Key tips for different budgets 

Whether you’ve got 30 minutes for a fast and free solution, or the budget for a bigger upgrade, this is a complete guide to keeping your home warm, dry and easy to heat this winter — while making some savings on your power bills.  

  • Quick wins

    Quick wins that you can do this weekend to keep the heat in and prevent dampness.

    Free tips and tricks

  • Small purchases

    Low-cost fixes that keep the heat inside your home and keep draughts away.

    Low-cost fixes

  • Big improvements

    Bigger investments to get your home in the best shape before winter.

    Bigger improvements

Free tips and tricks

Getting your home prepared for winter now can help you keep precious heat in, prevent moisture and mold, and get ahead of higher power bills. 

  • Clean your heat pump filter

    Save $50 a year

    A clogged heat pump filter makes the system work harder (and cost more) to keep your house warm. Give it a clean each month — it’s easy, quick, and saves on wasted energy.1 

    More about using your heat pump efficiently

     

  • Set your heat pump temperature

    Save $40 a year

    The higher the temperature, the more energy the heat pump will use. Set your heat pump temperature between 18 and 21 degrees to help fight damp and mould, while saving on power. If you have older people or babies at home, it might need to be a little higher.  1 

    How to run your heat pump efficiently at home

     

  • Close your curtains at dusk

    Save $90 a year

    Good quality blinds and curtains can reduce the amount of heat loss through single glazed windows - be sure to close your curtains before it gets dark each night.1 

    Easy ways to save on your energy bills

     

  • Set your hot water cylinder to 60°C

    Save $80 a year

    Set the temperature of your hot water system to a minimum of 60°C. Higher temperatures waste energy and increase the risk of scalding – any lower risks the growth of bacteria.1 

    Fine tune your hot water system

Damp-proof your home

Stop moisture at the source, before it becomes a problem:

  • Open your windows to air your home for 10-15 minutes each morning.  
  • Dry your laundry outside.  
  • Move furniture away from walls. 
  • Use extractor fans and rangehoods.  

Low-cost fixes

Small improvements can make a big difference to the comfort and health of your home, and are often a one-and done job.

  • Get a heat pump service  

    Before the cold truly sets in, testing and servicing your heat pump ensures everything is working efficiently and safely, and can extend the life of your tech.  

  • Insulate your water heater and pipes

    Older hot water cylinders typically aren't well insulated and should have a cylinder wrap. You should also insulate the first metre of hot water pipe coming off your cylinder. This can save you $150 a year on your water heating bills.1 

  • Get the right heater and use it well 

    Plug-in electric heaters can be effective for smaller rooms like bedrooms and studies – the trick is to get the right size and type for the room you’re heating, and choose one with a thermostat – this can reduce its energy usage by around 9%.2 

    Advice on electric heaters

  • Install quality curtains 

    The best types of curtains are double-layered with thermal linings, full length, and fit tightly against the window frame. New curtains can be an investment - check if there is a curtain bank near you, where you may be able to source them for free.  

    Find a curtain bank (external link)

  • Use temporary window film

    Shrink wrap secondary glazing kits are a low-cost, DIY option that can reduce heat loss by around 53% compared to a bare window — almost as much as double glazing. They also do a great job of reducing condensation. 

    Find out more about window film kits

Draught-proof your home

Sealing up sneaky gaps around your home can save you around $100 each year: 

  • Use draught stoppers. 
  • Add weatherstripping around doors and windows. 
  • Tighten loose hinges, catches and latches on doors and windows.  
  • Seal gaps around wiring and plumbing. 

Big ticket improvements

Get your home in the best shape for winter. These one and done upgrades will help you keep precious heat inside your home straight away – but will be a bigger investment.

  • Insulate your home 

    Insulation is one of the most effective ways to keep your home comfortable, healthy, and warm, and can save you up to $330 each year on your power bills. 

  • Double glaze your windows 

    Up to 30% of a home’s heating energy is lost through windows – making them the biggest source of heat loss in an otherwise well insulated home. Double glazing can reduce this to 20% or less. 

  • Install a heat pump 

    Installing an efficient heat pump is one of the best moves you can make to lower your energy bills long term. A heat pump could save the average household $122 per year.³

  • Install extractor fans

    A good, externally ducted extractor fan removes moisture from your home before it causes issues. Make sure kitchen and bathroom fans are big enough, regularly cleaned and vented to the outside, not your ceiling space. 

  • Install a hot water heat pump

    Hot water heat pumps are highly energy-efficient compared to traditional options. A hot water heat pump could save the average household around $284 each year, and may be more beneficial for households with high hot water use.⁴

Finance and support

A big-ticket home improvement is the most effective way to prepare your home for winter and lower your energy costs, for years to come. Grants or home energy loans can help with the upfront cost. 

Support

Heating and insulation grants

Warmer Kiwi Homes offers grants of 50-90% of the cost of ceiling and underfloor insulation, and up to 80% of the cost of an energy-efficient heater, to eligible homeowners.  

finance

Home energy loans

Many New Zealand banks offer low-interest financing options, and home-loan top ups for projects that improve home energy performance. This could help you benefit from improved comfort sooner and save more on energy over time.