Adding another jersey is NOT the answer

Marie from Waikanae

I was appalled to read in this weeks backyard banter (Kapiti Observer) the advice to add another jumper before heating your home, as a way to manage winter heating costs. This is exactly the kind of 1950's mentality that has lead to the cold damp moldy houses NZ is famous for. While wearing another layer may make you feel warmer, your cold damp house could be also making you sick.
So whats the answer, I hear you cry? And I confess I don't have the solution to fuel poverty. I do know it is rooted in more than just the monthly power bill. My suggestion is to allocate a sum you can afford each month (e.g. $100 for someone on $18-25,000 p.a.) and make it a priority. Make cuts in other areas and if necessary, seek help from WINZ. (with the winter energy payment of $20 per week, that's most of it covered). Longer term there are other options. My solution is a carbon neutral system that uses a low emissions woodburner. Fueled by waste wood and pruning from my 3 acre property, the woodburner heats the house and a wetback system heats our hot water. It saves around $40-60 per month in hot water bills and, after the initial outlay, costs me nothing. My three acre property is in the middle of 20 acres of lifestyle properties or other undeveloped land, so emissions are well diluted. In summer we have an outdoor shower and can leave the hot water off in hot weather. A passive system heats the water within minutes and its very handy returning from the beach. I realize this is not the answer for everyone, but you are better off, healthwize, to get your home warm and dry first before doing anything else. It is a complete waste of money putting a heater on in a uninsulated home. If your home is well insulated, double/triple glazed, well maintained, you may not even need much heating to achieve the 18-20 degrees internal temperature recommended by the WHO. Dont live in an unheated cold damp house. You are putting your health and your children's health at risk.