Three Ways to Heat Your Home and Save Money

With the cost of living at an all-time high in New Zealand, staying warm without driving up energy bills becomes a top priority. Michael Begg, one of Aotearoa's first-ever energy advisors, shares his expertise on maintaining a healthy and energy-efficient home. From insulation to ventilation and heating, Begg’s advice aligns with the practices of Ryan Double Glazing, a company dedicated to helping locals improve their homes with double glazing solutions for existing aluminium joinery.

1. Insulation: The Foundation of Warmth

“Insulation works by trapping a layer of air,” explains Begg. This simple concept has profound effects on a home’s energy efficiency. Effective insulation reduces heat loss, meaning your home stays warmer for longer without cranking up the heater.

For floors, Begg recommends a two-step approach: laying polythene to block rising damp, followed by quality insulation to prevent the cold from seeping through. Similarly, walls and ceilings need insulation installed by registered professionals to ensure no gaps compromise its effectiveness.

Windows play a crucial role in insulation, and while full double glazing is the gold standard, it doesn’t have to break the bank. At Ryan Double Glazing, we specialize in retrofitting existing aluminium joinery with sealed double-glazed units, providing an affordable and effective solution to heat loss. “When you close your curtain, you're trying to trap a layer of air between the curtain and the glass,” Begg notes, emphasizing the benefits of lined curtains and quality glazing.

2. Ventilation: Reducing Damp for Efficiency

Condensation is a hidden enemy in many homes. “We produce about a litre of condensation just breathing while we sleep, and that moisture has to go somewhere,” Begg says. Without proper ventilation, this moisture makes heating inefficient and more expensive.

Begg suggests ventilating your home during the warmest part of the day to expel damp air. Bathrooms are particularly critical: use an extractor fan vented outside and crack open a window while showering. Begg advises, “Crank the heater for a few minutes before you get in the shower, and just as you're hopping in, turn on the extractor fan.” This small habit can save money and keep your home healthier.

Avoid heated towel rails, as they can cost $15–$30 a month and release moisture into the air, increasing heating costs. Instead, dry towels outside whenever possible.

3. Heating: The Right Tool for the Job

Once your home is properly insulated and ventilated, heating becomes straightforward. The right type of heater depends on the age and condition of your home. In well-insulated, modern homes, a heat pump or fan heater can effectively warm the space. However, Begg warns, “If you were to put on the fan heater or a heat pump [in an older home], obviously we’re losing that heat through gaps.”

For older homes, radiant heaters are a better choice. “If you're sitting in front of a radiant heater, you feel warm... like the sun,” Begg explains. These heaters warm people and objects directly, making them ideal for unsealed spaces.

Finally, maximize free heating by opening curtains on sunny days, especially for north-facing windows. At Ryan Double Glazing, we understand the importance of keeping homes comfortable and energy-efficient. Double-glazed windows enhance this free heat by reducing heat loss and preventing cold drafts.

Conclusion

Keeping your home warm and dry doesn’t have to come at the cost of high energy bills. By focusing on insulation, ventilation, and appropriate heating, you can create a comfortable living environment while saving money. Ryan Double Glazing is here to help Tauranga, Papamoa, and Mount Maunganui homeowners achieve better insulation with retrofitted double glazing. Take the first step toward a warmer, healthier home today.

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