{"id":18676,"date":"2018-11-20T16:27:17","date_gmt":"2018-11-20T16:27:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/?p=18676"},"modified":"2022-02-18T09:34:07","modified_gmt":"2022-02-18T09:34:07","slug":"improve-your-homes-carbon-footprint","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/improve-your-homes-carbon-footprint\/","title":{"rendered":"Improve Your Home\u2019s Carbon Footprint"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<!-- SEO Ultimate Plus (https:\/\/seoultimateplus.com) - Code Inserter module -->\n<script async>(function(s,u,m,o,j,v){j=u.createElement(m);v=u.getElementsByTagName(m)[0];j.async=1;j.src=o;j.dataset.sumoSiteId='b68b392479b5981b8acf46565e9fe32a0734fc21a1f7c1e60121eaa6ca1a1c64';v.parentNode.insertBefore(j,v)})(window,document,'script','\/\/load.sumo.com\/');<\/script>\n<!-- \/SEO Ultimate Plus -->\n\n<p>The UK has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050 in order to stop a climate crisis and a significant amount of weight will need to be pulled by households. The average British household <span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theccc.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/5CB-Infographic-FINAL-.pdf\">contributes 8.1 tonnes of CO2 or CO2 equivalent<\/a><\/span> into the atmosphere each year\u2014down from 12.8 tonnes in 1990 but still higher than it should be. This account for 40% of the country\u2019s total carbon emissions.<\/p>\n<p>You can reduce your individual carbon footprint through lifestyle changes, such as driving less, eating less or no meat, avoiding flying, and simply buying fewer things. However, space for improvement can be found within the walls of your home\u2014sometimes literally, with cavity wall insulation. The heating of our domestic spaces accounts for 29% of each household\u2019s carbon emissions while the generation of the electricity we use\u2014to light our rooms, power our appliances, and charge the device you\u2019re reading this on right now\u2014accounts for another 21%. Improve the energy efficiency of your home and your carbon footprint will shrink.<\/p>\n<p>The Committee on Climate Change found that increasing efficiency through better insulation, more efficient appliances, LED lighting, and a smart heating system can reduce the yearly carbon emissions of the average British household by 0.6 tonnes, while also notching you an annual savings of \u00a3184.<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ll have to make out outlay of cash to transform your property into a low-carbon, efficient hub, but don\u2019t consider it money lost: you\u2019ll see savings on your energy bill, and improvements that increase the energy efficiency of your property will increase its resale value, particularly as future buyers become more sensitive to the rising cost of energy and to their impact on the climate.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Service or replace your old boiler<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Old gas boilers can be incredibly wasteful so even if you think yours is functioning well, have it serviced and assessed by an engineer and consider a replacement. A new boiler is a significant investment, with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.newboilercosts.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">cost of a new boiler<\/a> starting at more than \u00a32,000, but a more efficient one could trim your gas usage by a third, lowering your energy bills and narrowing your carbon footprint as a result.<\/p>\n<h2><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-18679 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/boilercheck.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><\/strong><\/h2>\n<h2><strong>Turn down your thermostat\u2014and smarten up your heating<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The UK is battling fiercer and longer winters as a result of climate change, but rather than use the next blizzard or month of freezing temperatures to crank up your thermostat, carefully consider the climate and how and when you\u2019re heating your home. Turning down your thermostat by just 1 degree Celsius during the winter can shave 10% from your energy use\u2014savings your bank account and the planet will thank you for. According to NHS advice, anyone who\u2019s in good health, under 65, and active can safely turn their thermostat down below 18C, as long as they\u2019re comfortable.<\/p>\n<p>Be more strategic in using your central heating, thinking of your carbon emissions\u2014and your energy bill\u2014every time you fiddle with the thermostat or turn a radiator valve. Use valves to turn off the heat in rooms you don\u2019t need to be warmed right then, such as your bedroom during the day, or your kitchen when the oven and washer are running. Additionally, turning down your heat 5-8 degrees Celsius for 8 hours overnight, and snuggling over a higher tog duvet and flannel sheets, can knock another 10% from your annual energy consumption.<\/p>\n<p>If your boiler is compatible, get a smart thermostat, which can give you more control over how much heat you\u2019re using and when. With a smart thermostat, you can set timers and turn on and off your heating remotely (for example, turn heating down during the day and then dial it up just before you leave work so you\u2019ll come in from your chilly commute to a cosy home) and track your usage over time.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Insulate your home<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>We lose a third of the heat of our homes straight through our walls and lofts. Add extra loft and cavity wall insulation to keep that precious heated air in\u2014and block draughts to keep winter out\u2014and your boiler won\u2019t have to work as hard, reducing its gas consumption and carbon footprint.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Buy more efficient appliances<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Outside of heating, your kitchen, packed with electricity-hungry appliances, is the main source of carbon emissions in your home. Running an electric tumble drier 148 times a year will <span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ransomspares.co.uk\/blog\/news\/truth-about-carbon-footprint-of-appliances.htm\">add 159kg of CO2 to the atmosphere each year<\/a><\/strong><\/span>\u2014and cost you \u00a337.<\/p>\n<p>Opt for A+++ rated appliances when replacing old ones: the energy consumption of the best-rated appliances on the market can be a fraction of that old ones. You\u2019ll see the return in falling running costs. And buy a clothes rack and ditch that tumble drier.<\/p>\n<p>Opt for gas cookers over electric cookers: a gas oven produces just 38kg of CO2 each year and costs just \u00a37.60, compared to the 91kg of CO2 an electric oven produces, and the \u00a321.08 it costs to run.