Get Winter Ready - April 2024

GET WINTER READY

GET WINTER READY

Itcouldarriveearlythisyear PREPAREFORWINTER

Withwinterfastapproachingthereare fourmainthingstostartthinkingabout thatwillhelpkeepyourhousewarm anddry.Insulation,heating,ventilation andtacklingdampness.Bycombining thesefourthings,youwillfindyourself withamuchhealthierandwarmer home.However,asthenightsgrow longerandtemperaturesfall,findinga balancebetweenacosyhomeanda powerbillthatwon’tbreakthebankwill takeabitofplanning.

Insulation

Youcan’tseeit,butyoucansurefeelthe differenceinsulationcanmaketoyour home Someolderhomesareharderto insulate,butsomeinsulationisbetter thannoinsulation

Remembertoblockunusedchimneysand usedraughtsealaroundwindowsand doorstostopthecoldairentering

Dampness

Adamphomeisanunhealthyhomeand dampairtakesmoreenergytoheatthan dryairWeepingwindows,mould,musty smells,andclammyclothesinthe wardrobealladduptoadamphome One ofthebiggestsourcesofdampcomes fromthegroundunderthefloorboards, butyouwillbesurprisedwhereelseit

comesfrom Cooking,showers,andbaths, dryingclothesinsideonarackandeven breathing,alladdtothedamp Inwinter, trydryingyourclothesinashelteredarea outside,makesurewindowsareopento letsteamescapefromthebathroomand wipedownweepingwindows Double glazing,dehumidifiersandairingyour homeeverydaywillhelpwithdampness

Ventilation

Byventingyourdryeroutside,opening windowstoletsteamescape,installing extractorfansinbathroomsandkitchens andventsintowindows,willhelptokeep yourhomebetterventilated

Heating

Aninterestingpieceofinformationthat isalwayshandyespeciallywhenthere isadiscussionaboutthetemperaturein theroom-theWorldHealthOrganisation recommendsanindoortemperatureofat least16ºCinbedrooms and18ºCinlivingareas Iftheindoor temperatureisatleast7ºCwarmerthan theoutdoortemperature, it’llpreventcondensationformingon coldersurfaces Youwillneedtodecideif afreestandingwoodfire,pelletfireorgas orelectricheatingisgoingtosuit you,butwindowcoveringofsome descriptionisamust,aswellfitted curtainswillhelpretaintheheatfromany sunduringtheday

So,beforewinter,getinsomedryfirewood orhaveyourheatpumpserviced,repairor replaceanyworncurtainsorhaveachat tooneofyourlocalfiresuppliersandfind outwhatisgoingtobethebestoptionfor youandyourhome

Be warm this winter and stay healthy!

thetemperaturedrops,warmyourself byourBBQfacilities,perfectforahearty outdoorfeast Ourlaundryservices

youcanpacklightandstay freshthroughoutyourstayIndulgeina deliciouscontinentalbreakfasttokickstartyourdayofexploration WithSky TVandultra-fastbroadband,youcanstay entertainedandconnectedthroughout yourstay

owner-operators,wetakepridein addingapersonaltouchtoeveryguest experience,ensuringyoufeelrightat homefromthemomentyouarrive And don’t forget to take advantage of our special winter rates book now

Whangarei south

Stay safe & healthy this winter

Protect your whole whānau against flu this winter, and make sure your tamariki are up to date with all of their immunisations.

Immunisations are available from your GP and some pharmacies now.

WritesKemOrmond

GET WINTER READY

Nothingisnicer,thantoarrive homefromworkandatthepush ofabuttonyouhaveinstantheat Modernheatpumpsareavery energyeicientformofcomfortheating, andwiththistheyhavebecomeanextremely popularoptionforheating&coolingthe home.

Theyhavecomealongwayfromlooking likeawhitefridgeonthewall(myopinion). Theyarenowsleek,withachoiceofeither black,white,andevenredbeingoeredby somebrands.

Wheretostart?

