Latest news with #households
RNZ News
7 hours ago
- Business
- RNZ News
Seven sneaky ways to save power
An energy efficiency expert reveals seven sneaky ways to save power, and just how much you could save by doing them. Photo: RNZ If you popped the heater on before you got out of bed this morning, you might have pondered what your next power bill will look like. The middle months of the year are often the most expensive for household electricity . But the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority says there are some energy-saving things that you can do that could help cut your bills , without denting your lifestyle too much. "We've really tried to focus on things which are either no cost or at least very low cost and try to quantify the benefits of each measure," said Gareth Gretton, EECA's lead adviser on energy efficient appliances. "People can think about what exactly works for them and their household and make trade-offs for themselves." These are the seven things EECA recommends doing - and how much you could save by doing them. Only heat the rooms you're using: EECA said that households using electric heating could save about $300 a year if they switched to only heating the rooms they were using. This would reduce electricity demand by about 10 or 15 percent. Keeping your house heated to 21°C rather than 23°C could also save 2 percent of your power, or about $40 a year. "There's always this tradeoff with you know 'how warm do I want my room to be' and you know 'am I kind of on the edge of my comfort level or I'm actually feeling cosy'," Gretton said. "Maybe think about just trying to heat the rooms you're actually using at a given time rather than trying to heat the whole house and not necessarily being comfortable in any one room … it's not about being uncomfortable, it's about trying to use energy wisely." He said draught stopping was also important. "This is very dependent on the house you're in but there's obviously still lots of people living in draughty houses. It's a perfect time to look at that - this is very much house by house but you could be looking at up to $100 from that one in the winter." Switching to cold water in your washing machine: Washing your clothes in cold water rather than warm will reduce consumption by 1 percent, EECA said. Gretton said based on one wash a day, a household that moved five out of seven washes to cold water would save about $50 a year. "We're sort of so used to machines defaulting to warm and just pressing the start button but all it takes is a click of the button to move down to cold," Gretton said. "If all you're doing is kind of freshening up some clothes and they don't have any really hard-to-shift stains in them, then they're going to come out clean and you're going to save yourselves [money]." Turning off appliances that you aren't using: If you can turn off things like your heated towel rail, TV or second fridge you could reduce your electricity demand by about 8 percent, or a saving of $200 a year. "I think some households do have a second fridge maybe running in the garage or something like that," Gretton said. "It's probably the number one energy vampire that's in your household because you might have chucked it in your garage and thought 'oh that'll be useful at Christmas'. Then it'll end up running all year because you forget about it. Empty it out and turn it off, then turn it back on again when you need it." Close the curtains at sunset: Closing the curtains at sunset could save you 3 percent of your power, or $80 a year, EECA says. Gretton said it was mostly "common sense" but sometimes a "little nudge" would remind people of the small changes they could be making. Reducing your hot water temperature: Limiting your hot water to 60°C could save 3 percent in power. Vacuuming your heat pump filter: Remembering to vacuum your filter could reduce your power use by 2 percent or about $50. Time your power use: If you're on a plan that gives you cheaper power off-peak, make use of it. Gretton said a number of households were on time-of-use plans, where power is cheaper at certain times of day, but were not using them to the best advantage. Shifting appliances to off-peak times, particualrly things like clothes dryers, could help save money. "Dishwashers are kind of an easy one in some ways because they often have a 'delay start' function. The saving we're modelling for that one is around $150." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Thousands on Universal Credit to get huge pay rise this month – are you eligible?
