13
Jul
O.R.
Don’t use a washing machine or dryer unnecessarily. Wait until you have a full load to wash. Whenever possible, let Mother Nature do your drying. If you do use a dryer, don’t over fill it.
Monthly Archives: July 2015
13
Jul
Anne, Christchurch.
Bubble wrap is not acceptable when you want to see through the window. I bought a new mattress a few months ago. It came wrapped in thick, clear plastic. If you wanted a free window covering, that plastic would work and let you see out of it. You’d need to pull it firm to maintain […]
13
Jul
A.G., Christchurch.
I just saw your column in The Star, mentioning bubble wrap for window insulation. The contributor recommended sticking the wrap to the window with a little water. I tried that, but found it fiddly. They also mentioned stationery stores as a source for bubble wrap, but if you buy it there you’re paying over 4 […]
13
Jul
Lisa, Whakatane.
In response to your article about keeping warm in winter I would like to share my enthusiasm for bubble wrap. It simply sticks on a window with a little water. It is amazing what a big difference it makes to the temperature in the house. If your lucky you can find free bubble wrap (some […]
13
Jul
Norelle Owen, Christchurch.
Adding to the bubble wrap phenomenon, we bought a huge 30 metre roll of bubble wrap for $16.00 at Mitre10 Mega along with foam tape for lining the window joins in our damp, draughty rental. Apparently the demand for bubble wrap has been overwhelming. Kiwi ingenuity at it’s very best!
13
Jul
Jess, Community Energy Action, Christchurch.
Do-it-Yourself window insulation is available through Community Energy Action. It starts from $29 and can be as effective as retrofit double glazing in reducing heat loss and condensation. It will help keep your home warmer and healthier for a fraction of the cost of double glazing! [Check them out on their website, www.cea.co.nz; they are […]
13
Jul
Karen, Palmerston North.
I have a heated towel rail, but never use it! In winter, I place my bath towels in the airing cupboard overnight, they’re still warm and bone dry when I use them the next morning. Luxury!
13
Jul
D.H., Howick.
Plug all of your TV, DVD, Sky, Freeview etc devices into a plug gang behind. When you go to bed, turn the one switch off at the wall and all those annoying power hungry devices that would normally be on standby 24/7 will be off when you don’t want them. One flick of the switch […]
13
Jul
Tony, Blenheim.
There are conflicting thoughts on if it is better to switch off appliances rather than leave them on standby. Of course it depends on the type of appliance, use the “on/off” function on the machine itself. A TV set that’s switched on for 3 hours a day (the average time Europeans spend watching TV) and […]
13
Jul
Nana of five, Rotorua.
When your teenagers have jobs and are still living with you, get them to pay the monthly power bill in lieu of a board payment. It is powerful (excuse the pun) motivation to turn off lights and heaters and have short showers. The more power they can save, the more money in their pockets at […]