Checklist of Energy <strong>Saving</strong> ProductsInsulationWindow ShadesCurtains or DrapesAwningsDoorsPlastic Window MaterialSealantsWeatherstripFansAttic VentilatorsThermometersGable VentsFireplaces and AccessoriesWood StovesLight DimmersClock ThermostatsWater-SaversTap RepairsAbout 54% of the <strong>energy</strong> used in <strong>home</strong>s goes intoheating and cooling. This is where the average familycan make the biggest savings on its <strong>energy</strong> costs.Fortunately, many ways to save <strong>energy</strong> can beaccomplished quickly and inexpensively. You don'thave to be a master mechanic or even a skilled doit-<strong>your</strong>selfer.All it takes is a small amount of time,a few tools that you probably already own, andsome products from <strong>your</strong> convenient, helpful<strong>PlaceMakers</strong> branch.Figure 1: Thermostat1
Hot Weather Energy SaversDeflect daytime sun with awnings on windows or drawdrapes and pull shades on sunny windows. Use anextractor ventilating fan instead of air conditioning.They do a remarkably good job in keeping air circulating.A 130m 2 attic should have at least .5m 2 of ventilation.Combine circulating fans with room air-conditionersfor best air distribution throughout the house.Year Round Energy SaversUse fluorescent lights where possible. A 25 wattfluorescent tube will provide light equal to a 100 watt bulb.Replace leaky taps; repair all water-wasting fixtures.A dripping hot water tap makes a hot water heaterkeep working.Close off unused rooms.Kitchen, Laundry and BathroomInsulate the hot water cylinder and piping with insulatingmaterials e.g. Climaflex.Have hot-water-using appliances such as clothes anddishwashers full, but not overloaded; same for clothesdryers (use drying racks or clothes lines if possible butalways outside).Use warm or cold water (rather than hot)whenever possible.Keep the thermostat on <strong>your</strong> hot water cylinder at thelowest setting possible to maintain comfortable watertemperature.Try to use high-<strong>energy</strong> appliances - washer, dryer,electric ovens -in non-peak periods (early morning orlate evening).Try <strong>energy</strong> efficient cooking:• Use flat bottom pans and pots.• Regularly clean the burner reflectors.• Use a pressure cooker.• Cook several foods in the oven at same time.• Use small appliances for small cooking jobs.• Use a microwave wherever possible.Other Living AreasInstall a timer to control the length of time outdoorlights are used, even for security lights.Remember to turn lights, soldering irons, and all benchheating devices off as quickly as possible.Take advantage of colour if re-roofing; darker coloursthat absorb more heat should be used in cold climates;light colours that reflect heat, should be used in moderateand warm climates.Check windows and frames. If they are loose, installnew windows and or fittings.Evaluate all doors:• Are they weather-tight?• Are entrance doors insulated?• If solid, they should have an insulated core.• If they have glass panels it should be insulated glass.Updating an Existing Home - InsulationUntil 1978 insulation wasn’t a requirement, even innew <strong>home</strong>s. If <strong>your</strong> <strong>home</strong> was built before then, there’severy chance it has no insulation at all. At best it mayhave ceiling insulation only. Even if it was built after1978, the insulation is likely to be below the currentNew Zealand Energy Efficiency Standard and certainlynothing like the ‘Better’ or ‘Best’ recommended levels.Either way, <strong>your</strong> comfort level could be greatly improvedwithout too much trouble.Look for telltale signs of inadequate insulation: Mouldyceilings and walls, musty smells, a feeling of dampnessin some or all rooms, a <strong>home</strong> that quickly cools downwhen heating sources are extinguished, ‘thin’ wallsthat make it possible to clearly hear people in anotherroom.When it comes to installing insulation in an existing<strong>home</strong>, some people like to do it themselves. Others liketo call on PinkFit ® , the specialised installation service.Pink ® Batts ® are made to fit standard joist, truss andstud spacings. When correctly installed they will notshift, blow <strong>around</strong> or slump.A 3-step Plan to More Comfortable Living:• Install or upgrade ceiling insulation to a ‘Better’ or‘Best’ R-value by using Pink ® Batts ® Ultra TM products.If walls are not insulated, a higher R-value in theceiling will help to compensate. Insulating <strong>your</strong>ceiling is a relatively easy job.• Install Pink ® Batts ® CosyFloor TM under <strong>your</strong>floorboards if you have a raised timber floor.Depending on the crawl space beneath <strong>your</strong> house,this is a straightforward process.• Installing insulation in <strong>your</strong> walls is more of a taskbecause it involves the removal and refixing of walllinings. But if you’re planning major renovations,it should be part of <strong>your</strong> upgrade plan - reline,insulate and rewire all at the same time. Wallinsulation is a great way to achieve improved noisecontrol between rooms.Making the Most of a New Home -InsulationBuilding a new <strong>home</strong> is a golden opportunity toprescribe and install the optimum level of insulationfor comfort and noise control.It’s also the most cost effective time to insulate, becausematerials can be installed as you go. You’re sparedthe expense and hassle of ripping out internal walllinings or crawling <strong>around</strong> the roof space.We recommend you don’t leave insulation selection tosomeone else. Getting involved with the decision makingprocess is the only way to make sure that more thanthe minimum levels of thermal and acoustic insulationare installed. You’re the person who will directly benefitin terms of long term cost savings and comfort, so besure in insist on high R-values before products areordered or installed.Specifying ‘Better’ or ‘Best’ Pink ® Batts ®Ultra TMR-values means...• Better control over the internal temperature of <strong>your</strong><strong>home</strong>, creating a more comfortable livingenvironment all year round• Lower electricity and/gas heating bills• A drier, healthier <strong>home</strong>• A quieter, more peaceful internal environmentPlease Note:Whilst the advice and recommendations contained in this brochurehave been produced with proper care, they are offered onlywith the objective of assisting those interested in <strong>home</strong> improvementprojects and <strong>PlaceMakers</strong> does not accept responsibility for theadvice, recommendations, etc. contained herein.Tacklinganother project?Here is a list of some of theother project booklets available.• Building a timber deck• Installing timber posts and rails• Building a picket fence• Building a paling fence• Installing landscape garden edging• Working with concrete• Applying panels to stud walls• Framing and hanging a door• Installing hinges• Installing ceiling tiles• Securing <strong>your</strong> <strong>home</strong>• Painting exteriors• Painting interiors• Preparing to paint• Staining timber• Building a pergola• Building timber retaining walls• Laying paving• Tiling interior walls and floors• Maintaining <strong>your</strong> <strong>home</strong>• Fitting bathroom panels and shower liningsProduced in association withThe Building Research Association of New ZealandHOW TO11<strong>Saving</strong> <strong>energy</strong><strong>around</strong> <strong>your</strong> <strong>home</strong>.678www.placemakers.co.nz
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