The Warmhouse - Keeping Whānau Warm this Winter
Winter in Aotearoa often means higher power bills as we try to keep our home warm and comfortable. But staying cosy doesn't have to cost a fortune.
That's why The Warehouse has teamed up with EECA (the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority) to bring you The Warmhouse — your go-to guide for simple, practical ways to stay warm and make your home more energy efficient through winter.
Here’s how you can get a warmer, more energy-smart home
- ✓ Only heat the room you're using - save up to $320 per year
- ✓ Stop heat escaping with draught stoppers or door snakes - save around $100 per year
- ✓ Switch to LED light bulbs - save up to $90 per year
- ✓ Clean your heat pump filter - save up to $50 per year
- ✓ Switch off appliances that are not needed - save up to $200 per year
- ✓ Save hot water, switch to cold cycles - save up to $30 per year
- ✓ Close your curtains before it gets dark - save up to $90 per year
Small changes, big savings — EECA's quick energy tips
Heat can easily escape out of windows on cold nights if you don't have window coverings — either curtains or blinds. It's best to close them as soon as the sun goes down to capture as much heat as possible.
Look for: Thermal lined curtains as they add an insulating layer at your windows, keeping warmth inside and slowing heat loss.
Can you feel a breeze under the door or around the windows? That's your heating money escaping. Seal up sneaky gaps with draught stoppers, door snakes, or weather stripping.
Look for: Draught stoppers
Further support and advice from EECA
Check if you're eligible for an insulation or heating grant here: Warmer Kiwi Homes — Insulation and heater grants | EECA
Warmer Kiwi Homes covers 50%- 90% of the costs to purchase and install insulation, and up to 90% off an efficient heater, for eligible homeowners. This can help you save money on your power bills while you enjoy a warmer, healthier home.
Check you're on the best power plan here: There's power in checking
The right power plan helps you stay warm without bill shocks. Make sure your plan fits how your household lives. Billy is a free tool, powered by the Electricity Authority, to help you take control of your power bills by comparing and switching plans.
Checking is quick and easy – either upload a recent power bill or answer a few simple questions to give Billy an idea of your household's power usage.
Ready for Winter - Stay warm for less this winter
Efficient heating - Heat and cool your home efficiently | EECAFor support with paying bills - Need support with paying your power bill? | EECA
Stay warm through the night
If you feel cold in bed, it might be because you're not wearing enough warm clothes or have warm enough bedding. A few small changes can make nights feel much warmer.
- Long sleeves and full-length pants help cover more skin, keeping you cosy from head to toe.
- Electric blankets are cheap to use — costing about $10 to use for the entire winter.
- Important: Be sure to check the blanket, the power cord and the controller for damage before using it for the first time this year.
- Tuck blankets tightly down the sides of the bed
- Keep the bed away from cold outside walls
- Air bedding out on sunny days
- Always sleep with dry bedding
- Plug-in electric heaters can be effective for smaller rooms like bedrooms — you'll pay less to heat a room if you choose the right heater for the space you are heating.
- Look for: heaters with a thermostat — which can reduce the typical amount of energy used for heating by 9%.
- Types of electric heater and how to use them | EECA
- Put it in bed 10–15 minutes before sleep
- Important: Hot water bottles can cause serious burns if not used with care. Always use a cover or wrap in a towel. Avoid prolonged direct contact with skin. When filling the hot water bottle fill slowly, use hot tap water only and fill to a maximum of two thirds capacity. Do not overfill. Screw the stopper sufficiently. Pay attention to safety instructions on the packaging of the hot water bottle.
- Winter weight bedding adds insulation by trapping warm air around you while you sleep.
- Look for higher GSM duvets and layer with blankets for extra warmth.
- Cotton and wool are breathable, helping you stay warm without feeling damp