Renting Secrets from an Eco Design Advisor

We’ve had some recent discussions about the problems those renting face when trying to make their home more sustainable. In response, we’re lucky to have a guest blog from Claire Benge, the Wellington City Council Eco Design Advisor. Claire has a lot of experience helping out renters and has some great advice for those trying to make rental properties warmer and more energy efficient:

There are lots of little things that can be done to improve heating if the landlord doesn’t want to put insulation in the ceiling (which is the most effective thing to do). Here are a few hints and tips that can make your home warmer and drier, and that can also save you money on your energy bill:

Draughts – Window drafts can be stopped by fixing V-seal to window frames where the window sash closes. V-seal is a flexible, adhesive-backed V shaped vinyl strip that fills gaps from 1mm to 5mm. Check the internet for your nearest supplier.

Draught stoppers for the door are fashionable and easy to make. Just stuff a couple of old socks with screwed or rolled up newspaper and decorate.

Double glazing – 3M Window Insulator Kits ($30 to $50 depending on the size of the area) can be fixed to timber (but not aluminium) window sashes using double sided tape. These are made of an acrylic sheet, like a thick glad wrap, which creates a kind of temporary double glazing for the window. Use a hairdryer to shrink it into place for a tight wrinkle free layer. They only last a winter, but they’re cheap and removable.

Curtains - Thermal backed curtains only stop reflected heat or cold, so two layers of curtains with a gap in between them is a more effective option. Choose a heavy material for the outside layer, and light calico for the side closest to the window.

Putting your curtains on a double rail track is the best option. However, by attaching a single row of rufflette tape (which has slots for curtain hooks and drawstrings) to the side of the heavier curtain which faces the window, you can then hook a lighter curtain onto it so that it creates another layer.

I have made temporary curtains out of 3 layers of old double sheets hung on bulldog clips hooked on to a standard curtain rail, so this can work at a pinch.

Solar shutters – These are a good idea. I have used pinex softboard, cut to snugly fit into the inside of a south facing window at night, to make homes warmer. It’s a great way to reduce noise as well as draughts and heat loss. Make sure to leave a couple of finger holes for removing it when you want daylight!

Dampness - I agree with a previous comment that it is not a good idea to dry clothes inside. It introduces extra moisture into the house and your heating then has to dry that out before you feel the warmth. It also exacerbates condensation and mould growth.

Laying black polythene - Laid directly on the ground under a suspended timber floor, black polythene can make a difference to both your perception of warmth and your heating bill. Available from most hardware stores, about $120 will cover the cost of plastic and tape needed for a medium sized house or flat. Fold it out away from you to provide a smooth clean surface (take a stick to wave in front to collect spider webs). Lap and tape joints, tape around piles, run a few centimetres up the edge of the walls and weigh down with bricks or stones. This stops vapour from the water table below ground rising into the building.

Heating – Contrary to popular thought, portable unflued gas heaters are not the cheapest form of heating. Their only advantage is that they are prepaid, so you know exactly how much it costs you. However, they cost more than an electric column heater to run and are not as good for your health. Unflued gas heaters increase the level of indoor air pollutants and can also increase respiratory problems amongst some people in the building [For more information about how these kind of heaters can affect your health, check out the Ministry of Health’s webpage on unflued gas heaters].

The cheapest short term heating for renters (after stopping drafts, improving curtains and insulating where you can) are electric column heaters or radiators. These should be on timer plugs as well to ensure they are used efficiently.

We hope Claire’s advice will help make your rented homes that much warmer. If you live in the Wellington region and would like Claire to check out your place, call her on 04 803 8582 or email her at claire.benge@wcc.govt.nz. She has access to a large number specialist design assistance tools and assessment methods, and can provide you with independent, factual and practical building information.

The Eco Design Advisor service is operated by a number of councils throughout New Zealand. Check out the Eco Design Advisor website to find out if there is one in your area.