You've got a rangehood in your kitchen

Make sure to regularly maintain your rangehood by cleaning its filters. The only thing left is for a HomeFit Assessor to verify that the rangehood expels the air outside of your house, rather than into the roof

You've got an extractor fan in your bathroom(s)

Bathroom fans are one of the best ways to keep your house dry and warm. The only thing left is for a HomeFit Assessor to verify that the extractor fans expel the air outside of your house, rather than into the wall or roof space.

Your floor insulation could be improved

You don't have floor insulation that meets HomeFit standards. Ask an insulation supplier to install a minimum R1.3 insulation in your underfloor space. See the supplier directory in the report section for a list of installers.

You've got roof insulation! Nice work!

You've got roof insulation of a thickness or R-value that meets HomeFit standards. You may have downlights that require a gap in the insulation. These will need to be upgraded to meet the HomeFit standard (see an installer or electrician). 

You've got good quality curtains!

Nice one! Be sure to use them, morning and evening, to let in that free heat from the sun and trap it as long as possible overnight.

Your house has a high quality heating source

Your house has a high quality heating source.

Your home heating system could be improved

Cold temperatures, particularly in bedrooms at night, are one of the main causes of hospitalisations for respiratory disease in New Zealand. At the very least we recommend the use of portable electric heaters to keep temperatures above 18°C, and ideally higher, when the home is occupied. If you can afford it, getting a heat pump or modern wood burning stove installed would be better still.

Why having energy efficient hot water is important

There are many different water heating systems, and we’ve covered a few of these here. All systems and pipework should be insulated where possible. For more information on choosing a hot water system, see the Gen Less website.

Showers are one of the biggest users of hot water in a home. Making them water efficient pays dividends not only on your water usage, but on energy as well. Low flow shower heads can be easily installed, and even cheaper flow restrictors are available from hardware stores – just be sure to install them on mains pressure systems only, as they can damage a low-pressure cylinder.

Why having energy efficient hot water is important

There are many different water heating systems, and we’ve covered a few of these here. All systems and pipework should be insulated where possible. For more information on choosing a hot water system, see the Gen Less website.

Showers are one of the biggest users of hot water in a home. Making them water efficient pays dividends not only on your water usage, but on energy as well. Low flow shower heads can be easily installed, and even cheaper flow restrictors are available from hardware stores – just be sure to install them on mains pressure systems only, as they can damage a low-pressure cylinder.

It looks like your home has a water efficient shower

If you are still worried about water usage, try limiting shower times – a simple shower timer can be useful. For more information see this Gen Less advice on hot water.

Your house might not have energy efficient lighting

Consider upgrading your lights with compact fluorescent or LED bulbs as they provide very good value for money, especially in areas of the home where the lighting is used a lot such as the living room and kitchen.

You may have downlights that require a gap in the insulation. These will need to be upgraded to meet the HomeFit standard (see an installer or electrician). 

You've got a smoke alarm on each floor

It is good that you have a smoke alarm on each floor of your home. You'll also need to have one inside or within 3m of each bedroom. Make sure that they are photoelectric smoke alarms, if not, considering upgrading them.

You have enough smoke alarms near to or within bedrooms

It is good that you have a smoke alarm inside or within 3m of each bedroom. Make sure you've got one on each floor of your home, and that they are photoelectric smoke alarms. If not, considering upgrading them.