Community Energy Whāingaroa

08/06/2026

The “Warm Feet, Warm House” Trick!

Point that heat pump airflow down to the floor and let the warm air rise like magic.
Heading out? Give your heat pump a break and turn the heat pump off!
For more info head to https://www.ecodesignadvisor.org.nz/resources/heat-pumps-run-effectively/

06/06/2026

Take Control!

Your heat pump has a favourite number and it’s 21°C.
Keep it on Heat (Sun) + Auto Fan and it’ll purr like a happy cat.

Crank it to 26°C and it “uses 50% more power than at 21°C”… ouch.

04/06/2026

Get the best from your heat pump.
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1DhApdJtjE/

30/05/2026

Own your home?

If you need help with insulation or a heat pump, check out Warmer Kiwi Homes. They’re offering grants covering 50–90% off insulation and up to 90% off heating for eligible households.

That’s serious savings and serious comfort for your whānau this winter!

👉 Learn more and see if you qualify:
https://www.eeca.govt.nz/co-funding-and-support/products/warmer-kiwi-homes-programme/information/

For local support and advice, contact the Healthier Homes Team at Community Energy Whāingaroa: [email protected] 💚

Find out more about EECA grants of up to 50% to 90% off the cost of insulation and up to 90% off heating for eligible homeowners.

27/05/2026

Be the draught busting detective 🔍 and keep the warmth in!

Windy day? Perfect time to find where your warmth is escaping.

Check these common culprits
🪟 Around windows and doors
🧱 Between walls, floors, and skirting boards
🚿 Bathroom vents and exhaust fans
🔥 Chimneys and where pipes or cables enter walls

Quick test:
• Feel for cold spots with the back of your hand
• Watch for curtain movement
• Listen for rattles or whistling

Seal those gaps and make your home snug!

Need help or want more energy saving advice?, the Healthier Homes Team at Community Energy Whāingaroa is here to help. Email [email protected]

24/05/2026

Feeling the chill? Your home might be leaking warmth!
Draughts are sneaky slipping through cracks and gaps, making your home harder to heat. The good news?
Draught proofing is one of the cheapest, easiest ways to stay warm and save energy!

✨ Why it’s worth doing:
• Keeps your home cosy and energy efficient
• Saves money on power bills
• Shrinks your carbon footprint

Even tiny gaps add up. In older NZ homes, they can equal a 1m² hole in the wall! 😲So grab a candle or incense stick and start hunting for those draughts.

👉 Contact the Healthier Homes Team at Community Energy Whāingaroa for tips and support: [email protected]

20/05/2026

3 Rules for Maximum Warmth:

1. Seal the bottom – Curtains should touch the floor; blinds must fit tight.
2. Use at least two layers – Think of it like winter clothing!
3. Close off the top – Pelmets or tight curtain tracks stop heat loss.

Budget Fix? Wool blankets or polar fleece can be added for extra insulation.

Did you know Kahus Nest at Xtreme Zero Waste sell good quality tidy curtains? The staff know the best ways to get the most out of your curtains just ask them for help!

17/05/2026

Your windows lose lots of heat. Luckily, curtains are here to save the day. A good set of curtains can keep in almost as much warmth as double glazing. Yep, they’re that powerful.

How to unleash their superpowers:
1) Cover every window: Even the kitchen and bathroom ones.
2) Go snug, not saggy: loose curtains leak warmth. Close fitting, lined curtains, Roman blinds and cellular blinds are top-tier heroes.
3) Layer up = more fabric = more insulation = more cosy.

Want help turning your curtains into winter warriors? Get in touch! Contact Julia our Energy Mentor julia@cewh@org.nz

27/04/2026

Let your dishwasher do the smart stuff.

Run it only when it’s full, hit the eco or auto cycle, and skip the pre‑rinse, a quick scrape is all it needs.

Cleaner dishes, lower bills, less faff.