Tips for a healthy home

Open curtains (including net curtains) during the day and close them at night. The sun is free heating.
Have thermal lined curtains (2 layers of fabric).
The right heater makes it easier to heat your home, and reduces the cost of heating. A heater with a thermostat and timer is best.
It is recommended to heat children’s bedrooms to 20°C, adults’ bedrooms to 18°C and living areas to 20°C.
Use door snakes and draught tape to stop cold air getting into your home.
Stop cold air getting into your home by stopping draughts around doors, windows and fireplaces.
Find out if your home is insulated. If it isn’t, you may qualify to have insulation installed for free.

Wipe wet windows and walls in the morning.
Pull beds and bedding away from the walls and keep mattresses off the floor.
Clean mould with white vinegar, spray onto mould or use a cloth or old toothbrush (for hard to reach corners), leave for 1 hour (to allow time to work) then wipe down with clean soapy water and cloth, rinse cloth thoroughly.
Open windows for 30 minutes each day (once in the morning, and once before you go to bed at night).
Dry washing outside, or in the garage/carport.
Use pot lids when cooking.
Open a window and close the door in the kitchen when cooking, and in the bathroom when you shower or bath, to let steam out.

Children should have their own beds/bedding if possible.
Create as much space as possible between the heads of sleeping children to prevent germs from spreading.
Working smoke alarms save lives. Call 0800 NZ FIRE for firefighters to visit and provide you with a free fire-safety inspection. You may qualify to have a free long-life photoelectric alarm installed.
Every time your child has a sore throat it could be serious. Don’t ignore it! Take them to a doctor or nurse straight away to get it checked.
Call Healthline on 0800 611 116 if you are worried about your child. Nurses are there 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to offer free health advice.
Avoid the use of unflued gas heaters as they release harmful gas and lots of water into the air, making your home damp.

Resources

Homelessness – Housing First and whanau ora contact Kahungunu Whanau Services on (04) 384 6252
Tenancy Services
Housing New Zealand resources
Healthy Homes Standards
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA)
Warmer Kiwi Homes programme (EECA)
Fire Emergency New Zealand If you are eligible under the Well Homes programme, Fire Emergency New Zealand will provide free fire alarms, will install and offer any fire safety advice or education. Talk to your Well Homes assessor.