Thank you for using Neighbourly
Rising costs and tightening household budgets are front of mind as we head into the winter months and as the temperatures start to cool off, the increased use of appliances to heat our homes can contribute to the biting energy prices.
To avoid the bill shock that can sometimes arrive in time … View moreRising costs and tightening household budgets are front of mind as we head into the winter months and as the temperatures start to cool off, the increased use of appliances to heat our homes can contribute to the biting energy prices.
To avoid the bill shock that can sometimes arrive in time with your next energy invoice, there are a few things that you can do to reduce energy consumption and the costs associated with it.
Fix draughty area
Look at areas where draughts may be prevalent in your home, typically under doors and windows. Around 40% of heat from the home escapes from windows and if you are a homeowner you may consider investing in double glazing which can bump up the energy efficiency of your home and have the added benefit of reducing sound.
If you are renting, many hardware stores have solutions for draught excluders around windows and doors.
Thicker curtains can keep colder air at bay and thicker rugs over hardwood floors can provide a cost-effective insulation approach.
Check hot water
Hot water usage can contribute a substantial amount to energy costs. Tips like adjusting the temperature as well as washing with cold water or ensuring that you are only washing full loads are key to reducing those energy outputs.
Turn off appliances
Appliances in standby mode, not in use, can still use energy. Even your phone charger that is switched on at the wall and not in use is still generating power.
If you are not using the appliance or going away, ensure that you are switching appliances off at the wall to reduce the energy consumption being used by those appliances.
Price check your c current plan
There is a myriad of energy suppliers in the market now. Check your current electricity and gas bills to make sure that you are getting the best deal and negotiate to find the best solutions for you.
Swap your light bulbs
Where possible, make the switch with your light bulbs to those that are the most energy-efficient for the types of light fittings that you have in your home. More energy-efficient bulbs use as much as 75% less electricity and have the added benefit of lasting longer, which means replacing less often.
Making a few small changes in our living spaces and habits can assist with reducing those energy bills and adds to one less shock the next time you receive your electricity or gas bill.
I'm available for advice on anything real estate. Contact me during the week, after work or at the weekend.
See advert in the Rent, Hire, Borrow section of neighborly, posted 14th July.
Find out how a few key elements can warm up your abode over the winter months. Anyone can make a home that is inviting and relaxing after a long cold day.
Choose a warm paint colour: Explore the colour wheel - Notice that yellows, oranges and reds are on the warm side so utilising those colours … View moreFind out how a few key elements can warm up your abode over the winter months. Anyone can make a home that is inviting and relaxing after a long cold day.
Choose a warm paint colour: Explore the colour wheel - Notice that yellows, oranges and reds are on the warm side so utilising those colours will simulate a cosier, warmer mood. Blue and purples are on the cool side so they will simulate the opposite mood.
Warm lighting: Group lighting by using task and ambience lighting and a mixture of table and floor lamps. Warm coloured bulbs throw out a softer light and give a room a cosy feel.
TIP: Having your lights on separate switches means you can control how bright/dim a space will be.
Add pot plants: Any living element contributes to a cosy and inviting feel. Plants in baskets are not only on-trend, but they also generate more oxygen inside your home too.
TIP: Group pots together using different shapes and heights to make a focal point.
Carpet, rugs and textiles: Tiles are great but can be chilly underfoot in the cooler months. Carpets insulate, soften and warm up a room and New Zealand wool carpets are environmentally friendly with a sustainable fibre, plus naturally flame retardant.
Don’t discount rugs even if you have carpets. Make sure you choose a rug that works with your existing carpet. Placing a rug between yourself and the floor instantly guarantees a warmer atmosphere. Rugs are also incredibly good at tying a space together.
TIP: Garage carpet reforms the space from a cold concrete feel to a soft warm space too!
Keep reading: www.curtainclean.co.nz...
Hi everyone does anyone know where you can get your lawn mower to be service please
Choose a favourite time to read together as a family and enjoy it. This might be everyone reading the same book together, reading different things at the same time, or getting your children to read to each other. This time spent reading together can be relaxing for all ?????
Simply visit your local Resene owned ColorShop, choose your favourite red testpots and for each one you buy Resene will donate $1 to Cure Kids to help fund vital child health research!
