Community Energy Whāingaroa

10/09/2026

Cooking for your hungry whānau is one thing…
Cooking with that power hungry oven is another.

It will cost about $1 each time you cook a large meal in the oven. Cook two meals at the same time and halve the times you heat the oven.

You can save even more by using slow cooker instead; it’ll cost about 35¢ a meal, and you can use cheaper cuts of meat. That’s a win-win!

08/09/2026

Electrcity costs got you worried?

Keep your heating on, its more than just comfort, it keeps you healthy and helps reduce mould growth.

SWITCH off these first!

Most of the things that you have plugged in at home use power all the time, even when they’re not switched on. Switching off these appliances at the wall when not in use can save up to $200 on your power bill over the course of a year.

07/09/2026

Which appliances use the most energy?

Last energy bill a shock? It’s a good idea to know what in your home uses the most energy. Appliances that heat or cool are often the most power-hungry.

• Water heater – make sure your hot water cylinder is wrapped in insulation. This helps to keep your water hot for longer.

• Fridges and freezers – check your seal and replace it if it isn’t doing its job. Your fridge doesn’t need to be on the coldest setting.

• Heat pumps – these are efficient and low energy if they’re used correctly. See the GenLess website for information on how to use yours efficiently.

• Heated towel rails – do you need to leave yours on all day? This could cost around 48 cents a day. Try switching it off.

• Washing machines – a hot wash can use 10x more electricity than doing a cold wash. And doing a full load saves the cost of doing another load.

• Clothes dryers – these use a lot of energy. Line dry your washing when you can. Or start it off on the line and finish off in the dryer.

• Ovens and electric hobs – heating at high temperatures use a lot of energy. When using the oven, consider cooking two meals at the same time so the oven doesn’t need to be heated twice.

• Vampire load – phones, laptops, tablets, TVs, e-readers and more. Is everything plugged in and charging all the time? Try switching things off instead of leaving on standby and if you’re on a plan with cheaper rates in the evening, try charging overnight instead.

Community Energy Whāingaroa is here to help. [email protected].

07/09/2026

Cold, damp homes contributing to spike in winter sickness

"A fifth of homes did not meet healthy home standards, and where there was a heat pump in the home, people were not switching it on because of the cost of electricity", LaPointe said.

Need some advice about your home or energy bill? Contact us
[email protected] or www.cewh.nz

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/health/1280654/cold-damp-homes-contributing-to-spike-in-winter-sickness

The number of cold, damp homes people are living in is contributing to the spike in winter health conditions, a community housing provider and social service charity says.

30/08/2026

Here is an excellent video summarising the most important actions to reduce moisture and mould in your home
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1C6CCSkPLE/

28/08/2026

Mould in your home is tricky and dangerous.

Mould needs moisture to grow so drying out our homes is the best defence. Mould spores are always in the air; all they need is moisture and a bit of food (even dust!) to take hold.

Why it matters:
Mould in our homes is linked to poor health, especially respiratory problems. It hits our tamariki and elders hardest.

Clean mould as soon as you see it:
Scrub it off with warm soapy water. Physically removing it is the only way to stop it spreading. Small patches become big patches quickly.

When cleaning isn’t enough:
If mould is widespread or embedded in materials like walls, ceilings, curtains or carpets, you may need professional help or replacement.

Check out Beacons solid advice herehttps://beaconpathway.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/HPA-mould-advice-11Oct18.pdf

Remember to contact Community Energy for advice about mould or a free Home Energy Check
[email protected]

26/08/2026

If you missed Science Night with Jay from Rewiring Aotearoa last week, Aaron interviewed Jay the next morning. See the post below for a link 👇🏾

25/08/2026

Warmth and fresh are tools to reduce mould.

Insulation, good curtains, and effective heating (heat pump, flued gas, or wood burner) help keep your home at healthy temperatures at least 18°C in living areas and 16°C in bedrooms.

Daily habits help:
• Keep furniture a hand width from external walls
• “Blast ventilate” the house with fresh air for 10–20 minutes
• Use a dehumidifier in smaller rooms

Community Energy Whāinagaroa can provide a free Home Energy check to help you make your home more mould resistant.
[email protected]

23/08/2026

Reduce Moisture at the Source

Small daily habits make a big difference.
• Dry washing outside and vent clothes driers outdoors
• Use extractor fans (and pot lids) when cooking
• Keep bathroom fans running for 10 minutes after showering
• Wipe condensation as soon as you see it
• Avoid un flued gas heaters
• Check gutters, downpipes, and drainage
• If you’re on piles, a ground vapour barrier can stop rising damp

These steps help stop moisture before it becomes mould.

Contact Community Energy Whāingaroa for advice or a free Home Energy Check
[email protected]

21/08/2026

Why Moisture Matters

Cold, damp homes are common in Aotearoa — and they’re tough on our health. When indoor humidity climbs above healthy levels (30–65%), mould and dust mites thrive. “The higher the temperature the less likely condensation and mould will develop.” Eco Designer NZ

If your place feels chilly or you’re wiping windows every morning, it’s a sign your home needs support.

Contact Community Energy Whāingaroa for advice or a free Home Energy Check
[email protected]