THOUSANDS of households on Universal Credit will get a huge pay rise this month. Benefit payments rose by 1.7% on April 7, which was in line with the consumer price index (CPI) level of inflation for September 2024. But although the new rates came into effect in April, most people did not see their payments increase until last month. Meanwhile, others will have to wait until this month to get the boost. This is because people on Universal Credit have to wait longer to receive the uprating because of how the benefit is assessed. The date you will receive the pay boost depends on when your last assessment period was. Universal Credit is paid monthly and is based on your circumstances each month. This is known as your 'assessment period' and begins the day you make your claim. The new Universal Credit rates will not come into effect until after the first full one-month assessment period, which started on or after April 7. Those whose assessment period started after April 7 saw their benefits rise as early as May 13. But those whose assessment period started earlier than this could be forced to wait until June 12 to get the payment boost. Here is when you will get the payment boost based on your previous assessment period: All the freebies you can get on Universal Credit March 28 to April 27 - increase applied in June, you'll get it in your payment on June 1 March 29 to April 28 - increase applied in June, you'll get it in your payment on June 2 March 30 to April 29 - increase applied in June, you'll get it in your payment on June 5 March 31 to April 30 - increase applied in June, you'll get it in your payment on June 6 April 1 to April 31 - increase applied in June, you'll get it in your payment on June 7 April 2 to May 1 - increase applied in June, you'll get it in your payment on June 8 April 3 to May 2 - increase applied in June, you'll get it in your payment on June 9 April 4 to May 3 - increase applied in June, you'll get it in your payment on June 10 April 5 to May 4 - increase applied in June, you'll get it in your payment on June 11 April 6 to May 5 - increase applied in June, you'll get it in your payment on June 12 Below is a full list of the new benefit rates for 2025-26 so you can check how much extra you might get. Universal Credit Universal Credit standard allowance - paid monthly Single, under 25: £316.98 (up from £311.68) Single, 25 or over: £400.14 (up from £393.45) Joint claimants both under 25: £497.55 (up from £489.23) Joint claimants, one or both 25+: £628.10 (up from £617.60) Extra for limited capability for work Limited capability: £158.76 (up from £156.11) Work-related activity: £423.27 (up from £416.19) Are you missing out on benefits? YOU can use a benefits calculator to help check that you are not missing out on money you are entitled to Charity Turn2Us' benefits calculator works out what you could get. Entitledto's free calculator determines whether you qualify for various benefits, tax credit and Universal Credit. and charity StepChange both have benefits tools powered by Entitledto's data. You can use Policy in Practice's calculator to determine which benefits you could receive and how much cash you'll have left over each month after paying for housing costs. Your exact entitlement will only be clear when you make a claim, but calculators can indicate what you might be eligible for. Extra amounts for children First child (born before April 6, 2017): £339 (up from £333.33) Child born after April 6, 2017 or subsequent children: £292.81 (up from £287.92) Disabled child (lower rate): £158.76 (up from £156.11) Disabled child (higher rate): £495.87 (up from £487.58) Work allowance increases Higher work allowance (no housing): £684 (up from £673) Lower work allowance (with housing): £411 (up from £404) Carer's element Caring for a severely disabled person at least 35 hours a week: £201.68 (up from £198.31) Other help for those on benefits Councils across England have started giving out help after receiving funding through the Household Support Fund (HSF). Some of these councils are distributing support to those on benefits, including Universal Credit. worth up to £120 to those who are struggling. Contact your council to find out what help is on offer. You can find your council area by visiting .
Reuters
2 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
New home prices in China rise on policy hope, private survey says
BEIJING, June 1 (Reuters) - The average price of new homes across 100 cities in China climbed 0.30% in May, suggesting supportive policies could be yielding some effect, according to a private survey released by property researcher China Index Academy on Sunday. The increase was almost double the last month's rate of increase at 0.14%. New home prices have been under pressure even as Chinese policymakers plough in efforts since last year to stabilise the sector with supportive measures, including most recently lowering lending rates to spur real estate purchases. "Overall, the current macro policy support for the property market has been increasing," the real estate research institute said in a report posted on its WeChat account. New home prices in first- and second-tier cities were surveyed rising from a month ago, with Shanghai topping the list of 100 cities. On a year-on-year basis, the average prices for new homes rose faster at 2.56%, versus 2.50% in April. China's statistics bureau will release the official data for home prices on June 16. The market continued to see a persistently high volume of listings for second-hand residential units, keeping prices lower in that segment, it said. Prices of second-hand properties fell 0.71% from a month ago, and 7.24% year-on-year. That compared with April's declines of 0.69% and 7.23%, respectively. The property market, accounting for roughly a quarter of economic activity at its peak, is where some 70% of China's household wealth is invested. Any signs of relief could help cushion China's economy from the stresses of a yet-unresolved trade war with the United States.