Youneedtodoyourhomeworkand ind therightheatpumpforyourneeds.Most importantly, indingareputablespecialist whocangiveyouprofessionaladviceand provideexcellentaersalesservicewithafull manufacturer’swarrantyiskey

Aqualityinstallationbyanapproved installerordealerisoftheutmost importancewhenitcomestoyourheat pump’soveralleectiveness,performance& long-termreliability

Plus,beforechoosingasizeorstyleormodel ofheatpump,youneedtoconsiderthepros andconsThereisnoneedtohaveahuge heatpumptoheatyourbedsit!Aheatpump specialistcangiveyouprofessionaladvice onwhichsizeandlocationbestsuitsyour layout Highwallunitsarethemostcommon heatpumpsinNewZealand. Theyareusuallylongandthin,mounted closetotheceilingandcirculateenoughair

toheataroomevenly

Warm,dry,andcomfortable

Theycaneasilyprovidealevelofallround comfortandcanquicklybringaroomupto temperatureandthenmaintainitandwhen usedcorrectlytheyareaneconomicalform ofheating.

Plus,abonusisthatyoudonothaveto bringin irewood,kindling, irestartersor cockroaches!

Ifyouruntheheatpumpin“cooling”or “dry”mode.Itwillremovemoisturefrom theairBearinmindthatwaterremoval ismodestcomparedtopurpose-built dehumidiiers.

Mostheatpumpsincorporateawashable ilterunitthatremovesdustandparticles fromtheairThiscouldbeanimportant featureforpeoplewithasthmaandallergies

Regularcleaningofthese iltersisnecessary tokeeptheunitworkingatmaximum eficiency

Anextraiscooling

Areverse-cycleheatpumpisahomeheating systemthatcanbothheatandcoolaroom providingcomfortinbothsummerand winterconditions.

Youneedtoconsider

Placementofyourheatpumpaswellasyour compressorisakeyfactortoenjoyingyour heatpump.

Theinsideunitofaheatpumpshould producelittlemorethanalowfansoundin

XCLUSIVE Metrofires UltraWeeRadULEB reestandingWood ireMetallicBlack

EXCLUSIVE Masport R3000Freestanding WoodFirewith Ashpan

low-speedmode

Positioningofthe outsidecompressor equallyimportant,so consideranyimpact mayhavewheninsta nearsleepingareasand closetoneighbour’s sleepingareas.

Whattypeofheat pumpshouldIbuy?

Splitsystemoramu splitsystemoraduc system ceiling mounted,lowwall or loormounted? soundsconfusing,butitisnot!

Asplitsystem

the loorTheheated(orcooled)airispumped throughinsulatedductstoceilingor loor outletsinmanyoralltheroomsinthehouse.

Singlesplitsystemsarebyfarthemostused heatpumpsthesedaysandtheyareusually themostcost-effectiveoptionSinglesplit systemsworkwellinalargeloungeorthe mainlivingareaofanopenplanhomeandor abedroom/s.

Multi-splitsystems

Inamulti-splitsystem,theexteriorunit connectstomorethanoneinteriorunit Often,oneinteriorunitisinthelivingspace andanotherinthebedroomarea.

Ductedsystems

Thesehaveasingle,largecapacityinterior unitmountedintheceilingspace,orunder

Wi-Fi

Wi-FicontrolviaanAPisapopularoption forpeoplewhowanttocontroltheir heatpump.Thisisparticularlyusefulfor professionalorshiworkerswhocomeand goatdifferenthoursYoucancontrolyour heatpumpfromanywherethatyouhavecell phonecoveragewithastandardconnectable compatiblehomerouter

And inally

Doyourhomework,talktopeoplewho ownaheatpump,andchattoqualiied installersandsuppliers.Makesureyoumake therightchoiceofheatpumptosuityour homeandyourlifestyle!

GET WINTER READY

TWODECADESOFELECTRICAL EXPERTISEGUIDEDBY DEDICATEDLEADERSHIP

GoFoxElectricalWhangārei representsovertwodecadesof expertiseintheelectricalindustry, guidedbythededicatedleadership ofGlenn,aseasonedregisteredelectrician andelectricalinspectorGlenn’sjourneyin theelectrical ieldiscomplementedbyhis wife,Helen’senthusiasmandexceptional organisationalskills,whichshehas inetunedthroughextensiveexperienceinofice administration,payroll,andmanagement roles

