✔️ DO:

• If you have a heat pump, set it between 18 and 22°C and keep it regularly maintained.

• Place thermostats away from heat sources and open doors.

• If you're using a wood burner, only burn dry, untreated and unpainted wood less than 11cm in diameter.

• Keep all items – especially potentially flammable ones – at least one metre away from heaters and fires.

• Plug electric heaters directly into a power socket rather than using a multiboard, to prevent overloading.

• Use electric blankets safely and not with a hot water bottle. If you can, limit their use to save on power.

• Close doors to keep the heat in.
  
  

❌ DON'T:

• Leave any type of heater running while you're not in the room (except for heat pumps with a timer set).

• Use an open oven door as a heater.

• Use unflued gas heaters. If you have to use one, only do so for a short period (and never in small rooms) and keep a window and internal doors open for good ventilation.
  See WorkSafe's guidance or email HealthProtection@huttvalleydhb.org.nz for advice.

✔️ DO:

• Make sure your home is well insulated (in most cases, rental homes must be insulated by law).

• Look into double or secondary glazing, or buy a window film insulation kit from a hardware store or supplier.

• Tighten any loose door hinges to make sure doors fit snugly into their frames.

• Block off any unused chimneys with a rubbish bag filled with shredded newspaper (make it obvious it's blocked, so nobody tries to light a fire) and secure your ceiling hatch, if there is one.

• Use rugs and carpets where underfloor insulation isn't possible.

• Keep the outside of your home sealed and painted.
  
  

❌ DON'T:

• Touch foil insulation, which has been banned in residential buildings since 2016 due to the risk of electric shock.

• Touch asbestos-containing insulation, which may be present in homes built or renovated before the year 2000.
  See WorkSafe's guidance or email HealthProtection@huttvalleydhb.org.nz for advice.

A dry home is easier and cheaper to heat.

✔️ DO:

• Open windows once or twice a day for around 10-15 minutes if you can, or use a ventilation system.

• Wipe away condensation from windows and walls.

• Hang washing outside to dry if you can. If you're using a dryer with no exhaust vent, turn on an extractor fan or open a window. Do the same while showering, or install a shower dome to stop steam escaping.

• While cooking, use the rangehood or extractor fan (or open a window) and use pan lids to keep the steam in.

• Move furniture away from walls and leave wardrobes slightly open to discourage mould.

• Use a dehumidifier, but only on damp days as they aren't a long-term solution and can be expensive to run.

• Look into getting a ground moisture barrier installed, or ask your landlord about this.