Slash Your Heating Bill: Smart Habits to Save Energy This Winter in NZ

New Zealand winters are full of surprises, aren’t they?? One minute we're enjoying bright blue skies and dazzling sunshines, and the next we’re in a downpour seemingly lasting forever with flooding and road slips and backyards transformed into swimming pools.

Two  things remain constant though, and that’s the cold (even on sunny days, the mornings and nights are usually close to freezing for many of us) and of course the hefty heating bills. For many New Zealand homeowners, the colder months mean a significant increase in energy consumption, primarily due to heating. But what if we told you that staying warm and comfortable doesn't have to come with an astronomical cost?  With a few smart habits and a little bit of know-how, you can significantly reduce your energy footprint and keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket this winter.

At OneAir, we've been helping New Zealanders stay comfortable in their homes for over ten years. With technicians in Auckland, Dunedin, Wellington, Waikato, and the Bay of Plenty, we understand the unique challenges and costs that come with heating homes in our beautiful country. We're not just about installing and servicing heat pumps and HVAC systems; we're also passionate about empowering homeowners with the knowledge to make their homes as energy-efficient as possible. That's why we've put together this comprehensive guide. Let's dive into some easy wins for a warmer, more energy-efficient home this winter.

Save Energy This Winter: Where Your Power Bill Goes

Before we jump into specific tips, it's helpful to understand where most of your winter energy goes. For the vast majority of New Zealand homes, heating accounts for the largest portion of the power bill during colder months - around 34% of total energy consumption. This is particularly true if you rely on electric heaters or an inefficient heating system. However, other factors like hot water usage, lighting, and even standby power can add up. By understanding these key areas, you can target your energy-saving efforts more effectively.

Your Heat Pump: Your Winter MVP

For many New Zealand homes, a heat pump is the go-to solution for efficient heating. If you have one, you're already off to a great start! Heat pumps are incredibly efficient at transferring heat from the outside air into your home, even on chilly days. However, even the best heat pump won't perform optimally if not used correctly or maintained properly.

Optimal Heat Pump Settings for Maximum Savings

• Set it and forget it (almost): Resist the urge to crank your heat pump to maximum temperature when you first feel cold. Instead, set it to a comfortable, consistent temperature, ideally between 18°C and 21°C. Each degree higher can significantly increase energy consumption.

• Use the timer function: This is one of the most underutilised features! Set your heat pump to turn on shortly before you wake up or arrive home and to turn off or lower the temperature when you leave or go to bed. This ensures your home is warm when you need it and not wasting energy when you don't. Just remember to turn the timer off if you go on holiday!

• Fan speed matters: While it might seem counterintuitive, using a higher fan speed can actually be more energy-efficient. A higher fan speed doesn’t use that much electricity and distributes warm air more effectively throughout the room, allowing your heat pump to reach the desired temperature faster and cycle less. Usually fan speed will be in auto mode, but try to manually increase it and see if it helps you get to temperature quicker. Once there, drop the fan speed back to normal again (it’s quieter)

• Keep it on heat mode: Unless it's truly warm enough for just the fan, stick to "heat" mode. Using "auto" mode can sometimes lead your heat pump to switch to cooling if the room temperature briefly rises, wasting energy.

• Don't ignore the "eco" , “quiet” or "sleep" modes: Many modern heat pumps come with energy-saving modes that automatically adjust settings for optimal efficiency. Check your manual and experiment with these features.

Winter heat pump tips for optimal performance.

The Critical Role of Heat Pump Maintenance

Just like your car, your heat pump needs regular attention to run efficiently and avoid costly breakdowns. This is where OneAir truly shines.

• Clean your filters regularly: This is arguably the most important DIY maintenance task. Dirty filters restrict airflow, making your heat pump work harder and use more energy. Aim to clean your filters bi-monthly; more often if you have pets or allergies.

• Keep the outdoor unit clear: Ensure the outdoor unit is free from leaves, debris, and anything that might obstruct airflow. Don't let grass grow through it and plants grow too close to it.

• Schedule professional servicing: While DIY cleaning is great, a professional service is highly recommended by most manufacturers. At least once a year, preferably before winter sets in, give us a call and get one of our qualified OneAir technicians out to inspect and service your heat pump. They'll check refrigerant levels, clean coils, inspect electrical connections, and identify any potential issues before they become major problems. Plus they’ll probably share some tips with you that you didn’t know about too! A well-maintained heat pump runs more efficiently, lasts longer, and provides consistent warmth. If you notice any unusual noises, reduced performance, or error codes, don't hesitate to contact OneAir and let us know you need a Repair Technician (different from a Service Technician.. We’ll pop one out to you quickly and help get your heat pump running again just like before. 

