Residential

The New Zealand government energy agency Energy Efficiency and Conservation Agency (EECA) provides funding and advice to help lead New Zealand to a better energy future. The EECA website has a section devoted to programmes and funding: http://www.eeca.govt.nz/programmes-and-funding.  CAfE aims to work alongside EECA but concentrating on Christchurch, particularly in light of the rebuild of the City.

The excellent EECA website says; "We encourage, support, and promote energy efficiency, energy conservation and the use of renewable sources of energy at home, in business, and on the road through a number of work programmes.

When looking for the best energy performing appliances for your home pay attention to the ENERGY STAR displayed on washing machines, computers, fridges, freezers, dryers and dishwashers.

ENERGY STAR is the trusted symbol for energy efficiency helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy-efficient products and practices.

Making your house energy efficient can be a bit daunting; most homeowners buy a house with major considerations around price, location, services, and the suitability of the property for their needs. Increasingly issues such as energy efficiency and opportunities for sustainable energy will become issues for homebuyers.

Energy tips in households depend on what we're trying to achieve, see also  http://www.cafe.gen.nz/homeenergy .  For more permanent energy saving and sustainable living there are things you can do to lessen your use of electricity and make better use of renewable energy sources.

Energy Saving Tips in houses can help you save energy.  You can use less power by using appliances more efficiently.

There are also ways you can make better use of energy, for example through investing in sustainable appliances. If you want to have a more energy efficent house the CAfE smart tips for sustainable home living are:  http://www.cafe.gen.nz/Sustainability-tips-home.

Heating water using a system that uses solar power is a smart move for both the environment and your pocket.  This is the best use for solar panels in dwellings and there are a range of tried-and-true systems available.

If you’re a big user of hot water then a solar system may provide you up to 50% of your hot water each year.  In winter you can heat a substantial proportion of your hot water and potentially in summer, all of it. Christchurch has sunshine hours that will support solar hot water heating and most of Christchurch has little shading from hills that can interfere with solar panels.

There are options to make your house warmer particularly with regard to Christchurch's cold winters. If your house was built before 2000 you can apply for EECA funding to install insulation and/or clean efficient heating, under the Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart programme, http://www.eeca.govt.nz/node/3107.

If your primary heating source has been damaged by earthquakes you can get assistance. If you are insured ring EQC on 0800DAMAGE (0800 326 243) or email heating@eqr.co.nz