New homes to use 30% less energy
New insulation requirements by the Government (including double-glazing in most parts of the country) will result in new homes using about 30% less energy to achieve comfortable indoor air temperatures.
Energy savings guide
| Location | Average cost of constructing a medium-sized house now | Average additional cost of construction after the changes | Annual saving in energy bills | Return period on investment (in years) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Auckland | $254,000 | +$3,000 to $5,000 | $760 | 7 |
Wellington | $253,000 | +$3,000 to $5,000 | $940 | 6 |
Christchurch | $251,000 | +$3,000 to $5,000 | $1,340 | 4 |
Dunedin | $250,000 | +$3,000 to $5,000 | $1,800 | 3 |
This assumes the entire house is heated to 16?C all day, and the living areas are heated to 20?C in the morning and evening. While this heating regime is greater than most New Zealanders currently follow, it is similar to measured heating regimes in new houses.
New houses and alterations to existing homes in the South Island and the North Island's Central Plateau now need more insulation and most likely double-glazing.
These improvements to house insulation take effect in the rest of the central and lower North Island from July 2008, and for Auckland north from October 2008.