DIY Maintenance Tips for Kiwi Homeowners

Beyond the Heat Pump: Whole-Home Energy Savings

While your heat pump is a major player, there are many other habits and considerations that can contribute to a significantly lower power bill.

Insulation: Your Home's Winter Coat

Think of insulation as your home's winter coat. Good insulation prevents heat from escaping, meaning your heating system doesn't have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature.

• Check your ceiling and underfloor insulation: These are key areas for heat loss. If your insulation is old, thin, or damaged, consider upgrading. While it's an upfront cost, the long-term savings on your power bill can be substantial.

• Wall insulation: While more involved to install in existing homes, wall insulation makes a massive difference in preventing heat loss through your exterior walls. Just make sure you engage a skilled technician as correct application and materials selection is required in order to prevent water ingress, especially around windows.

• Window insulation: Single-glazed windows are notorious for heat loss. Curtains and blinds: Heavy, thermal-lined curtains are your best friend in winter. Close them at dusk to trap the day's warmth inside and prevent heat from escaping overnight. Ensure they reach the floor and are   fitted close to the window frame for maximum effect.

  • Double glazing: If you're building or renovating, double glazing is a fantastic investment. For existing homes, there are retrofit options, but even temporary window films can offer a surprisingly good level of insulation. If budget permits, the gold standard is thermally-broken windows which offer the best heat retention performance of all.

  • Draught stoppers: Use draught stoppers or door snakes at the bottom of doors to block cold air from coming in.

Eliminating Draughts: Stopping the Sneaky Heat Escapes

Even with good insulation, tiny gaps and cracks around your home can allow warm air to escape and cold air to sneak in. This is called draught-proofing, and it's one of the cheapest and most effective ways to save energy.

• Seal gaps around windows and doors: Use weather stripping or gap filler to seal any gaps around window frames and door frames. You can often feel a draught by simply holding your hand near these areas on a cold night.

• Check for gaps around pipes and wires: Look for any openings where pipes or wires enter your home, particularly in older properties. Seal these with appropriate fillers.

• Chimney draughts: If you have an unused fireplace, consider installing a chimney balloon or cap to prevent heat from escaping up the flue.

• Underfloor vents: If you have open underfloor vents, consider closing them in winter, especially if your underfloor area is uninsulated.

Hot Water Habits: Saving Where It Counts

Heating water is another significant energy consumer - the second-largest for most Kiwi households after home heating. Small changes in your hot water habits can lead to noticeable savings.

• Lower your hot water cylinder temperature: Most hot water cylinders are set higher than necessary. A temperature of 60°C is usually sufficient to prevent bacterial growth while still providing hot enough water for most uses.

• Shorter showers: This one is simple but effective. Reduce your shower time by even a minute or two, and you'll save water and the energy used to heat it.

• Fix leaky taps: A dripping hot water tap isn't just annoying; it's constantly draining your hot water and wasting energy.

• Insulate your hot water cylinder and pipes: If your hot water cylinder isn't already insulated, adding a cylinder wrap is a quick and affordable way to reduce heat loss. Insulating exposed hot water pipes can also help.

Kitchen and Laundry Habits: Everyday Savings

Your kitchen and laundry appliances also contribute to your power bill. Smart usage can make a difference.

• Wait for full loads for washing machines and dishwashers: Always hold off until you have a full load before running your washing machine or dishwasher. This reduces the number of cycles you need to run.

• Use cold water for laundry: Modern detergents are very effective in cold water. Switching to cold washes for most of your laundry can save a significant amount of energy used for heating water. Note though that health experts recommend high temperatures be used for undergarments for hygiene purposes,

• Air dry clothes: Whenever possible, air dry your clothes outside instead of using a dryer. Clothes dryers are massive energy hogs. If you must use one though, clean the lint filter after every load for optimal efficiency. If drying inside, remember to ventilate your home  to allow the moisture to escape

• Don't overfill the kettle: Only boil the amount of water you need for your cup of tea or coffee.

• Use lids on pots: When cooking, use lids on your pots and pans. This traps heat and cooks food faster, using less energy.

• Defrost food in the fridge: Plan ahead and defrost frozen food in the refrigerator overnight instead of using the microwave.

Lighting and Electronics: The Smaller Savers That Add Up

While not as significant as heating, these smaller changes can still contribute to overall savings.

• Switch to LED lighting: If you haven't already, replace old incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs. They use a fraction of the electricity and last much longer.

• Turn off lights: Simple, but easily forgotten. Get into the habit of turning off lights when you leave a room, even if it's just for a few minutes.

• Unplug chargers and appliances: Many electronics continue to draw power even when turned off or when chargers are left plugged in (this is called "standby power" or "vampire drain"). Unplug phone chargers, laptop chargers, TVs, and other appliances when not in use. A power strip with an on/off switch can make this easier.