OriginallyfromtheWaikatoregion, GlennhasdeepNewZealandroots.Helen, ontheotherhand,bringsaninternational perspective,havingmovedfromSweden toLondon,wherethecouplelivedforten yearsbeforechoosingWhangāreiinNew Zealand’swinterlessnorthastheirnew home.Thisdecisionwasdrivenbytheir desireto indaperfectplacetosettle downandraisetheirfamilyNow,with15 yearsinWhangārei,theyproudlyconsider themselvestrueNorthlanders cial,

electricalinstallationsfornewconstructions orupgradestoexistingsystemsInthe industrialrealm,theyspecialiseinproviding tailoredsolutionsthatmeetthespeciic needsoffacilities,focusingoneficiencyand safety

Forhomeowners,theyoffereverything fromroutinemaintenancetocomplete electricalinstallations,ensuringthatall householdelectricalneedsaremetwith

teamismadeupofelectriciansand entices,allledbyGlenn’sexperienced Thisgroupofprofessionalsisnotonly illedbutalsodeeplycommitted ringorganisedandeficient Thediversityandversatilityof eamallowthemtoadapttothe challengesofanyelectricalproject, eeingprecisionandprofessionalism obtheyundertake

ForwardWhangarei&DawnDutton Photography

FoxElectricalWhangārei,weare edinourcommitmenttobeing omer-focused.Weunderstandthat projects,whetherforyourhome siness,requireahighleveloftrustand personalisedattention.

electriciansarenotjustexpertsin ieldbutalsoattentivelistenerswho prioritiseyouruniqueneeds.Fromthe consultationtothecompletionof oject,wearededicatedtoensuring tricalrequirementsaremetwith p andcare

Ourcustomer-focusedapproach meansthatyoucanrelyonusnotonlyfor exceptionaltechnicalexpertisebutalsofor aseamlessandpleasantexperience.Your

GET WINTER READY

Asthecoldermonthsapproach, it’sessentialtoprepare ourhomesforthechillier temperaturesahead

Ensuringproperinsulationiskeyto creatingawarmandcomfortableliving environmentduringwinterFromsealing draftstoupgradingwindowfurnishings, herearesometipstohelpyougetyour homewinter-ready

Seal Drafts and Air Leaks

Beginbyidentifyingandsealinganydrafts orairleaksaroundwindows,doors,and otheropenings Useweatherstrippingor caulkingtofillgapsandpreventwarmair fromescapingandcoldairfromentering yourhome

Use Draft Stoppers

Placedraftstoppersordoorsnakesalong thebottomsofdoorstopreventcoldair fromseepingintorooms Thesesimpleyet effectivedevicescanmakeasignificant differenceinmaintainingconsistent temperaturesthroughoutyourhome

Maintain Heating Systems

Ensureyourheatingsystems,suchas fireplaces,boilers,andheatpumps,arein goodworkingconditionbeforethecold weathersetsin Scheduleaprofessional inspectionandmaintenanceserviceto addressanyissuesandensureoptimal performancethroughoutthewinter months

floorscanprovideadditionalinsulation andwarmth,especiallyinroomswith hardwoodortileflooring Thishelps toreduceheat

Maximise Natural Sunlight

Duringtheday,opencurtainsandblinds

onnorth-facingwindowstoallowsunlight toenterandnaturallywarmyourhome

Closethematnighttoretainheatand minimizeheatloss

Use Area Rugs and Carpeting

Addingarearugsorcarpetingtobare

GET WINTER READY

As weawaittothe arrivalofwinter, manyhomeowners may indthemselves drawntothewarmthand comfortoftheirhomes,but forthosebeginningonthe journeyofbuildingtheir dreamhome,thisseason presentsauniqueopportunity forpreparationandplanning

WaynePickerill,Managing DirectoratFowlerHomesNorthland, speaksabouthowyoucanmakethemost ofthewinterseasontobringyourdream hometolife.

ResearchandPlanning

Winterprovidestheperfectbackdropfor divingintoresearchandplanningforyour newhome.Takeadvantageofcozyevenings indoorstobrowsethroughhomedesign magazines,exploreonlineinspiration galleries,andgatherideasforyourdream home.Consideryourlifestyle,preferences, andfutureneedsasyouenvisiontheperfect spaceforyouandyourfamily

SectionHunting

Whilethecolderweathermaydetersome, wintercanbeanexcellenttimetoscout forsectionsandlandforyournewhome Withfewerbuyersinthemarket,youmay havelesscompetitionandmorenegotiating powerTaketheopportunitytoexplore differentneighborhoods,assesspotential buildingsites,andenvisionhowyourdream homewill itintothelandscape.

