🌞 Keeping Your House Cool for Less During Summer
☀️ When the summer heat is on, making sure your house stays cool is a must. We all know cranking up the AC can hit the wallet hard, but fear not! There are some wallet-friendly strategies to keep you chill without breaking the bank.
Strategic Use of Curtains and Blinds:
Let your curtains and blinds be your cooling buddies. Keep them closed during the hottest part of the day to block out that intense sunlight. Go for light-colored window treatments – they reflect, not absorb, the heat.
Ventilation:
💨 Maximise airflow by smartly opening windows and doors for a cross breeze. Thinking about installing ceiling fans or using portable fans? Great idea to keep that air circulating efficiently!
Insulation:
Don’t underestimate the power of good insulation! It doesn’t just keep you cosy in winter; it works wonders in maintaining a cool vibe during summer. Pay attention to the attic and roof space!
🌳 Strategic Landscaping:
Nature’s shade! Plant trees strategically around your home to give you that natural coolness. Awnings or pergolas can also create shaded outdoor areas.
🌟 Energy-Efficient Appliances:
If you're appliance shopping, go for the energy-efficient ones. They consume less electricity and emit less heat – a win-win for a cooler home.
Limit Heat-Generating Activities:
When the sun is blazing, avoid using appliances that generate heat. Opt for alternatives like grilling outdoors or air-drying clothes.
Cooling Bedding and Clothing:
Invest in lightweight, breathable bedding and clothing made from natural fibers. Cotton and linen are your summer BFFs.
Seal Leaks and Drafts:
Inspect for leaks and drafts! Seal gaps around windows, doors, and vents to keep that hot air from sneaking in.
Use of Heat-Reflective Paint:
Ever heard of heat-reflective paint? Consider applying it to your roof or exterior walls. It's like sunscreen for your house, reflecting sunlight and keeping things cool.
🌡️ Programmable Thermostat:
Upgrade to a programmable thermostat. It's like having your house on autopilot, optimizing energy usage for maximum comfort.
Implement these strategies, and you can keep your cool during the summer without sweating over energy bills. From simple curtain tricks to more significant insulation upgrades, there's a budget-friendly solution for everyone.
Stay cool, stay comfy, and enjoy the summer vibes without the budget blues! 😎🏡
Contact me for all your real estate questions
Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑
Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.
We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
Want to read more? The Press has you covered!
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52.7% Human-centred experience and communication
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14.8% Critical thinking
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29.8% Resilience and adaptability
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2.7% Other - I will share below!
Share your favourite main crop potato recipe and win a copy of our mag!
Love potatoes? We will give away free copies of the May 2026 issue to readers whose potato recipes are used in our magazine. To be in the running, make sure you email your family's favourite way to enjoy potatoes: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by March 1, 2026.
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
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