Eco-design advisor service

Or if you'd prefer, you can email us at ecodesign@dcc.govt.nz or call 03 477 4000.

• Websites about warm, dry homes

  Eco-design Advisor

  The Eco Design Advisor website is full of information and resources about how you can improve the health of your home, from the building materials you use to solar design, insulation and heat pumps.

  Explore the Eco Design Advisor website

  Watch Eco Design Advisor videos

  HomeFit tool

  Use this website to check how energy efficient, warm and dry your home, or the home you’re looking to buy or rent using a handy questionnaire.

  Do a HomeFit check

  Cosy Homes Otago

  Find more resources and information from the Cosy Homes Trust, who are dedicated to transforming lives through healthier housing in Otago.

  Explore Cosy Homes Otago

  Genless lower energy website

  Genless is dedicated to helping people live a lower-impact, lower carbon lifestyle.

  Explore Genless

  Level - sustainable building

  The Level website has comprehensive information about sustainable building in New Zealand.

  Explore Level

  Building Performance - smarter homes guide

  The government’s Building Performance website includes guides to help you plan your build for a smarter, more eco-friendly home.

  Explore Smarter Homes guides

• Grants and energy payments

  You may be eligible for help to heat your home through subsidies towards insulation and heating, or with a direct payment.

  Check your eligibility for the Work and Income Winter Energy Payment

  Check your eligibility for a Warmer Kiwi Homes Grant

• Borrow a Home Energy Audit Toolkit (HEAT)

  Looking for ways to make your home warmer, drier and healthier, save on power bills or reduce your carbon footprint? You can make a start by borrowing a Home Energy Audit Toolkit (HEAT) for free from any Dunedin public library. They’re available to be borrowed – just like a book – to anyone with a library card.

  Each kit includes tools and instructions to help measure air temperature and moisture levels, find heat loss due to poor insulation and check the moisture levels of firewood and the power consumption of appliances.

  In a HEAT kit you’ll find:

  • a hygrometer - to measure air temperatures and moisture levels including tips on how to avoid cold, damp conditions that cause condensation and mould.
  • an infrared thermometer - to find thermal leaks due to poor insulation of ineffective seals including tips on how to fix them.
  • a thermometer – to measure hot water and check you aren’t wasting money by overheating your hot water cylinder (also a safety issue).
  • a stopwatch - to measure your shower flow rate including tips on how to make savings through efficient use of hot water.
  • a moisture meter for firewood – to make sure your firewood is dry enough for optimum burning.
  • a power meter - to measure the running cost of plug-in appliances including tips on how you can save money on appliances, heating and lighting.
  • instructions on how to use each tool.
  • a record booklet for recording your measurements and energy saving actions.

  Head to your local Dunedin library or learn more about HEAT kits.