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Government Funding Available to Insulate Older Homes

In this years budget the Government has announced a non-means tested grant to retrofit older Kiwi homes with insulation. The grant is up to $1800.  Further loans will be available through local councils. The funding becomes available on the 1st July. If you think you need to make your home more cosier click here for further information. 


Reuse Those Plastic Milk Bottles
Recycling is a great thing but if you can reuse, before recycling, that's even better. Here ae some ideas for finding a secondary use for all those plastic milk bottles.
Green home » energy efficiency

Green Low Cost Cool


Before flicking that air conditioner switch next time it gets too hot, try these simple green strategies for cooling your home.

- On hot days keep blinds or curtains closed to keep sun out of house.

- Open windows and doors on the cool side of the house (south side in the Southern Hemisphere). This creates cooling cross ventilation.

- Open doors and windows at night to allow cool air into the house.

- If you have a basement floor consider using this space during the day as this area will be cooler than upstairs floors.

- Portable fans will give a feeling of being cool. Hang a damp sheet in front of fan for natural air conditioning.

- Plant deciduous trees on sunny side of house. These trees will shade in summer but allow the lower winter sun into your home.

- Paint the house in light colours to deflect the heat.

- Insulate roof space with heat reflection insulating material.

- Consider installing a ceiling fan. Choose a four bladed fan with tilted or scooped edged blades for best air circulation.

- Think about adding a pergola on sunny side of house. Covered with vines or shade cloth, this sort of structure will block up to 80% of the sun’s heat.

On those really scorching hot days when you just have to turn the air-conditioner on, remember these few tips to make its operation as energy efficient as possible.

- For maximum efficiency shut all doors and windows.

- Clean the filters regularly.

- Use the thermostat setting and use the economy setting if you have it.

- Remember to turn it off when you go out.