Home Energy Toolkits

Community & Culture

Timaru District Council has partnered with Alpine Energy to provide home energy toolkits for borrowing to help you understand how your home is performing. The kit can help you identify simple and effective ways to reduce energy use, improve comfort, and save on power bills.

What is a Home Energy Toolkit?

A Home Energy Toolkit helps you learn more about how energy is used in your home and where improvements can be made. Using the tools in the kit, you can find out:

  • which appliances use the most energy
  • how to make your home warmer, drier, and healthier
  • ways to reduce power bills and lower your carbon footprint
  • how well your hot water cylinder is performing
  • whether your firewood is dry enough for efficient burning

What’s included in the toolkit

  • Hygrometer – measures indoor temperature and moisture levels, with guidance on reducing dampness, condensation, and mould.
  • Infrared thermometer – helps identify heat loss from poor insulation or ineffective seals, with tips on how to address problem areas.
  • Stopwatch – used to measure shower flow rate, with advice on reducing hot water use and saving energy.
  • Firewood moisture meter – checks whether firewood is dry enough for efficient and clean burning.
  • Power meter – measures the energy use and running cost of plug‑in appliances, with tips on saving money on appliances, heating, and lighting.
  • Instructions – clear guidance on how to use each tool.
  • Record booklet – for noting measurements and tracking energy‑saving actions.

How to borrow a toolkit

Toolkits are available to borrow from Timaru, Geraldine, and Temuka Libraries.

The toolkit is designed to be easy to use, with clear instructions included for each tool. To check availability and loan periods please either visit your local library, or check the Timaru District Libraries website.

For any other questions please email communitypartnerships@timdc.govt.nz

Last updated: 12 Mar 2026