Tips for improving air quality

Research has shown that making improvements to our living environment is cost effective in many ways. In addition to reduced heating bills, there’s a reduction in healthcare spending and associated productivity gains from less time off work and school due to sickness.

Here’s what to do…

Reduce dampness: 

• Use extractor fans in the bathroom and rangehoods that are vented to the outside in the kitchen.
• Put a sealed moisture-control sheet on the ground under the house.
• Dry clothes outside and vent dryers outside.
• Use a dehumidifier.

Insulate

• In ceilings.
• Under the floor.
• In exterior walls, if possible – starting with the south facing walls and bedrooms.
• Take advantage of the recently announced home insulation subsidies.
   

Heat

• Heat lounges to at least 18°C, bedrooms to 16°C.
• Use energy-efficient heating like heat pumps, flued gas heaters, clean-burning wood burners, or pellet burners if possible.
• If using a woodburner, install a heat distribution system to heat the whole house.
• If you are using electric heaters make sure they are fitted with a thermostat.
• Do not use unflued LPG heaters.
   

Ventilate

• Use extractor fans in the bathroom and rangehoods that are vented to the outside in the kitchen.
• All houses need to be aired. Open the windows regularly during the winter to remove stale air. Consider window vents or security stays so the house can be ventilated when you are not at home.

More information

• Consumer Build: www.consumerbuild.org.nz
• Smarter Homes: www.smarterhomes.org.nz
• Beacon Pathway: www.beaconpathway.co.nz
• Home insulation subsidies (EECA): www.eeca.govt.nz