• Use natural light: Make the most of natural daylight. Open curtains and blinds during the day to let sunlight flood your home. This not only provides light but also a little passive warmth.

Smart Home Technology: Investing in Future Savings

If you're looking to take your energy-saving efforts to the next level, smart home technology can be a worthwhile investment.

• Smart thermostats: These devices learn your habits and can optimise your heating schedule, even adjusting when you're away from home. Some can be controlled remotely via your smartphone, allowing you to turn on your heat pump before you arrive home. Not all are compatible with NZ heating systems, so please check for compatibility before purchasing them, especially from overseas. 

• Smart power plugs: These allow you to control and monitor the energy usage of individual appliances and can be scheduled to turn off devices that are prone to standby drain.

• Energy monitoring systems: Some systems can give you real-time insights into your home's energy consumption, helping you identify where your power is being used most.

Behavioural Changes: The Easiest Wins

Ultimately, many of the most effective energy-saving strategies come down to simple changes in daily habits.

• Layer up: Before reaching for the thermostat, try adding an extra layer of clothing. A warm jumper or a pair of cosy socks can make a big difference.

• Close off unused rooms: If you're only heating certain areas of your home, close doors to unused rooms to prevent heat from escaping into those spaces.

• Embrace the sun: On sunny winter days, open your curtains and blinds to let the sun's warmth passively heat your home. Close them again as soon as the sun goes down to trap that warmth inside.

• Cook strategically: Use your oven for multiple dishes when you turn it on, as it takes a lot of energy to heat up. After cooking, leave the oven door ajar (if safe to do so and no children or pets are around) to let residual heat warm the kitchen.

Common Questions from Kiwi Homeowners

Q: What’s the cheapest way to heat a home in New Zealand?

A: For most households, a heat pump is the most energy-efficient option. When used correctly and maintained, it delivers three to four times more heat energy than the electricity it consumes.

Q: What temperature should I set my heat pump to in winter?

A: The ideal range is 18–21°C. Each degree higher can raise your energy costs by 10% or more, so keep it steady instead of spiking it.

Q: How much of my power bill is heating in winter?

A: On average, heating makes up about 34% of your power bill in New Zealand homes. Targeting heat loss and improving heat pump efficiency are the fastest ways to bring this down.

Q: How can I reduce hot water costs at home?

A: Set your hot water cylinder to 60°C, insulate the tank and pipes, fix dripping taps, and aim for shorter showers. Small changes can make a big difference.

Q: What is the best way to draught-proof a home in NZ?

A: Seal gaps around windows and doors, use draught stoppers at the base of doors, close unused chimneys, and invest in heavy thermal curtains.

Q: When should I service my heat pump?

A: At least once a year, preferably before winter. A professional service ensures filters, coils, and refrigerant levels are all optimised for efficiency.

Q: Why is my power bill still high even with a heat pump?

A: Common culprits include dirty filters, incorrect settings, or poor insulation in the home. If you’ve made changes and bills remain high, book a professional inspection.

When to Call the Experts at OneAir

While these tips provide a fantastic foundation for lowering your power bill this winter, sometimes issues arise that are beyond DIY fixes. If you're experiencing any of the following, it's time to call in the professionals at OneAir:

• Your heat pump isn't heating effectively: If your system isn't providing the warmth it used to, or if you notice it running constantly without reaching the desired temperature.

• Unusual noises or smells: Grinding, banging, hissing, or a burning smell from your heat pump or HVAC system are all red flags.

• High power bills despite implementing energy-saving habits: If you've tried everything and your bills are still stubbornly high, there might be an underlying issue with your heating system or insulation.

• Leaking or freezing outdoor unit: While some condensation is normal, excessive leaking or a unit that's completely covered in ice can indicate a problem.

• Error codes on your heat pump display: Consult your manual, but often these indicate a fault that requires professional attention.

Our team of experienced and reliable technicians at OneAir are experts in diagnosing and repairing all types of heat pump and HVAC systems. We understand the importance of a warm, efficient home, especially during the New Zealand winter. Whether you need a routine service, a repair, or advice on upgrading to a more energy-efficient system, you can trust OneAir to provide prompt, professional, and lasting solutions. We're here to ensure your heat pump systems perform optimally, keeping your family warm and your power bill in check this winter season.

Take Control and Save Energy This Winter

Winter in New Zealand doesn't have to mean sacrificing comfort for savings. By adopting these energy-saving habits, optimising your heat pump use, and ensuring your heating systems are well-maintained by trusted professionals like OneAir, you can significantly lower your power bill while staying perfectly cosy. Start implementing these tips today, and enjoy a warmer home and a happier wallet this winter!

Ready to save energy this winter? Contact OneAir today to book your service or repair.