LandAssessment

Onceyou’veidentiiedpotentialbuilding sites,it’sessentialtoconductathorough assessmentoftheland.Considerfactors suchassunlightexposure,soilquality,slope,

anddrainagetoensureyourchosensiteis suitableforbuilding.Consultwithexperts, suchaslandsurveyorsandenvironmental consultants,togainvaluableinsightsand avoidanypotentialissuesdowntheline

FloorPlanDevelopment

Withyoursectionsecuredandland assessed,it’stimetofocusondeveloping the loorplanforyournewhome.Consider layoutoptions,roomsizes,andspecial featuresthatwillenhanceyourliving experienceandrelectyouruniquestyle andpreferencesAtFowlerHomes,there isanextensiverangeofstandardplans available,ifyouareaftersomethingmore

personalised,ourteamofexperienced designersandarchitectscanworkwithyou closelytotranslateyourvisionintoreality

PartnerwithFowlerHomes

Throughoutthewintermonthsandbeyond, FowlerHomesisheretoguideyouthrough everystageofyourbuildingjourney

Asyourtrustedadvisorandpartner,we offerunmatchedexpertise,personalised service,andacommitmenttobringingyour dreamhometolife

Fromconcepttocompletion,we’llbeby yourside,ensuringaseamlessandstressfreebuildingexperience

RELAXAND REVITALIZE:

TheBenefitsofSpaPools forWinterWellness

Asthewinterchillsettlesin, manyofusyearnforwarmth andcomfort Onewayto combatthecoldandrejuvenate yourbodyandmindisbyindulgingin theluxuriousexperienceofaspapool

Thesedelightfuloasesofferarangeof healthbenefitsandcantransformyour winterintoaseasonofrelaxationand rejuvenation

Physical Benefits:

Thewarm,bubblingwatersofaspapool provideavarietyofphysicalbenefits The heathelpstorelaxmuscles,easingtension andreducingachesandpains Thiscanbe particularlybeneficialduringthecolder monthswhenourbodiestendtotighten

upinresponsetothecold Thebuoyancy ofthewateralsohelpstoreducepressure onjoints,makingitanexcellentoptionfor thosewitharthritisorjointpain

Mental Wellbeing

Beyondthephysicalbenefits,spapools offerasanctuaryformentalwellbeing

Thewarmwaterandgentlemassageof thejetscanhelptoreducestressand anxiety,promotingasenseofcalmand relaxation Takingthetimetounwindina spapoolcanbeawonderfulwaytoescape thehustleandbustleofdailylifeandfind amomentofpeaceandtranquility

Improved Sleep:

Manypeoplestrugglewithsleepduring

• Pools Automation, Pumps, Salt Systems, Household Pumps

• UV Filtration Supply and installation

• Commercial Pumping & Installation

• Pergola Supply & Installations

• Bore Water Specialists

• Water Transfer Pumps

• Irrigation

thewintermonths,duetothelongnights andcoldtemperatures Soakinginaspa poolbeforebedcanhelptopromote relaxationandimprovesleepqualityThe warmwaterraisesyourbodytemperature, andwhenyouexitthespa,yourbody coolsdown,mimickingthenaturaldrop inbodytemperaturethatoccursbefore sleep Thiscanhelptosignaltoyourbody thatit’stimetorest,makingiteasierto fallasleepandstayasleepthroughoutthe night

Social Connection:

Spapoolsalsoofferawonderful opportunityforsocialconnection

Whetheryou ’ reenjoyingasoakwith yourpartner,family,orfriends,spapools

providearelaxingenvironmenttounwind andcatchupwithlovedones

Sharingthisexperiencecandeepenbonds andcreatelastingmemories

Asthewinterseasonapproaches, consideraddingaspapooltoyour routine Notonlydoesitprovide physicalbenefitssuchasmuscle relaxationandjointpainrelief,butit alsooffersmentalhealthbenefitslike stressreductionandimprovedsleep

Plus,it’sagreatwaytospendquality timewithlovedones So,embrace thewarmthandcomfortofaspapool thiswinter,andindulgeinsomewelldeservedrelaxationandrejuvenation

GET WINTER READY

WINTER WORKOUT WISDOM

Asthewintermonthsroll in,manyindividualsmay findthemselvesadjusting theirexerciseroutines toaccommodatethe coolertemperaturesand shorterdaylighthours. WhileNorthlandmaynot experiencesnoworicy conditions,therearestill importantconsiderationsto keepinmindwhenengaging inoutdoorphysicalactivity duringthistimeofyear

Herearesometipstohelpyou transitiontowinter-friendly workoutsandstaysafeand healthywhilestayingactive inNorthland.

