A new survey reveals many homes are in such bad shape they cause health problems. The survey reveals novel approaches to staying warm in bed at night. While most respondents said they throw a few extra blankets on the bed (61%), many choose to wear warm socks (37%), flannel pyjamas (29%) and even a beanie (8%) during winter.
About 11% of people sleep with their head under the duvet to stay warm, which was a particularly popular heating method among renters.
And then there were the more adventurous winter warming ploys such as one woman “trying to persuade my husband to go to bed early, and another person who sleeps naked all year round because their waterbed is constantly warm.
The State of the Home Survey by research company Buzz Channel found more than half of respondents say they suffer in some way due to the state of their home This includes stress levels and health problems, higher power bills and high numbers of sick days.
The survey was commissioned by heating company HRV.
Almost a third of those surveyed said mould, dampness and condensation affected their health, 58% suffered stress, and 32% faced increased heating costs and higher power bills.
One in five tenants had moved out of a house because it was cold, damp or mouldy, and almost 60% of renters surveyed say they moved out of a house because it was unhealthy.
Mould is prevalent in 59% of homes and condensation in 31%.
A quarter had curtains, carpets, clothes and other property damage due to mould, dampness and condensation.
About 37% were concerned about heavy metals in water, followed by sediment (28%) and chlorine (25%).
Another blanket is the preference for 61% if they are cold at night, rather than turn on a heating source. Almost two-thirds of people would be happy to have their home undergo a housing warrant of fitness.
Chris Hutching for NBR NZ Property Investor
Tue, 19 Aug 2014
Tue, 19 Aug 2014
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Kiwis adopt novel ways to keep warm
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