With climate change firmly in the headlights of Future Net Zero regulations, water saving in the homes of consumers is a crucial initiative housing developers, consumers and local councils must be paying attention to in order for us to address these regulatory standards.
In the wake of the pandemic, the move for more of us to be working and living in the home during the day means there has been an increasing push for, homeowners, businesses and NGO’s, to come together and maintain the efficient use of water and energy in our daily lives.
As well as being deeply damaging to the planet, overusing water isn’t too friendly on consumer pockets either. Here, Maria Bastian, co-founder of Fischer Future Heat, a renewable heating solutions provider, explains how the right hot water system at home can begin to drive efficiency gains for all.
Saving begins at home
With remote working accelerating over the past 12 months, it is no surprise that we are beginning to see an increase of both water usage and its costs.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, we’ve all been spending more time at home than normal, whether that’s due to work, self-isolation or to simply comply with government guidelines. Because of this, water usage has increased by approximately 30% over the past few months, meaning many homeowners have also seen a rise in bills, too.
I’m sure many people are seeking ways to limit the amount of water they use, as well as reducing costs. From turning off the tap whilst brushing our teeth, to half filing a kettle with just the right amount of water needed, there are indeed many simple changes that can be made, but change needs to go further.
As well as trying to reduce costs and save those hard-earned pennies, many homeowners are conscious about the impact their choices are having on the environment, and are therefore trying to lead more sustainable lives.
Lots of wasted water is often untreated, meaning it is unable to be reused, contributing to the destruction of nature and wildlife.
Old habits and traditions
Traditionally, most homes have been fitted with a centralised heating system, controlling both the temperature of heating and water.
A staple of the family home, offering convenience and simplicity, now, the traditional boiler system has come under scrutiny in the increasingly eco-conscious world that we live in. Central heating uses the earth’s fossil fuels, which, when burned, release carbon dioxide and other harmful greenhouse gases into the environment. Because of this, they are primary contributors to global warming and climate change.
Currently, 14% of UK greenhouse gases come from our homes, and centralised heating systems play a huge part in such shocking statistics.
The government’s goal of reaching net zero by 2050, combined with the introduction of the Future Homes Standard, is just one reason for homeowners to consider switching to an alternative, eco-friendly water system.
If more people begin to understand the environmental damage caused by water waste and share best practice, this will create a much easier path to meet regulatory targets – perhaps even sooner than we anticipate.
Whilst the cost of water, electricity and other utilities will continue to rise with inflation, the government are working towards a ratio of 1:1 (electricity:gas) in line with the Future Homes Standard, making the switch to cleaner fuels more practical and cost-efficient. So, whilst we can’t change the cost, we can change how it is used throughout the home.
A newer, modern and more sustainable alternative
By removing traditional centralised heating systems from the home, homeowners are eliminating any inefficiencies they bring with them. And whilst we can’t account for human error and inefficiency, we can provide newer, more effective water systems.
Unlike heating, water is something we require 365 days of the year and air source water heaters are the perfect solution to provide cost-effective and eco-friendly hot water to your home.
Powered by air, a renewable source of energy, air source water heaters can be two to three times more efficient than a conventional water cylinder or centralised heating system.
Although tradition and old habits may suggest otherwise, heating and water systems can be provided by two completely different entities.
Simply compressing air to heat the water supply, these systems are an entirely renewable product whilst delivering long-term efficiency gains for homeowners.
With the impending introduction of the Future Homes Standard, alongside new build homes being constructed to emit 75-80% less carbon emissions, making the switch seems that little bit easier. However, it also puts the onus on property developers, builders and plumbers, to also start considering alternatives to the traditional boiler system, with products like this in mind.
Newer properties will be able to install air source water systems from the get-go. We understand that it can be a difficult decision and process to replace traditional heating and water systems, however as of 2025 and thanks to the Future Homes Standard, this will become a thing of the past.
But why wait until 2025? Make the switch to a modern, renewable and alternative air source water system today and make smarter choices for your pockets, and the environment.