Winter savings tips
The cost of energy used for small day-to-day tasks add up, especially over winter. We’ve pulled together a list of easy tweaks to help you stay warm for less.
Get the most out of your heating
A few little tweaks can help you warm your space without using more energy than you need to, and keep that precious heat inside.
Stop warmth escaping by sealing gaps
Save $100 a year
Precious heat can escape through sneaky gaps. A quick once-over to seal up any draughts around the house can reduce the need for extra heating – saving around $100 for the average NZ home each year.
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Seal up sneaky draughts
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Use draught stoppers and door snakes.
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Add weatherstripping around doors and windows.
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Tighten loose hinges, catches and latches on doors and windows.
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Seal gaps around wiring and plumbing.
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Check less obvious places like kitchen cabinets, wardrobes and ceiling hatches.
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Heat the rooms you're using
Save $320 a year
Keep your heating focussed on the rooms you’re using, and close doors to the others. It's a simple way to keep your home cosy and save up to $320 each year.
A heat pump is the best option for heating larger spaces, while portable electric heaters can be great for smaller rooms and offices
Run your heat pump efficiently
Heat pumps are the most efficient type of heating for your living area. A few tricks to make your heat pump work smarter, not harder, can save on your energy bills.
Clean your heat pump filter
Save $50 a year
Clean the removable filter in your heat pump with a vacuum or warm water once a month during winter to ensure it runs efficiently.
You can always clean them more frequently if they’re particularly dirty.
Switch off unused appliances
Make sure the energy you're paying for isn't being wasted by unused appliances.
Power off to avoid energy waste
Save $200 a year
Switch off appliances that aren’t needed every day - like a second fridge, heated towel rail, or devices on standby. Even when they’re not in use, home appliances can quietly add $200 or more to your yearly power bill.
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Let smart plugs do the thinking for you
Smart plugs and smart devices can help you save energy and make the most of cheaper off-peak power if you’re on a time of use plan. They can also help you avoid wasting energy from appliances that aren't in use.
Starting from around $20, smart plugs let you optimise when your appliances use energy — like automatically switching off heaters, desktop computers and entertainment systems — helping you cut energy waste.
Check you’re on the right power plan
Your power usage at home might have changed, and the plan that worked for you a year ago might not be the best one now.
Compare and switch plans
The right power plan for your house should match how you and your family live – helping you stay warm without the bill shocks.
Billy is a free tool, powered by the Electricity Authority, to help you take control of your power bills by comparing and switching plans.
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Make the most of off-peak power
Going off-peak can reward you for shifting when you use energy with cheaper rates. Appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers can often be shifted to late in the evening, overnight or on weekends, when electricity is cheapest.
If it suits you, choosing a 'time of use' plan could help you make the most of off-peak power this winter – but they only work out cheaper if you’re able to shift your energy use to those discounted times.
Tweak your laundry routine
Changing up your laundry routine can save on energy use by cutting down on hot water and preventing dampness – which makes it harder to keep your home warm.
Switch to cold water washes
Save $30 a year
Save your hot water for when you need it. Most everyday washes are just as effective on a cold cycle.
A cold water wash uses less energy than a warm one, and usually works just as well for most fabrics and detergents. It can also protect your clothing. It's a simple switch that can save up to $30 each year.
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Dry clothes outside to keep dampness away
Air-drying your clothes outside or in a covered area reduces the amount of moisture released into the air by up to 5l per load*. This prevents dampness and makes it easier to keep your home warm.
Find support options
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Check if you're eligible for grant support
You and your family deserve a warm, dry home.
Warmer Kiwi Homes covers 50%- 90% of the costs to purchase and install insulation, and up to 90% off an efficient heater. This can help you save money on your power bills while you enjoy a warmer, healthier home. -
Find a curtain bank
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.
The best types of curtains are double-layered with thermal linings, full length, and fit tightly against the window frame. -
Need help paying your bill?
There are short-term support and longer-term advice options available if you need help with paying your power bills.
You may be able to get support through your provider or free dispute resolution with Utilities Disputes.
Digital guide
Stay warm and spend less
Download our digital guide, created in partnership with Consumer NZ, for more simple things you can do to keep in the heat and save on your power bills this year.