GREAT COST EFFECTIVE TIPS TO KEEPING YOUR HOME COOL OVER SUMMER
1. Close curtains and blinds to shield your home from the harsh summer sun.
2. Open the windows and doors to create air flow.
3. Stop the heat coming inside - Invest in window shades or external coverings like plants.
4. Invest in insulation - Insulation works at keeping us warm in winter and cool in summer so it’s a worthwhile investment.
5. Switch to cotton - Opt for cotton bed linen so you don’t overheat at night.
6. Cook outside - Warmer evenings make it an ideal time to fire up the BBQ.
7. Dehumidify your home - Air is much easier to cool if it’s not humid and you’ll feel more comfortable too.
8. Change your lightbulbs - Incandescent lightbulbs produce a lot of heat, try switching to energy-saving bulbs. Not only will you save on energy costs, but they’ll help keep your home cooler too.
Renovating or buying?
Summer is a great time to think about buying a new home or renovating your existing home so that it’s cooler in the hot months and warmer and drier during winter. If you’re in the market for a new home – or you’re considering a renovation –get in touch with our team.
Poll: Does grocery bagging affect where you shop?
There's only a few differences between our larger chain supermarkets here in New Zealand. Having someone bag your groceries is one of them.
Does having your groceries packed for you at the checkout influence where you do your grocery shop? If so, tell us why.
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24.1% Yes
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75.2% No
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0.7% Other - I'll share below
Six tips for improving security around your home
1) Improve outdoor lighting
Ensure that streets, driveways, and front yards are well-lit. Motion-sensor lights around homes deter trespassers by reducing hiding spots and illuminating their movements.
2) Trim your trees
Overgrown shrubs and trees provide cover for intruders. Keeping them well-trimmed around windows and doors improves visibility and reduces potential hiding spots.
3) Secure Entry Points
Ensure doors, windows, and gates are always closed when you are away from the house. Upgrade to more secure locks, deadbolts, or even smart locks for added protection.
4) Add a security camera
Place security cameras in the main entry points to your home. Doorbell cameras are also relatively cheap and a great way to keep track of who is visiting your home when you aren't there.
5) Start a Neighborhood Watch Program
You could reach out to members on Neighbourly to form a group of neighbors who can regularly keep an eye out for suspicious activity and report it. You could also check with Neighbourhood Support to see what is existing in your area.
6) Introduce yourself to your neighbours
The closer you are to your neighbors, the more likely they’ll notice when something unusual or suspicious is happening around your property
Feel free to share anything that you do around your area to deter crime.
What workplace change would you like to see most?
This coming Monday is Labour Day in New Zealand. This public holiday marks when the eight-hour workday and 48-hour workweek became law in 1899. The idea started with Samuel Parnell, a carpenter in Wellington, who in 1840 refused to work more than eight hours a day. Since skilled workers were in short supply, his employer had to agree.
As more skilled workers arrived, employers tried to change working conditions, but Parnell and others kept pushing for better rights. In 1890, Parnell led a Labour Day parade of 1,500 people to promote the eight-hour day. He passed away shortly after, and nine years later, Labour Day became an official public holiday.
Do you feel that we have reached the ideal in working environments yet? What rights are you passionate about relating to employment? Share your thoughts!
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