How Living in an Energy Efficient Home Can Actually Save You Money
Lower bills, better comfort, smarter builds—sustainability meets savings in Christchurch.
Let’s be real—power bills in New Zealand aren’t getting any cheaper.
But here's the good news: building or living in an energy efficient home isn’t just about helping the planet. It’s one of the smartest long-term decisions you can make for your wallet.
At RM Homes, we design with both sustainability and savings in mind. Here's how smart design choices today can lead to real cost savings tomorrow—and why more Kiwis are choosing to live in homes that do more with less.
What Is an Energy Efficient Home?
An energy efficient home uses less energy to run while keeping you comfortable year-round. It’s a home that’s designed and built to stay warm in winter, cool in summer, and smart all year round—without depending heavily on heating or cooling systems.
It’s not just about solar panels (though those help). It’s about the whole picture.
How It Saves You Money Every Day
✔ Lower Heating & Cooling Bills
In an energy efficient home, insulation does the heavy lifting. With proper ceiling, wall, and underfloor insulation, your home retains warmth in winter and stays cool in summer—so you rely less on heat pumps and fans.
✔ Smarter Lighting & Appliances
LEDs and energy-efficient appliances use a fraction of the power compared to older models. Over time, that’s hundreds of dollars in savings each year.
✔ Solar Ready
Whether you go full solar now or want the option later, homes designed with solar in mind let you slash your power bill—and sometimes even earn credits for feeding energy back into the grid.
✔ Ventilation That Works For You
Modern systems like heat recovery ventilation help control humidity and indoor air quality—without the need for noisy, expensive dehumidifiers or constant window opening.
What Makes a Home Truly Eco-Friendly?
An eco house NZ homeowners love doesn’t just lower power bills—it reduces the home’s overall environmental impact too.
Sustainable choices include:
Double or triple glazing for thermal performance
Locally sourced, low-impact materials
Rainwater collection and greywater reuse
Orientation for passive solar gain (letting the sun do some of the work)
Low-VOC paints and natural finishes for healthier indoor air
A Sustainable Home Adds Long-Term Value
Let’s talk resale. Buyers are becoming more conscious of running costs—and future-proofing. A sustainable home tends to:
Hold its value longer
Appeal to modern buyers looking for low-maintenance living
Qualify for green home loan incentives and potential rate reductions
In other words, it’s a win whether you stay for decades or sell down the road.
FAQs About Contemporary House Plans in NZ
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Yes. We pre-plan layouts and wiring for easy solar integration, now or in the future.
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Absolutely. With better insulation, ventilation, and glazing, these homes hold heat longer and feel more comfortable.
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Yes. Some banks offer green loans with lower rates for sustainable builds. We’ll help you meet the criteria.
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For colder areas in Canterbury or for long-term comfort and energy efficiency, triple glazing can be a smart choice.
How RM Homes Builds Better
We don’t regard sustainability as a luxury. At RM Homes, we integrate energy-smart design principles from the start. Looking to build a sustainable home without sacrificing comfort or style? Let’s design something that works smarter—for your life and your budget.
RM Home is based in Christchurch | Serving Selwyn, Lincoln, Rangiora, Rolleston & Waimakariri
For urgent requests, call us via 03 365 1126 / 021 026 81905 or send us an email to info@rmhomesct.nz
