Homes of the future: What would they look like?
By now we should all know the importance of our carbon footprint and the impact it has on the planet. One of the ways you can tackle the effects of climate change is by reducing your own household carbon footprint. You may not realise it but a lot of our daily activities around the home cause emissions of greenhouse gases and in an era that is mostly dominated by technology and innovation, we can make small changes to lower our carbon footprint. We’re going to look at the different ways you can introduce energy efficient substitutions around the home to help create a greener living space for generations to come, from replacing outdated home appliances to installing new digital platforms.
Summary of topics:
Lighting
The most efficient lighting option available is LED light bulbs, which you can get in a variety of colours and brightness and are designed to last much longer than old incandescent bulbs. The good thing about LEDs is that they suit almost all light fittings, and with up to 40 bulbs being used around the average home, it’s a great way to save on the electricity bill.
Solar panels
A good way to decrease your household carbon footprint is by introducing your home to a solar panel electricity system. Solar electricity works by capturing the sun’s energy using photovoltaic cells which help convert the sunlight into electricity. Not only is solar electricity a source of sustainable, renewable energy, but it can be used to run household appliances and lighting – saving you money by reducing your bills while also making your home more environmentally friendly.
App controlled appliances
A large proportion of household energy use comes from appliances and with smart technology and useful apps available, it makes living more efficiently that much easier. If an appliance is plugged in, it still draws energy. Consider switching to smart plugs around the home, as these are connected to the internet and are controlled by an app, allowing you to control appliances remotely.
Condensing boilers
For a more reliable and efficient way to heat your home and hot water, opt for a condensing boiler. To ensure that less heat is lost, a condensing boiler is fitted with two internal heat exchangers meaning that your boiler is using less energy as it doesn’t have to work as hard. Switching to a Viessmann condensing boiler can save 1,000 tonnes of CO2e per hour, while using less fuel and energy and helping you save money in the long run.
Insulation
Consider adding insulation to your loft to help improve your home’s heating while also sealing any air leaks. This is a simple and effective way of ensuring that any heat loss is reduced and loft insulation can last up to approximately 40 years, therefore bringing the overall cost of your heating bills down.
These are just some simple ways you can reduce your carbon footprint in your household. If you have any tips of your own on how to introduce more energy efficient substitutions around the home, join in the conversation on Facebook and Twitter using the hashtag #TheCoalTruth and don’t forget to tag @ViessmannUK.