b'words: Penny Lewisgoing green pictures: Courtesy of Tranz20 tipsfor saving energy6. In winter, close the doors and curtains of rooms that 1. When you build a new home, save energy by starting as you mean to go on and consider passive solar energy.youreheating.CurtainsshouldbedrawnjustbeforePaint your home A home constructed on a correctly oriented concrete padit gets dark to keep in the heat. Ideally, they should bein Resene Cool is an ideal way to trap the warmth of the sun.full-length and lined to make the most of their insulationColours to minimise the qualities. They look better this way too. amount of heat 2. Invest in double-glazing to retain the suns heat. Toabsorbed by the capture as much sun as possible, all windows should be7. Position heaters away from windows, so they heatpaint. This will rooms more effectively. Use the thermostat and timer onhelp keep your kept clean and trees trimmed so they dont block thehome cooler, sunlight. your heaters so they only come on when you need themsaving costs in and automatically switch off when they reach a certainthe hot months 3. Plant a deciduous tree to shade your largest west- (as well as helping temperature.your paintnish facing window. In summer, youll have shade and, inand substrate 8. Block off yourwhen youre not using it, orlast longer).winter, sunlight.replace heatfromothersourceswillescapestraightuptheSee the Resene 4. If you are renovating an older home, never miss anchimney. Use a hot water bottle or put an extra blanketHi-Glo colour chart opportunity to insulate the walls or ceiling properly. Useor your Resene on the bed, instead of using an electric blanket. ColorShop for adhesive draught-stop strips in any gaps in windows ormore infomation.around doorframes. 9.Insulateyourhotwatercylinderandadjustthe thermostat so that hot water is 55C at the tap. Fix any 5. While polished woodenoors are an attractive featuredripping taps and have short showers instead of baths. in many older houses, they can make for cold and draughtyUse cold water when yourethe jug and rinsinglling winters. Dont be afraid to hang on to carpet while thedishes. Switch off your hot water if youre away for more weathers freezing. Rugs are also a fantastic option. than two weeks. 112 |'