Offer applies to all Resene green 60mL testpots (excludes metallic and wood stains) purchased by retail … View moreSimply visit your local Resene owned ColorShop, choose your favourite red testpots and for each one you buy Resene will donate $1 to Cure Kids to help fund vital child health research!
Offer applies to all Resene green 60mL testpots (excludes metallic and wood stains) purchased by retail customers between 13-31 July 2022 at Resene owned ColorShops.
Come in and see the Resene team today!
Books and jigsaws wanted for Tauranga Harbour City Lions November Book Sale.
Drop off points are:
• Harvey Norman, Cameron Rd
• 4 Seasons, The Crossing
• Wet & Forget, Chapel St Centre
• Countdown Bethlehem Town Centre
• Bunnings DIY Section, Jean Batten Drive, Mt Maunganui
… View moreBooks and jigsaws wanted for Tauranga Harbour City Lions November Book Sale.
Drop off points are:
• Harvey Norman, Cameron Rd
• 4 Seasons, The Crossing
• Wet & Forget, Chapel St Centre
• Countdown Bethlehem Town Centre
• Bunnings DIY Section, Jean Batten Drive, Mt Maunganui
Please no magazines, encyclopedias –
Enquiries phone 5792204 or 027 2705292 or 5434418.
Booksale date, 4th, 5th & 6th November at the Racecourse.
Give children lots of opportunities to read different things in their own time - it doesn’t just have to be books. There’s fiction, non-fiction, poetry, comics, magazines, recipes, and much more. Try leaving interesting reading material in different places around the home and see who picks it … View moreGive children lots of opportunities to read different things in their own time - it doesn’t just have to be books. There’s fiction, non-fiction, poetry, comics, magazines, recipes, and much more. Try leaving interesting reading material in different places around the home and see who picks it up ??
Transform a dull concrete pad into an attractive seating area with a little bit of help from Resene Walk-on flooring and paving paint.
Find out how to create your own.
Dear neighbours,
NZ Gardener together with Ryman Healthcare is once again looking for greenfingered good sorts – individuals or groups who use their gardening skills to help others. Tell us about the great gardeners doing right by your community, and they could be one of five finalists who will… View moreDear neighbours,
NZ Gardener together with Ryman Healthcare is once again looking for greenfingered good sorts – individuals or groups who use their gardening skills to help others. Tell us about the great gardeners doing right by your community, and they could be one of five finalists who will feature in the October magazine!
There are some amazing prizes up for grabs, so if you know a homegrown hero who is using their gardening skills for the greater good, nominate them now for Ryman Healthcare 2022 Gardener of the Year!
Drinking warm water before bed will keep you hydrated through the night and may help the body to get rid of unwanted toxins. It may also help to relieve pain or cramps in the stomach. Below is a list of benefits from drinking water before bedtime.
Everyone enjoys drinking hot beverages in the winter. Let us know what hot drink you like to make these chilly nights more comfortable.
Enjoy the flexibility to do what you want and be more in control of your finances. Our fixed base weekly fee means Ryman residents can relax and make confident financial choices. And as living costs continue to rise, our fixed fee guarantee is more important than ever.
Ryman residents say that … View moreEnjoy the flexibility to do what you want and be more in control of your finances. Our fixed base weekly fee means Ryman residents can relax and make confident financial choices. And as living costs continue to rise, our fixed fee guarantee is more important than ever.
Ryman residents say that this financial security helps them plan ahead for large expenses like holidays while still enjoying themselves today. Because fewer responsibilities mean that you can live on your own terms. It’s one of the ways we’re pioneering retirement living – so you can embrace life and blaze a new trail in retirement.
Are you overdue a getaway? You could win a 13-day Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer South Island Rail & Coach tour by participating in Neighbourly’s 8th birthday celebration.
To enter the competition, just tell us what you love about your neighbourhood. It could be your favourite spot, a … View moreAre you overdue a getaway? You could win a 13-day Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer South Island Rail & Coach tour by participating in Neighbourly’s 8th birthday celebration.
To enter the competition, just tell us what you love about your neighbourhood. It could be your favourite spot, a beautiful view, or something that makes you smile. You could be in for a once-in-a-lifetime getaway!
© Neighbourly 2024
Loading…