DressAppropriately

Thekeytocomfortableoutdoorworkouts inwinterislayeringStartwithamoisturewickingbaselayertokeepsweataway fromyourskin,followedbyathermalor insulatinglayertoretainbodyheat,and inishwithawaterproofandwindproof outerlayertoprotectagainstrainand windchill.Don’tforgettowearahatand moisture-wickingsockstokeepextremities warmanddry

Warm-UpProperly

Coldweathercanmake musclesandjointsstiffer, increasingtheriskof injuryduringexercise

Takeextratimetowarmup yourbodybeforestarting yourworkout,focusingon dynamicmovementsthat targetthemajormuscle groupsyou’llbeusing Incorporateexerciseslike legswings,armcircles,and lungestoincreaseblood lowand lexibility

StayHydrated

Evenincoolertemperatures, it’sessentialtostayhydrated duringexercise

Coldaircanbedrying, leadingtoincreased luidlossthrough respirationandsweat

Drinkwaterbefore,during,andafteryour workouttomaintainhydrationlevelsand replacelost luids

ListentoYourBody

Astemperaturesdrop,yourbodymay requiremoreenergytostaywarmduring exerciseBemindfulofsignsoffatigue, hypothermia,orfrostbite,suchasshivering, numbness,ortinglinginextremities.

Ifyoustarttofeeltoocoldoruncomfortable, it’sokaytocutyourworkoutshortorseek shelterindoors.

EmbraceIndoorAlternatives

Ondayswhentheweatherisparticularly inclement,considershiftingyourworkout indoorstoagym, itnessstudio,orhome environment Indooractivitieslikestrength training,yoga,orgroup itnessclassescan provideasafeandcomfortablealternative tooutdoorexerciseduringwinter

BeMindfulofSurfaceConditions

WhileNorthlandmaynotexperiencesnow orice,wetandslipperysurfacescanstill poseariskduringwinterworkoutsPay attentiontosurfaceconditionsandchoose routesthatarefreeofpuddles,mud,or slipperydebris.Becautiouswhenrunning orcyclingonwetpavementandgravel paths,andconsiderwearingshoeswith extragriportractionforaddedstability

Forexpertadviceonselectingtheright footwearforyourwinterworkouts, makesureyouvisitSmithsSportsShoes

WhangareiWithalmost30yearsof experienceservingNorthlandfamilies,they specialiseinprovidingpersonalisedservice andagreatrangeofsportingfootwear

Theyunderstandtheimportanceofhaving therightshoesfordifferentconditionsto avoidinjuries

SeethefriendlyteamforaGaitAnalysis andrecommendationstoensureyouhave theperfectfootwearforyoursportingand leisurerequirementsthiswinter

GET WINTER READY

Findyouranswerstofrequentlyasked questionsaboutthe luvaccine

Whatarethebene itsofthe lu vaccination?

Inluenzacanbemuchworsethana commoncold.Thesooneryougetan inluenzaimmunisation,thebetter Itcantakeuptotwoweeksafteryou getthevaccineforyourbodytostart protectingyou

Gettingthe luvaccinationisthebestway toprotectyourselfandothersfromgetting the lu.

• Evenifyoucatchthe ludespitehaving thevaccination,yoursymptomsare likelytobemilder,andyouareless likelytopassitontoothers

• Bygettingthevaccine,youwillhelp protectvulnerablepeopleinyour community,suchasveryyoung children,olderadultsandpeoplewith long-termhealthconditions.

