With the ever increasing rate of climate change, there’s no better time than now to start adapting the way you use energy in the home. Making your energy use sustainable not only saves the planet, it saves you money so you have more freedom to spend on other things.

LED VERSUS DOWNLIGHTS

Swapping downlights for IC rated LED lights is a no-brainer when it comes to energy efficiency. Longer  lasting and containing no harmful gases, they’re good for your carbon footprint and your pocket. They’re also significantly brighter, making them the clear winner when it comes to quality lighting.

SWITCH YOUR SETTINGS

It may seem simple, but changing your washing machine settings can make a real difference to your energy use. Wait until you have a full load and switch your dial to cold wash. Not only does it extend the lifespan of your clothing, it saves an enormous amount of energy when the machine doesn’t have to work harder to heat the water.

ENCOURAGING AIR FLOW

Does the temperature in the room not match the thermostat? You’re probably blocking the ventilation. Make sure you don’t put furniture or other items too close to the air registers, that way the air can circulate more freely throughout your home. If it’s too humid or too nippy, a blocked air vent could invite mold or mildew in and around your vent and air ducts.

SWITCH IT OFF

Unplugging your devices when they’re not in use is another handy tip. Whether it’s a charger or appliance, switch it off at the wall when you’re done with it or heading out for the day. Phantom energy is a thing – it’s the electricity that devices and appliances pull from the outlet while plugged in, even when the device is off.

KEEP IT COSY

Don’t forget to make use of your blinds and curtains –  you’ll be surprised at how much heat they retain just by keeping them pulled on those colder days.

STILL UNSURE?

If you’re looking for some extra tools of the trade when it comes to planet and pocket preservation, contact the team at Awarua Synergy for more information.

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Can’t quite put your finger on what’s bringing the chill and damp inside?

Whether it’s your first home or a 30 year investment, there are plenty of simple tips and tricks to keeping your home healthy –  especially during those chilly Southland months. From opening windows to making use of your household fans, it doesn’t take a lot to prevent the mould and cold from making its way inside.

AIR VENTILATION 

One of the easiest and most effective things you can do is open your doors and windows for at least 10 minutes each day. When we lock up too often, it gives moisture the perfect opportunity to sneak its way in –  that’s why regularly keeping the house ventilated for a little amount of time is so important. While it may be hard to believe, the best time to do this is actually when your house is warm. Doing so when it’s cold does still work, however warm air carries moisture out of the room more effectively. Leaving cupboards slightly open can also help with keeping mould off your clothes and linen, as can using extractor fans in your kitchen and bathroom when they’re in use.

AVOIDING THE DAMP

Don’t dry your washing inside. We know, during the wet weather it can be hard to avoid but it’s another really effective way to avoid dampness. Drying clothes and towels inside creates  a breeding ground for mould, dust mites and other organisms which would like nothing more than to make the moisture in your home their home. While it may feel like a better option than constantly running your dryer or taking the time to hang it on the line, the health benefits for your family and your home are worth giving it up for.

HEALTHY HEATING

Unflued gas heaters are an infamous source of moisture and condensation. Because they have no flue or chimney to carry the combustion products outside or away, not only do the toxic fumes contribute to a range of health problems, the mould they produce can make for one very sick home dweller. Invest in a cleaner heating appliance such as a flued gas heater, heat pump central heating or an electric heater to keep that air circulating.

Having proper insulation in your home means it’ll help keep the house to the desired temperature all year round, and you’ll be protected from excess cold in winter or too much heat in the summer months.

STILL UNSURE?

If you’ve had a read of the tips and tricks and you’re still not sure what to  do, contact the team at Awarua Synergy today to book in a complimentary healthy homes assessment with one of our expert staff.

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It all started as a marae-driven initiative to make Bluff homes warmer.

Fifteen years later, we’ve transformed more than 9000 homes across Southland.

It has been a time of reflection for us here at Awarua Synergy as we mark our 15th anniversary this month.

What initially started as a marae-driven goal to make Bluff homes warmer, drier and healthier, has since blossomed into something so much bigger and more beneficial for the region than we ever could have imagined.

Run by Awarua Research and Development, a subsidiary of the Te Runaka o Awarua Charitable Trust, it was 2005 when Awarua Synergy was born out of the Bluff Healthy Homes Project.

When we first started, we were saddened by the amount of people who didn’t understand the importance of having a well insulated home.

But we’ve come such a long way.

Today, our team gets so much satisfaction out of hearing constant feedback from clients who now understand how crucial it is, and are reaping the benefits of a properly insulated home.

Knowing what a difference it makes to whānau – the reward for us is priceless.

Low-income families, young children and the elderly are especially vulnerable to the impacts of living in cold, damp housing – and that’s something we made a priority to put an end to.

We knew that research showed well insulated houses are drier, warmer, use significantly less energy, and create much healthier environments for families – and it also meant fewer doctors’ visits.

One of the ways we got this information out there was by getting out in the community and providing face-to-face education about the importance of insulation to groups across Southland.

We also got involved in the Southland Housing Action Forum – an initiative which has been leading a concerted approach to tackling wide-ranging housing concerns in the region.

Our Invercargill-based social enterprise has witnessed and been a part of some huge changes in the industry, as well as the ever increasing demand for insulation and heating services. 

The last two years have been busier than ever after we took on the role of offering two new government-funded schemes – the Warmer Kiwi Homes programme, and the Healthy Homes Standards for Landlords.

After taking on these schemes and with the additional pressure of Covid-19 – an event which threw a real spanner in the works for businesses – this past winter has been our busiest and most challenging season yet.

While we’re still under the pump with the level of demand and an inevitable delay from overseas suppliers, it’s made us want to work even harder for our customers.

Now more than ever, we’re prioritising New Zealand companies when it comes to sourcing supplies and are backing local as much as we can.

Over the last few years, we have grown to become a significant employer in the industry, giving numerous young Southlanders the opportunity to get their foot in the door and make a start in a trade-based career. 

Now with a 27-person-strong workforce, we have seen many of our staff  who have come from casual employment establish themselves in the insulation industry – an industry which has become a trade in its own right.

As a part of the insulation industry, we have built up our own skilled workforce and provided our staff with the opportunity to gain the qualifications and certifications they need to gain a rewarding career.

While we’ve had our challenges over the past 15 years, our team has shown resilience and developed a strong reputation as a friendly, professional service Southlanders can rely on.

We’re the Southland experts when it comes to helping families, businesses and farms find energy efficiency solutions to a healthier home environment.

So don’t hesitate – for a free home energy assessment, contact our team at Awarua Synergy today.

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