Warm, dry and comfortable homes for winter.

Independent information to help make homes warmer and more comfortable will be available free at energy efficiency seminars held across Canterbury, from early July.

Community information evenings at Rolleston on Monday 5th July and the following day at Ashburton (Tuesday 6th July), from 7 to 9pm, will provide practical information on keeping homes affordably warm and dry in winter. This will be accompanied by ideas on house renovation or new-build designs that can catch and hold the sunshine, for both water and room heating Fuel efficiency tips for drivers and reducing household carbon footprints also get a mention - if time allows Questions will be welcomed.

The energy efficiency seminars are run by Sustainable Living Education Trust, with project backing from Environment Canterbury. "They are to be commercials-free," says the Trust's Christchurch-based National Coordinator Rhys Taylor, "as we are offering independent information from reputable government and charity sources, which can help people on some key questions to ask of equipment retailers, builders and architects."

The Trust can help to explain:
• How do heat pumps and dehumidifiers work?
• How to avoid a woodstove overheating your lounge?
• How to keep bathroom steam from condensing where it's un-wanted?
• Why care about frame design as well as the double glazing in new windows?
• Where to start insulation work in an older house, for best cost-return?
• How to decode Energy Efficiency Star labels on appliances?
• The downside to downlights
• Clean Heat, Warm UP NZ and EECA grant sources.
• Get ready for Energy Rating of homes from 2011.

The Rolleston seminar held at the Community Centre lounge is supported locally by Rolleston Envirotown whilst the Ashburton seminar held at Ashburton Hotel Gallery, Racecourse Road, is supported locally by Ashburton Wastebusters.

Later in July, the evening seminars will continue at Rangiora on Monday 19th hosted by the Community Garden, next to the High School; and in Timaru on Wednesday 21st at Aoraki Polytechnic main campus, in the Godley Building. The Timaru evening has local support from Transition Town Timaru.

Another will be held in Christchurch during the day on Saturday 24th, as part of Eco-Expo, in the Convention Centre (A small Expo admission charge applies).

Each free seminar is backed-up by information leaflets sourced from EECA Energywise, the Christchurch Home Energy Advice Centre, Consumer Institute and the Department of Building and Housing.

"No salesmen will push their pet products!" says Rhys Taylor, "but perhaps a few will be tempted in, to join the public, and discuss questions rarely covered by their sales literature, such as: whether I actually need this equipment as a solution, which of various competing energy actions to consider first, and if it adds long-term value to my house?

"All are welcome; there is no need to book, but you should arrive early to get a seat!"

ENDS

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