• Havinganinluenzaimmunisation everyyearcankeepolderpeople healthyandactiveforlonger

WhydoIneeda luvaccineeveryyear?

recommendedtha eachyear,asthep thevaccinelessen

Willthe luvaccin

Youcan’tcatchth immunisation thevaccineusedin AotearoaNewZealand,doesnotcontain liveinfluenzavirus

CanIgetthe luvaccineifImpregnant?

youhaveamildcold Ifyouonlyhavea headcoldwitharunnynoseorsniffles withoutahighfever,it’sokaytohave thevaccination However,ifyouarevery unwellwithafever,waituntilyou ’ re betterIfindoubt,checkwithyourdoctor, nurseorpharmacist

WherecanIgetimmunised?

Havingsideeffectsafteryourinfluenza immunisationisasignthatyourbody’s immunesystemisworkingwell Youmightexperience:

• pain,itching,andrednessatthe vaccinationsite

• achesandpains,fever,andgenerally feelingunwellandtired

• Mostsideeffectsshouldlastonlya fewdays Contactyourdoctorifyou haveamoreseverereactiontothe fluvaccinationorifyouareatall concerned

IfI’m itandhealthy,doIneedtogetthe luvaccine?

Yes,itisstronglyrecommendedthatyou havethevaccinationtoprotectyourself andyourunbornchildifyouarepregnant orplanningtogetpregnant International studiesonthesafetyofthefluvaccine shownoevidenceofharmtotheunborn babyfromimmunisationofpregnant women Speaktoyourvaccinatororyour midwifeifyouhaveanyquestionsabout this

CanIgetthe luvaccineifI’m breastfeeding?

Eachyear,thefluvaccineismadetomatch thedifferentstrainsoffluviruslikely tobeinAotearoaNewZealand Evenif thevaccinestrainsarethesame,it’sstill

Althoughpeoplewithconditionslike asthmaanddiabetesaremostatriskof complicationsfromtheflu,fitandhealthy adults,children,andinfantscanstill

Yes,youcansafelyhavethevaccineif you ’ rebreastfeeding Gettingyourself protectedcanhelppreventyoufrom becominginfectedandpassingthefluon toyourbabyBreastfeedingmayalsooffer someprotectiontothebaby However,babieshavemoreprotectionif yougetvaccinatedduringpregnancy

CanIgetthe luvaccineifIhaveacold?

Yes,youcanstillhavethevaccineif

Fundedandunfundedfluvaccinesare availableinmanydifferentsettings

Theseincludeyourworkplace,medicalor healthcentres,pharmacies,communitybasedclinicsincludingmarae-based clinics,mobilehealthclinicsandmobile vaccinationservices

Tofindaprovidernearyou,visit wwwHealthpointconz

Whocangetthe luvaccineforfree?

The2024fluvaccineisfreefor:

• peopleaged65yearsandover

• peoplewhohavealong-termmedical conditionlikediabetes,asthma,ora heartcondition(ages6monthsand older)

• pregnantpeople

• childrenaged4yearsandunderwho havebeenhospitalisedforrespiratory illnessorhaveahistoryofsignificant respiratoryillness

• peoplewithmentalhealthconditions, includingschizophrenia,major depressivedisorder,bipolardisorder, orschizoaffectivedisorder

• peoplewhoarecurrentlyaccessing secondaryortertiarymentalhealth andaddictionservices

Thefundedfluvaccineforchildren andadults(6monthsofageandover) availableinAotearoaNewZealandis calledInfluvacTetra

Check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you qualify for a free flu vaccine Protectyourself

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GET WINTER READY

EnergySavingTipswhen washinganddrying clothesinwinter

Washinganddryingclothes duringwintermonthscan strainbothourwallets andtheenvironment,but withafewsimpleadjustmentsandsavvy techniques,wecanminimiseenergy usagewithoutsacrificingcleanlinessor convenience Inthisarticle,we’llexplore practicalandeffectiveenergy-savingtips specificallytailoredtothecoldermonths, ensuringthatyourlaundryroutine remainsefficient,economical,andecofriendlythroughoutthewinterseason

Wherepossible,useacoldwateror 30°Ccycle It’sonlyforparticularlydirty clothesthatyouarelikelytoneedwarmer temperatures,andyoucansaveenergyby limitingthehotwateryouuse However,youshoulddooccasionalhot waterwashesifyoumainlyuselow temperaturesettingstohelpgetridof bacteriaandpreventodoursbuildingup inyourmachine

