Buyers guides Archives

Pedalling ahead: an e-bike buyers guide

31 Aug 2020

An e-bike is much more than an upgraded bicycle. With extra carrying capacity and riding range, they’re a viable alternative to a car for many purposes. But there’s a bit more to consider than a conventional bike purchase: Simon Vincett explains the types available and what to look for.

Buyers guides

The energy-efficient home office

27 Aug 2020

Working at home has become the new normal for many of us. Lance Turner takes a look at how you can help reduce your energy consumption while stuck at home, with a focus on ensuring your computer setup is fit for purpose and not an energy guzzler.

Buyers guides

Hot water buyers guide

20 Mar 2020

Find the tables from our efficient hot water buyers guide here.

Buyers guides

A cladding buyers guide

23 Dec 2019

Building cladding is not just for aesthetics; it is an integral part of a building’s envelope and needs to be carefully selected to ensure the best performance. Lance Turner looks at cladding options and the pros and cons of each material type.

Buyers guides

Finding efficiency and quality: An appliance buying guide

1 Oct 2019

When an appliance goes bang we often rush to buy a replacement. But there are important steps to take before you impulse buy. Lance Turner explains what to consider when looking for a new appliance.

Buyers guides

Ending the ICE age, An electric vehicle buyers guide

11 Jul 2019

As the world slowly wakes up to the need to electrify personal transport, the range of electric vehicles is starting to ramp up. Lance Turner looks at how Australia is doing in the move away from fossil fuels, and which EVs you can buy now and in the near future.

Buyers guides

MVHR buyers guide

30 Jun 2019

As homes become more airtight, the need for mechanical ventilation grows. Heat recovery systems bring in fresh air with minimal heat loss. Joel Seagren explains how they work and what to look for.

Buyers guides

A draught sealing buyers guide

3 Apr 2019

Draughts can make your home far less comfortable than it needs to be, particularly in winter. Sealing them up is one of the simplest things to do for an energy-efficient home. Find out where the gaps are and how to fix them in our first-ever draught sealing buyers guide.