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Papakowhai renovation – insulate, insulate, insulate!
Heating, cooling and insulation
Beacon’s Papakowhai Renovation Project in Porirua tested various combinations of energy, water and indoor environment retrofits on nine ordinary 1970s homes. The houses were monitored before and after the renovations to determine how well each house performed.Results show...
Smart guide
Construction systems
Construction and materials
Construction systems
The term 'construction system' refers to the way a home is built – that is, the materials and methods used to construct its foundations, floor, walls, and roof.There are a number of different construction systems which are typically put into thr...
Smart guide
Stoves, ovens and dishwashers
Power, lighting and energy saving
Using smart appliances smartly
Today you can buy a range of major kitchen appliances with a wide variety of different features. Choosing the right ones and using them appropriately can save on energy costs and also be good for the environment.StovesThe 'exposed coil' e...
Smart guide
Washing machines and clothes dryers
Power, lighting and energy saving
Choosing a washing machine
If you're choosing a washing machine, look for a model with these things:
the right size or capacity for your needs – if you choose a machine that's too big, you'll be tempted to run it when it's not full (most families use a 6.5kg machine)...
Smart guide
Fridges and freezers
Power, lighting and energy saving
Choosing a fridge or freezer
Fridges and freezers use about 10 per cent of an average household's electricity bill and an old fridge can cost two to three times more to run than newer, more efficient models.You can cut down on operating costs by choosing the right frid...
Smart guide
Insulation for existing homes
Heating, cooling and insulation
Give that old house a thermal boost
Many old houses, especially if built before 1978, have little or no insulation. It makes them uncomfortable, expensive to heat and probably also less healthy.There are some things that can be done relatively easily to improve this si...
Smart guide
Installing insulation
Heating, cooling and insulation
Installing insulation – avoid the pitfalls
You can fit some types of insulation, such as blanket insulation, yourself. Others, such as loose fill, will need a professional installer.Checking out your insulationIt’s wise to check on the state of your current insulat...
Smart guide
Heating your home
Heating, cooling and insulation
Choose the right heating for you and your family
A warm home is vital for your comfort and health. The World Health Organisation's recommended minimum indoor temperature is 18°C in living areas and 16°C in bedrooms. Recommendations for babies and elderly people are e...