Washclothesontheshortestpractical cycle Thismeansyouuselesswater

whichisheatedtoalowertemperature andundergoesashortercycle,which helpssavebothwaterandenergy Thiscyclemayalsocauselessdamageto yourclothesovertime,thereforehelping themtolastlonger

Soakparticularlydirtyitemsbefore youputtheminthemachine,aswellas makingsureyoupre-treatcollarswith normalsoap Thiswillavoidpotentially havingtorepeatawashbecausestains didn’tcomeout

Waituntilyouhaveafullload-you mightsometimeshavetoputalessthan fullloadon(inwhichcaseyoucanuse thequickwashmode),butotherwise it’sbesttowaitforafullbaskettoavoid wastingwaterDon’toverloadthewashing machine,though-you’llfindthatthewash isn’taseffective,andyouthenneedto re-washsomethings,whichwillendup wastingenergy

Ifyoucanuseahighspinspeedsoclothes comeoutofthewashingmachinealmost

dry,youwontneedtoworryabouttumble drying

How to reduce energy consumption when drying clothes?

• Keepyourtumbledryerinawarm room Itwilltakelongertoheatupif keptinanoutdoorshed

• Giveallitemsadecentshakewhen transferringfromwashertodryerto preventtangleditemsfromtaking longertodry

• Usetheauto-drysettingratherthan atimedcycle-thatwayyouwon’tbe usingmoreenergythanyouneedto

• Aswithdishwashersandwashing machines,makesureyoudon’t overloadyourdryerThereneeds

tobeabitofroomforthehotairto movearoundandworkeffectively

• Removeclothesfromthedryeras soonasthey’redryAlotofmachines carryonrotatingtopreventcreasing, whichmightuseunnecessaryenergy

• Trytodoallyourdryinginone day;asecondorthirdloadcantake advantageoftheheatthathasalready builtupinthemachine

• Cleantumbledryerfiltersregularlyto makesurethey’refreefromfluff-this willhelpthemachineoperatemore efficiently

• Ifyourdryerhasvents,checkthat theoutsideventworksproperlyand doesn’thaveanydustordebristhat mightbeblockingit

At Northpower, we ’ re here to help you save on power (and money) this winter. Home heating makes up around 30-35% of an average power bill Here are some tips to help you keep your home warm this winter

Insulation check

A well-insulated home is easier and cheaper to heat.

Invest in insulation in the floor, walls and ceiling of your home Start with the ceiling as this is where most heat escapes

Seal gaps and use thermal curtains to enhance insulation

Double-glaze your windows to retain warmth

Heating strategies

Experiment with heating options to find what works best for you and your home

Curtain tactics

Use

Close curtains as temperatures drop to retain daytime warmth

Use thermal lined curtains to add an extra layer of insulation

Seal windows and use draft stoppers to prevent heat loss

Only heat the spaces you ’ re using by shutting doors to unused areas

Try different temperature settings, running times, and placements of heaters and heat pumps

Use timers on heaters and make the most of sunlight for natural warmth

Try different temperature levels on your heat pump - the sweet spot for energy efficiency is usually between 18-22 degrees on Heat mode in winter

Put your heat pump on a low power

fan speed and leave at a constant temperature

GET WINTER READY

GETREADYFOR WINTERMOTORING

Weseemtoputoffgetting organisedforwinterdriving rightupuntilwinterarrives!

NewZealandcanhavesuch changeableweatherandwe needtomakesureweplan andorganiseourselveswellin advanceoficyandwetroads

Between June-Augustisthemosthazardous timeofyearfordrivingandwemustbe awareofallhazardsbeforesettingoffon ourjourney

Thefollowingwinterdrivingtipswillhelp youstaysafeontheroad

PLANNING YOUR JOURNEY

Alwayschecktheweatherforecastand roadconditionsbeforeyouleave Consider ifyoureallyneedtotravel,especiallyifthe weatherispoorThinkaboutwhereyou ’ re goingandwhatrouteyoushouldtake–choosesafetyoverconvenience Iftravel can’tbeputoff,allowextratimeforyour journey

Plantodriveduringdaylighthourswhen

Whilewehave beenenjoying sunnydays, JackFrosthas beenslowly creepingup behindus.

