Between the celebrations of Christmas and New Year’s, Summer in New Zealand is a very expensive time of year! We are therefore always looking out for tips on home improvements that can help us save money. Here are some of our saving savvy ideas!
Keep Your House Cool
Very high on our list of money-saving practices is very simply keeping your house cool. We have tried and tested the method of closing blinds during the day and have found the mid-day temperature significantly decreased indoors. The most effective blinds for this practice are a light-coloured blind that will serve to reflect the sun’s heat rather than absorb it.
We recommend classic venetian blinds which are very effective in regulating room temperature. If you manage to keep your house cool during the hottest parts of the day, then you can save costs on AC/ fan usage during those warm Summer nights.
Check and Change Your AC Filters
If you cannot live without your air conditioner during the summer months, then you must make sure you keep up its maintenance. Changing its filter every 3 to 6 months especially during times of heavy use can lengthen its lifespan and save you money in the long run.
Fix Water Leaks
It is incredible how much money is wasted on water bills every year at the fault of dripping faucets or running toilets. Amazingly, a dripping tap can waste up to 90 litres of water a day. Most of these leaks require few tools and limited knowledge to rectify them. These easy fixes can save you at least 10% of your monthly water bill, which can equal hundreds of dollars a year.
Conserve Water
Every year in New Zealand, we experience a drought in some form. We often forget about conserving water until it is a national issue.
There are several ways you can conserve water to help the environment while also saving money on water bills this summer. It may seem obvious but shortening your shower by two minutes can save up to over 6500 litres per person in your household a year!
Another conservation technique is to water your garden or lawn in the morning or evening. As water evaporates quickly in the hot sun, the optimal time to sprinkle your garden is in the cooler hours of the day, when it is more likely to stay in the soil.
Save Energy
Another great way to save money is by cutting back on your energy usage. As the days heat up during the Summer months, the need for a clothes dryer significantly decreases. Try putting up a washing line in your garden or investing in a clothes rack that can be brought outdoors. Reducing your dryer use and using the sun’s natural rays to dry your clothing will save energy and dramatically reduce your power bill, win-win!
Choose Your Blinds Wisely
The power of a well-designed blind must not be underestimated. Our selection of sunscreen roller blinds can reduce UV and heat by up to 97% while allowing soft light into your room. These carefully crafted blinds work to reduce unwanted heat and therefore help keep your home nice and cool during the Summer months. These blinds come in many different shades to suit your taste. We also offer custom printed roller blinds that let you design your own image or design that matches your perfect interior style.
Save energy and protect your home with quality blinds!
Ready to put some of our tips into practice? Get in touch to get free samples of our blinds and shop our range of quality blinds today!