Wood burners are a popular method for keeping homes warm, but require an ample supply of firewood which can be costly.

Anyone notice the cold recently? In Central Otago, keeping your home between 18°C and 20°C to ensure a healthy environment can be tricky with the polar rodents recently visiting the area.

In terms of heat for your dollar, what works best?

Woodburners are one of the most popular methods of healthy heat in Central Otago, but they rely on a good source of reasonably-priced dry wood.

A heater with a fan, or a heat pump, are generally considered the best way to warm a small living area effectively, Consumer NZ has found.

Even though - for reasons best explained by politicians - we have the Clyde Dam on our doorstep, Central Otago power prices average about 27 to 35 cents a kilowatt, depending on the time of day and your plan.

With an average-sized heat pump using about five kilowatts an hour, you get an idea of how much it costs run it over a 24-hour period.

A big advantage with heat pumps is their ability to extract damp air and replace it with the healthy dry stuff.

With the average family producing about eight litres of moisture in the home each day from activities like cooking, showers and breathing, this can add to condensation, dampness and mould.

Here are a few pointers to help with moisture in your home:

• Eliminate avoidable moisture sources - like drying your clothes indoors.
• Extract moisture at the source - in the kitchen, bathrooms and laundry.
• ‘Air out’ general moisture from the home regularly - through open doors and windows, or with a ventilation system.
• Keeping the home warm - insulation and heating improves ventilation effectiveness and reduces the risk of mould growth on cold surfaces.

The Ministry of Health recommends against portable gas heaters and has a range of tips below (click on MORE) to help with keeping a healthy home environment.

PHOTO: Supplied