visibilityisbetterandhazardssuchasice andsnowarelesslikelyAvoiddrivingat nightwhenhazardsrapidlymultiplyIf travellinglongdistances,makesureyou arewellrestedandplanwheretohave abreak Sharethedrivingifpossibleor allowforstopseverytwohours

Dressfortheconditions,carryadditional warmclothesandkeepasurvivalkitin yourvehicleincaseyoudogetstuck

Ensureyourcarisroadworthy,yourtyres haveplentyoftreadandkeepatleasthalfa

tankoffuelinyourvehicleincaseyou getdivertedontoanotherrouteoryouare forcedtoturnbackIftravellingtoareas pronetosnow,carrytyrechainsthatyou knowhowto itanduse.

WHEN YOU’RE ON THE ROAD

Driveslowerthanyounormallywould–it onlytakesasplitsecondtolosecontrolin wetoricyconditionsAvoidsuddenbraking orturningthatcouldcauseyoutoskid. Acceleratesmoothlyandbrakegentlyand useyourhighestgearwhentravellinguphill

GET WINTER READY

andyourlowestdownhillForvehicles withoutanti-skidbrakingsystems,pump thebrakepedalinshortrapidburstsrather thanpressinglongandhardtoavoid skiddingorsliding.Driveatasafetravelling distancebecauseittakeslongertostopon slipperyroads

Inwinter,especiallyinpoorweather, doublethetwosecondruletoensureasafe distancebetweenyouandthecarinfront Whentravellinginfog,rain,orsnow,drive withyourlightsdippedforincreasedsafety Aswellasotherdrivers,therecouldbe wintermaintenancevehiclesontheroads helpingtokeepthemopen.Ifyoucome acrossanyofthesevehicles,stayasafe distancebehindthemanddon’tpassunless you ’ reinstructedto

AmIsaferinafour-wheeldrive(4WD)?

Four-andall-wheeldrivevehicleshave greatertractionwhenacceleratingonsnow andice,whichcombinedwithmoreground clearanceallowsthemtotravelfurtheron snow-coveredandicyroads

However,thisisnoguaranteeofincreased safetywhencorneringorbraking,andyou willstillneedtoreducespeedanddriveto theconditions.

NWHAT INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE WHEN I AM IN THE ROAD?

Onroadsthataresubjecttoclosurein winter,electronicmessagesignsprovide driverswithup-to-datewarningson

currentconditions

Themessageson thesesignsarechangedremotelyandwill beblankwhentherearenorestrictions

Manyradiostationswillalsoprovideroad conditionbulletins,solistentoyourlocal stationforupdates

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF THINGS GO WRONG?

Intheeventofanemergency,dial111 For mechanicalbreakdowns,contactyour breakdownserviceprovider

Ifyoudogetstuck,staywiththevehicle, andkeepeveryonewarmuntilhelp arrives Ifyouareinvolvedinacrash,tell thepoliceevenifnooneisinjured

CHECK, CHECK, CHECK

Evenifyouhaveareliablecarthereare thingsthatyoumustalwayscheckbefore thatlongtrip

Tyres: Treaddepthandtyrewearand conditionhavemajoreffectsonyour vehicle’sstoppingdistances,andhowwell youstayontheroad

Fluid levels: Followthemanufacturer’s recommendedoilchanges Also,check yourcoolantandwaterlevelsmonthly Finally,topupyourwindscreenwasher fluid

Wiper blades: Replaceyourwiperblades whentheystopdoingtheirjob When theyjustsmoothoverthewateronyour windscreenratherthanflickingitaway

Youarebetterusinganicescraperinthe wintertoremovefrostratherthanhot water

Keep your lights clean and bright: Winterbringsfewerdaylighthoursand earliernightfall–don’tgetcaughtinthe dark Checkallbulbsonyourvehicleare working,includingyourindicators

Brakes: Ifyourbrakeswheeze,squeal,or groan,insteadofbite,youmayneedtoget themchecked Don’tneglectthem,worn

padsarecheapertoreplacethanbrake drums

Battery: Wintercanhavethegreatest effectonyourbatteryYoucandriveto workquitehappilyandwhenitistimeto leave thebatteryisdead Ifyouhave anyconcernsabouthowmuchpowerit hasleft,mostvehiclebatteryshopswill testthisforfree Replacebefore youendupstranded

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