A healthy home is a happy home

Abigail - Northcote, Auckland

February 2026

A healthy home is a happy home hero image
"Having an energy efficient home means I’m warmer, healthier and it costs less."

I needed to make a change so I could improve my health and save money. My family have a history of asthma and we were often challenged with bad health. At the age of 62, it took a long-time for me to consider making changes to my lifestyle.

After my husband passed away, I really started to listen to the advice from my son & daughter about making positive changes that can affect my health and wellbeing. I was living in a cold and damp house which had a big impact on my respiratory health.

"After installing additional insulation, stopping draughts, and improving my blinds, my home’s temperature in winter increased by 8-9 degrees. It now never drops below 18 degrees."

This motivated me to call a Home Performance Advisor from Auckland Council for a free home visit. They offered immediate advice on manageable changes, from installing shower-water flow restrictors to topping up my ceiling insulation levels.

Living in a warmer and better ventilated home has had such a positive impact on my health, including reduced symptoms of asthma and fewer colds and sniffles.

I also installed solar panels and replaced all lights with LED’s. My monthly power bills have dropped from $280 down to $100 in winter, and from $160 down to just $16 in summer.

After I made all these manageable changes, I have created a home environment optimal for my health and budget – I am feeling so fantastic.

I encourage people to get advice by speaking with Auckland Council’s Home Performance Advisor at no charge – this is a fantastic service.

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