Resources

How do you know if you are getting the best value for money from your power? CEA recommends that you check websites such as www.powerswitch.co.nz to ensure you are with the cheapest provider in your area. These services can also distinguish which plan is best suited to you. If you …

The April 9-13 Take the Time to Talk Awareness Week is when the New Zealand funeral industry aims to re-focus people’s attention on the act of saying goodbye to loved ones. Funeral homes up and down the country that are members of the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand (FDANZ) …

Did you know that hot water accounts for up to 30% of your power bill? This means having your shower and hot water cylinder running efficiently is very important. Hot water should be at least 60°C in the cylinder. You can save on hot water costs by fitting a cylinder …

Have you ever wondered why some relatively modern homes can be so cold? This big problem may be due to a “little light”. Or rather lots of “little lights”. Downlights, “little lights” recessed into the ceiling, were once very popular as cheap option to modernize a home. However older style …

Today we are looking at how to save on your power bill during the most expensive months of the year. Hot water can account for 30% of your power bill, so shorter showers can save you power! Check your shower flow rate with a stopwatch and a 10 litre bucket, …

Use the microwave or slow-cooker when preparing meals. Both use less energy than the oven. Cut down on your hot water usage by first rinsing dishes with cold water, then washing with hot water. Check the seal on your fridge by running a piece of paper between the seal and …

To keep your home cool in summer close windows and doors, and pull down blinds or close curtains if you have the sun streaming in, that way it helps to keep you and your house cool rather than using an air conditioner. If you’re at home on your own, close …

As the weather begins to warm up again, it’s a good time to think about some spring cleaning. Do you have mould on your curtains? Mix together 2-3 drops of oil of cloves spray with half a litre of water, and spray onto the affected area. Leave overnight, then take …

Today we are looking at how to make sure your fridge & freezers are working energy efficient. Fridges and freezers are the two appliances that are likely to be the highest consumers of power in your house and even more so in summer. They can make up 15% of your …

Other information: What is the Aim of the Project? Support workers and informal caregivers are a vital part of the wellbeing of people as they age.  Valuing and assisting this important group of workers is crucial. In this study we wish to find out about how and what makes support …