Energy savings

A good renovation can transform your home in more ways than one, say the experts from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority

Exterior view of a villa designed according to backyard, cottage, elevation, estate, facade, home, house, property, real estate, residential area, siding, villa, gray, green — Exterior view of a villa designed according to EECA recommendations featuring timber cladding, decking, landscaping.

Exterior view of a villa designed according to architecture, backyard, cottage, elevation, estate, facade, home, house, property, real estate, residential area, siding, window, yard, teal, brown

View of the bedroom which features under-floor insulation, bedroom, home, interior design, real estate, room, suite, orange, white

View of the hallway which features under-floor insulation, apartment, ceiling, daylighting, estate, floor, flooring, hardwood, home, house, interior design, laminate flooring, living room, property, real estate, room, wood, wood flooring, gray, orange

View of the living area which features under-floor ceiling, floor, flooring, hardwood, home, interior design, living room, property, real estate, room, wood, wood flooring, gray

View of the living area which features under-floor ceiling, floor, hardwood, house, interior design, living room, property, real estate, room, gray, orange

Older homes may have plenty of charm and loads of character, but they were seldom designed with energy efficiency in mind. But there are ways to upgrade your home to provide warmth, comfort and dryness and reduced running costs.

This house, which was redesigned by Mark McLeay of Creative Arch, features insulation and heating ideas recommended by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA). Because insulation is a fundamental part of making a home warmer, drier and healthier, the house was fitted out with plenty of ceiling, wall and underfloor insulation.

EECA says draught stopping and efficient heating, partnered with insulation, are essential to keep a home warm and dry. In this house, a gas central heating system warms the older part of the home, while an Energy Star®-qualified heat pump warms the new living area. These things help this home reach the World Health Organisation recommended temperature of 18°C - 20°C.

If your house was built before 2000, Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart funding will pay 33% of the cost of ceiling and underfloor insulation, up to $1300. Limited funding up to $500 is also available to install a clean heating system once the insulation is up to standard.

Energy-efficient appliances and non-recessed light fittings are also advised.

For more ideas, visit the Energywise¢ website: www.energywise.govt.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas

27 May, 2010

Renovation

Trendsideas

Home kitchen bathroom commercial design

Home Trends Vol. 26/7

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