Victoria University of Wellington Students' Association

Flat Hunting?

 Here’s a quick checklist for a warm flat. Most important questions:

• Is the house sunny? Look out for north facing windows clear from trees and hills.
• Is the ceiling insulated?
• Is there underfloor insulation, or is it built on a concrete pad?
• Are there fitted thick thermal curtains? Ideally there should be thick curtains with no gaps around them but you can install these after moving in.
• Are there drafts around windows or doors? Use your hand to see if you can feel a breeze.
• Is there an efficient heating system, like a heat pump, or wood burner? Heating systems to avoid: un-flued gas heaters and open fireplaces.
• Are there fans for ventilating the kitchen and bathroom? Dampness is unhealthy – make sure the place is mould-free and doesn’t smell musty.
• Is there a good place to hang laundry outside, and under cover for winter? The cheapest way to dry clothes by far is drip-drying, but make sure areas for this are well ventilated.
• Is there a low-flow shower head? A good one will feel like a normal shower and save you a lot of dosh.
• If there is a dryer, does it have an external exhaust system?
• Are the appliances modern, and do they have a good energy star rating? Look for the energy star sticker.

Warm My Flat and Save Me Money

Sick of being poor, cold and sick in winter? Don’t put up with it this year. Follow these simple tips and will stay warm and save money. There are things from the big, which your landlord would have to agree, to the small, which you can do cheaply yourself.

 

How to stay warm and keep your money in the bank:

1. Ask your landlord ASAP if your flat is insulated. Insulation makes a huge difference. They may be eligible for a 60% Government subsidy to insulate and install clean heating if the head tenant in your flat has, or can get a Community Services Card. Go here for more info on how your landlord can apply well before winter sets in. There are long waiting lists for insulation installation in winter. See below for some ways of convincing your landlord to insulate.

2. Make sure you’re with the cheapest energy provider and plan. The right plan may change by the season. Powerswitch will set you straight.

3. Call 0800 388 588 for free energy advice, or go here for specific student flat advice.

4. Find some cheap thermal-backed curtains. They’ll make things so much warmer at night and you can take them with you to your next flat!

5. Stop drafts getting in by putting foam around your windows and snakes at the bottom of your doors.

6. Use less power by using what you need. Switch off lights when not in use, switch off appliances at the wall and take shorter showers. You’ll have more money for heating come winter, and other things like food.

7. Get a warmer flat next time. Ask if it’s insulated, sunny in winter, and look for places where drafts might get in. 

8. Watch out for more top tips in Salient!

Check back here for more updates as winter sets in.

How to convince your landlord to insulate

Some landlords will naturally be attracted by a 60% subsidy on insulation and clean heating,     whereas others are harder to convince. Below are some arguments you can try once you’ve tested the waters and found your landlord needs a bit of a push. Remember, the earlier you get on to it the better, as there are long waiting lists for insulation once winter comes around.

•    Insulation can increase their property’s market value

•    Insulating a house costs around $3200 so this offer could save them around $2000

•    The cost lost in rent due to tenant turnover and maintenance costs of uninsulated properties is likely to be around $1000 per year. This doesn’t include other related costs such as replacing mouldy curtains and other furnishings

•    Recent research by EECA and AC Nielsen shows that 9 out of 10 renters are likely to stay longer in more energy efficient properties and 8 out of 10 are more likely to rent homes that are energy efficient in the first place

•    Studies have shown turnover of tenants drops from an average of one year to four years when rental properties are insulated

•    In some cases the cost of insulation may be eligible for a tax or depreciation deduction. Landlords should seek professional accountancy advice about this.

The above was courtesy of the Sustainability Trust.

Helpful links:

Energy Advice, Sustainability Trust, information about the insulation subsidy, information about being energy wise and saving money, Smarter Homes and to see if you are getting the best power deal check out Power Switch.

This page was prepared with the help of the Home Energy Advice Centre. Email the Environmental Officer for more information.