Making the Most of Your Power
Simple ways to keep your home warm, dry and healthy
Winter can put extra pressure on both your home and your power bill. The good news is that small, practical changes can make a real difference.
We’re sharing simple tips to help households stay warm, reduce dampness, and use energy wisely through the colder months.
Keep the warmth in
One of the easiest ways to warm up your home is to stop draughts. Gaps around doors and windows let warm air escape and cold air in.
Try this:
- Use a rolled-up towel or door snake along the bottom of doors
- Block gaps around windows
- Check for cold spots where air might be getting in
Keeping heat where it belongs helps your home stay warmer for longer.
Aim for around 20°C
Keeping your living spaces at around 20 degrees helps support comfort and wellbeing during winter.
Top tips:
- Heat the rooms you use most
- Close internal doors to keep heat in
- Shut curtains at dusk to lock warmth inside
A steady temperature is better for both your comfort and your power use.
Keep your home dry with fresh air
A warm home also needs to be a dry home. Too much moisture can lead to mould and make your home feel colder.
What to do:
- Open windows and doors for 15–20 minutes in the morning
- Repeat again in the afternoon
- Close everything up after to keep the heat in
Short bursts of fresh air help remove dampness without cooling your home too much.
Shower smarter
Hot, steamy showers add moisture to your home.
Keep it under control:
- Take shorter showers
- Use an extractor fan while showering
- Or open a window and leave it open for at least 15 minutes afterwards (with the door closed)
Less moisture means a warmer, healthier home.
Use energy where it matters
It’s not about going without, it’s about using energy wisely.
Focus your energy use on:
- Heating your home
- Hot water
Simple habits that help:
- Switch appliances off at the wall when not in use
- Avoid using power where it’s not needed
This helps keep your home comfortable while managing costs.
Switch to LED lighting
LED bulbs use less electricity and last longer than standard bulbs.
Why switch:
- Lower running costs
- Less overall energy use
- More energy available for heating your home
Small changes like this can add up over winter.
Manage laundry moisture
Drying clothes inside can quickly increase moisture levels.
Better options:
- Dry clothes outside when you can
- Use a dryer that vents outside
- If needed, consider using a laundromat
Keeping moisture down helps prevent mould and keeps your home warmer.
Small changes, big difference
These simple steps can make your home warmer, drier and more comfortable this winter while helping you use energy more efficiently.
Keep an eye on our channels for more practical tips to help you make the most of your power.
Book a free in-home energy visit
If you’re looking for personalised support to keep your home warm, dry and energy efficient, free in-home energy assessments are available across our regions.
These visits provide practical advice tailored to your home, helping you make simple changes that can improve comfort and manage your power use. Unison is proud to partner with these local organisations.
Find your local provider:
Rotorua
For in-home energy visits in Rotorua, please contact:
Sustainability Options
Visit their website to find out more and book a visit
Taupō
For in-home energy visits in Taupō, please contact: Taupō Budget Advisory Service (Taupō Budget House)
Get in touch to book your free in-home visit
Hawke’s Bay
For in-home energy visits in Hawke’s Bay, please contact: Ngāti Pāhauwera Development Trust
Contact the team to find out more and arrange a visit
What to expect
During an in-home visit, you’ll receive:
- Practical advice tailored to your home
- Tips to stay warm and reduce moisture
- Guidance on using energy more efficiently
- Support to help manage your power use