The Sun
3 days ago
- General
- The Sun
I'm a home expert, my £1 trick will keep rats out of your house & garages – you probably have it in your kitchen
IT'S fair to say that rats are among the most unwanted household pests and if you've got them they can be hard to get rid of. Traps and pest control can be expensive options but according to experts a simple and inexpensive kitchen item will do the trick when it comes to repelling rodents. 1 According to Plumbworld, bathroom and kitchen expert, white vinegar can help protect homes, garages and sheds from rodent intrusions—without the need for harsh chemicals or professional intervention. Rats rely heavily on their sense of smell to find food and navigate their environment. The pungent, acidic scent of white vinegar overwhelms their senses and disrupts scent trails they use to revisit specific locations. 'When applied to common entry points and nesting spots, vinegar makes the area far less attractive to rodents,' explains a Plumbworld spokesperson. 'It's a natural deterrent that many households already have in the cupboard.' This approach is not only safe but also sustainable, offering a practical alternative to toxic sprays and poisons. Experts recommend soaking cotton wool in undiluted white vinegar and placing it in key problem areas. These include under kitchen appliances, behind bins, along skirting boards and inside garage corners. The strong smell is enough to make rats think twice before entering. 'You can also mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle,' the spokesperson adds. 'Use it to clean surfaces and mop floors in utility areas or garages. Not only does it repel rodents, but it leaves everything fresh and clean.' This dual-purpose solution means households can manage cleanliness and pest prevention in one step. One of the main advantages of white vinegar is its accessibility. Found in nearly every UK kitchen and available for under £1 in most supermarkets, it's a cost-effective option that doesn't sacrifice safety. Watch moment Birmingham binmen sprint for their lives after huge RAT falls out of rubbish and scurries around their feet 'Unlike chemical deterrents, vinegar is non-toxic and safe to use around children and pets when applied correctly,' says the spokesperson. 'It's also biodegradable, so it won't harm the environment.' This makes it ideal for families seeking low-risk, everyday methods to manage their home environment responsibly. In recent months, homeowners are reporting noticeable reductions in rodent activity when used regularly, especially in colder seasons when rats seek indoor warmth. Though not a complete solution on its own, vinegar works best alongside other prevention methods, such as sealing gaps and removing food sources. 'It's not a miracle product, but it's a great first line of defence,' the spokesperson says. 'It's affordable, easy to use, and widely recommended by people who've seen results firsthand.' A Plumbworld expert concludes, 'For under £1, white vinegar is one of the smartest, safest deterrents you can use. It's simple, cost-effective, and it works.' IF you want to ensure that your home is pest free this summer, here's what you need to know. Hornets and wasps - hate the smell of peppermint oil so spraying this liberally around your patio or balcony can help to keep them at bay. Moths - acidic household white vinegar is effective for deterring moths. Soak some kitchen roll in vinegar and leave it in your wardrobe as a deterrent. Flying ants - herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, mint, chilli pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cloves, or garlic act as deterrents. Mosquitoes - plants, herbs and essential oil fragrances can help deter mozzies inside and out. Try eucalyptus, lavender and lemongrass.
Irish Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Irish home loans increase by €245 million in April
House purchasing loans increased by €245 million in April in line with a steady increase since May 2024, according to data released by the Central Bank. Its money and banking statistics show that on an annual basis, there was an increase in overall lending to households of €4 billion, or 3.9 per cent, in the 12 months to the end of April. This was mainly led by loans for house purchase, which increased by €3.4 billion, or 4 per cent. Similarly, consumer credit increased by €153 million, with annual flows worth €876 million in the year. Other forms of loans to households continued a downward trend, down €65 million on a monthly basis and €274 million annually. READ MORE Net lending to households was €333 million in April 2025, down from €625 million in the previous month, which the Central Bank said was 'mostly driven by loans for house purchase as well as the float in loans for consumption'. Over the month of April, household deposits recorded a net flow of more than €1.7 billion, which the Central Bank said was 'significantly higher' than the €409 million recorded in March. In annual terms, net household deposits increased by €9.7 billion, or 6.3 per cent, to reach almost €164 billion. Overnight deposits were €2.5 billion during the period, which the Central Bank said was 'significantly higher' than in the prior month. 'This represents the highest annual flow in the year so far after recording two successive slowdowns,' it said. Deposits from non-financial corporations (NFCs) turned positive last month, driven by medium and short-term loans, for a total positive flow of €381 million. Long-term loans, on the other hand, dropped €26 million in the month. In the first quarter of the year, the net asset value of Irish resident investment and money market funds decreased for the first time since Q3 2022, dropping to €4,945 billion. A €56 billion decrease in the net asset value from the final quarter in 2024 to the first three months of the year was due to 'significant negative revaluations, which were partially offset by transaction inflows', the Central Bank said. Equity firms dropped the most, down €49 billion, whereas other, mixed, hedge and real estate funds dropped less than €10 billion. Going against the trend, bond funds increased by €8 billion, and money market funds stayed static at the same level as the previous quarter.
