Make the best use of power

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 687, 20 May 1997, Page 15

Make the best use of power

People building a new home or renovating think of cladding and carpets, room plans and roofing and one of the last things they think about should be one of the first things to consider - electricity. Such progress has been made in domestic heating, cooking and water heating that in some cases appliances bought in the past five years may be out of date. Incorporating the latest technology in the home will add to its value as well as providing a more convenient and comfortable lifestyle. Such innovations as under-floor heating, or inceiling heating, mains pressure or heat pump water cylinders are just some of the options, and most are best installed during building. Power companies can give advice on what is best. Often the company will go as far as in-

specting building plans and wiring systems or even designing them, for a fee. It will also disconnect power if work is being done close to power lines. If you plan excavation, it will provide a cable location service so you don't accidentally dig through underground cables.

Space heating is one of the main areas which can be upgraded during renovations. In-ceiling heating is an option which can be thought about when planning insulation. The average uninsulated house loses 42

per cent of heat through the ceiling. A further 24 per cent goes out through the walls so it is important to insulate them to building code regulations, or better still to the higher standards required under the Medallion Home scheme. Power companies can provide information about this. Underfloor heating is another option to be considered at renovation time. In comes in a variety of forms, from heating wires under the carpet, to hot water pipes than can be suspended under wooden floors, to heating elements or pipes buried in concrete floor slabs. Whatever you choose will depend on the extent of the rebuilding, the budget and whether total heat control is preferred over cheaper costs. Water heating requi rements are another area to

look at when renovating. The existing cylinder may be difficult to get at, or the plumbing may need to be changed to cope with a higher pressure cylinder. Take the chance while hot water pipes are exposed to have them properly insulated, especially up to two metres out from the cylin-

der and from the cylinder to the kitchen sink where most heat losses occur. One of the most cost-effective forms of insulation is aluminium foil. It will also pay in power bill savings to fit an insulating blanket tO cylinders which feel warm to the touch.