Marlborough District Libraries are giving locals the opportunity to assess their power usage with specially curated Home Energy Audit Toolkits (HEAT) now available to loan.

Marlborough Library Community Learning and Engagement Coordinator Duncan Mackenzie said the average household in New Zealand spends around $2500 on electricity each year.

“The HEAT toolkits are designed to help people assess their usage and hopefully identify places they can make changes, and ultimately save some money,” he said.

“They contain various measuring devices that enable people to see where their power is being consumed, as well as advice on how they can reduce their consumption.”

Included in each kit is:

●     A thermometer/hygrometer for measuring air temperature and moisture levels in different parts of your home.

●     An infrared thermometer for finding hot spots or cold spots and identifying areas of poor insulation or air leaks.

●     A moisture meter for measuring the level of moisture in firewood.

●     A stopwatch – for checking your shower flow rate.

●     A power meter for checking the energy use and the running costs of your major appliances like your fridge or freezer.

●     A thermometer for measuring water temperature.

Kits are available from both the libraries in Blenheim and Picton. Users can borrow them for up to 2 weeks at a time.

Go to our catalogue to see if HEAT is available to borrow or place a hold.