating.

Capturing the sun's rays.

► When planning renovations consider your home's layout.  Think about which rooms will most benefit from the sun and at what time of the day.

► Windows which are north facing will benefit most from the sun in the summer and least in the winter.

► Avoid skylights or glass roofs as they can be a major loss of heat in the winter.

► Consider the advantages of the sun while designing - where you will have your windows, local climate, shading, heat sources etc.

For more electricity saving tips check out the Mercury Energy website - www.mercury.co.nz - or your preferred power company website.

Click here to read our article on Could You do Better With Your Power Bill?