Warmer, drier, cheaper

Cost-cutting tips for a healthy home, with Sustainability Trust.

Electricity prices have increased 70% over the past 20 years. Here, tips to manage it.

If your insulation is more than 10 years old, get it checked by a professional to be sure it meets recommended thickness of 200mm or more.

Don’t miss 50% off home insulation with government funding for low-medium income households – runs out June 2018.

Make sure vegetation is not blocking direct sunlight into the home.

Reduce moisture sources and ventilate your home for 15 minutes, twice a day.

Change to insulation-coverable LED downlights and fill any insulation gaps.

If you can fill a 10L bucket from your shower in under a minute, its flow is too high. You could save $150 per person per year by using a low-flow shower head.

Reduce your hot water temperature and install a hot water cylinder wrap.

Use efficient heat sources; generally heat pumps, wood burners and flued gas heating are the most economical. Shop online or instore sustaintrust.org.nz EcoCentre, Forresters Lane (off Tory St), Wellington. Open Mon-Sat, 9.30-4.30.

Sustainability Trust provides advice and sells products which result in drier, healthier homes and reduce impact on the environment. All profits are invested in award-winning community programmes that empower everyone to live more sustainably.