Using heat pump

HEATING YOUR HOME

Heating is one of the biggest power users at home, especially in winter. These tips can help you stay warm while using less energy.

SMART HEATING HABITS

SET YOUR HEAT PUMP WISELY
Keep your thermostat between 18–21°C. Warmer settings use a lot more power. It might need to be a little higher if you have babies or elderly people at home.
KEEP FILTERS CLEAN
Dirty heat pump filters reduce efficiency. A quick vacuum can improve performance.
USE AUTO MODE
Let your heat pump run on ‘auto’ to adjust fan speed and temperature efficiently.

PICK THE RIGHT HEATER

HEAT PUMPS
Efficient and fast. They cost more upfront but save power in the long run.
ELECTRIC PLUG-IN HEATERS
Good for small spaces. Look for models with a thermostat and timer.
WOOD &pellet BURNERS
Cheaper than gas, but more expensive than heat pumps. Watch out for local regulations around these.
AVOID UNFLUED GAS HEATERS
These are less efficient and can add moisture and fumes to your home.

LOCK IN THE WARMTH

CHECK YOUR INSULATION
Ceiling, floor, and wall insulation make a massive difference. If you haven’t already, it’s worth checking what you’ve got.
SEAL UP DRAUGHTS
Stop warm air escaping around doors, windows, and unused fireplaces. Draught stoppers and seals can help. Check the cat door too.
CONSIDER DOUBLE GLAZING
If you’re already renovating, upgrading to double glazing can help cut heat loss significantly.

EVERYDAY TIPS

TIME IT RIGHT
Use timers to pre-warm your home before you wake up or get home. If your heater doesn’t have one, try a timer plug (or a smart plug if you’re feeling tech savvy).
SOAK UP THE SUN
It’s free heat! Open curtains on sunny winter days and close them before dark to lock in the warmth. Trim trees blocking north-facing windows.

STAY COSY AT NIGHT

Hot water bottles
Simple and effective. They keep you toasty without using extra power.
layer up
Warm PJs and extra bedding can reduce the need to heat bedrooms all night.
choose cosy sheets
Flannel or fleece sheets trap warmth better than cotton.

DRY AIR HEATS BETTER

air it out daily
A quick 10 minute airing in the morning helps reduce moisture and makes heating more effective.
use extractor fans
Run extractor fans when using the kitchen and bathroom – and leave them on until the moisture clears.
dry clothes outside
Avoid drying clothes indoors when you can – one load adds about 5 litres of moisture to your home.
create space for air flow
Leave space between furniture and walls, and open wardrobe doors a little to prevent dampness.
try a dehumidifier
They won’t fix the cause of moisture, but they can help reduce it short-term.

Power saving tips on this page are based on tips from genless.govt.nz

water heating
Hot water is another major power user. Here are some ways to use less without sacrificing the comfort of a warm shower.
BE MORE EFFICIENT
more power saving tips
There are lots of small ways to reduce energy use day to day – even from appliances and tech you might not think about.
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