<\/p>\n<h2><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-18680 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/gascookers.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><\/strong><\/h2>\n<h2><strong>Opt for a renewable energy tariff<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>A number of green suppliers offer electricity generated from 100% renewable resources, including, wind and solar. Increasing the presence of green gas, or biomethane in their gas mixes. Prices have fallen so it\u2019s likely you won\u2019t pay anymore for being environmentally conscious at your meter then you would otherwise. <span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplyswitch.com\/\">Compare gas and electricity tariffs from green suppliers<\/a><\/span> and the Big Six and see what savings you can make, both in your bills and household carbon budget.<\/p>\n<p>Ref :<\/p>\n<p>The UK has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050 in order to stop a climate crisis and a significant amount of weight will need to be pulled by households. The average British household <span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theccc.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/5CB-Infographic-FINAL-.pdf\">contributes 8.1 tonnes of CO2 or CO2 equivalent<\/a><\/span> into the atmosphere each year\u2014down from 12.8 tonnes in 1990 but still higher than it should be. This account for 40% of the country\u2019s total carbon emissions.<\/p>\n<p>You can reduce your individual carbon footprint through lifestyle changes, such as driving less, eating less or no meat, avoiding flying, and simply buying fewer things. However, space for improvement can be found within the walls of your home\u2014sometimes literally, with cavity wall insulation. The heating of our domestic spaces accounts for 29% of each household\u2019s carbon emissions while the generation of the electricity we use\u2014to light our rooms, power our appliances, and charge the device you\u2019re reading this on right now\u2014accounts for another 21%. Improve the energy efficiency of your home and your carbon footprint will shrink.<\/p>\n<p>The Committee on Climate Change found that increasing efficiency through better insulation, more efficient appliances, LED lighting, and a smart heating system can reduce the yearly carbon emissions of the average British household by 0.6 tonnes, while also notching you an annual savings of \u00a3184.<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ll have to make out outlay of cash to transform your property into a low-carbon, efficient hub, but don\u2019t consider it money lost: you\u2019ll see savings on your energy bill, and improvements that increase the energy efficiency of your property will increase its resale value, particularly as future buyers become more sensitive to the rising cost of energy and to their impact on the climate.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Service or replace your old boiler<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Old gas boilers can be incredibly wasteful so even if you think yours is functioning well, have it serviced and assessed by an engineer and consider a replacement. A new boiler is a significant investment, with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.newboilercosts.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">cost of a new boiler<\/a> starting at more than \u00a32,000, but a more efficient one could trim your gas usage by a third, lowering your energy bills and narrowing your carbon footprint as a result.<\/p>\n<h2><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-18679 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/boilercheck.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><\/strong><\/h2>\n<h2><strong>Turn down your thermostat\u2014and smarten up your heating<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The UK is battling fiercer and longer winters as a result of climate change, but rather than use the next blizzard or month of freezing temperatures to crank up your thermostat, carefully consider the climate and how and when you\u2019re heating your home. Turning down your thermostat by just 1 degree Celsius during the winter can shave 10% from your energy use\u2014savings your bank account and the planet will thank you for. According to NHS advice, anyone who\u2019s in good health, under 65, and active can safely turn their thermostat down below 18C, as long as they\u2019re comfortable.<\/p>\n<p>Be more strategic in using your central heating, thinking of your carbon emissions\u2014and your energy bill\u2014every time you fiddle with the thermostat or turn a radiator valve. Use valves to turn off the heat in rooms you don\u2019t need to be warmed right then, such as your bedroom during the day, or your kitchen when the oven and washer are running. Additionally, turning down your heat 5-8 degrees Celsius for 8 hours overnight, and snuggling over a higher tog duvet and flannel sheets, can knock another 10% from your annual energy consumption.<\/p>\n<p>If your boiler is compatible, get a smart thermostat, which can give you more control over how much heat you\u2019re using and when. With a smart thermostat, you can set timers and turn on and off your heating remotely (for example, turn heating down during the day and then dial it up just before you leave work so you\u2019ll come in from your chilly commute to a cosy home) and track your usage over time.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Insulate your home<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>We lose a third of the heat of our homes straight through our walls and lofts. Add extra loft and cavity wall insulation to keep that precious heated air in\u2014and block draughts to keep winter out\u2014and your boiler won\u2019t have to work as hard, reducing its gas consumption and carbon footprint.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Buy more efficient appliances<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Outside of heating, your kitchen, packed with electricity-hungry appliances, is the main source of carbon emissions in your home. Running an electric tumble drier 148 times a year will <span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ransomspares.co.uk\/blog\/news\/truth-about-carbon-footprint-of-appliances.htm\">add 159kg of CO2 to the atmosphere each year<\/a><\/strong><\/span>\u2014and cost you \u00a337.<\/p>\n<p>Opt for A+++ rated appliances when replacing old ones: the energy consumption of the best-rated appliances on the market can be a fraction of that old ones. You\u2019ll see the return in falling running costs. And buy a clothes rack and ditch that tumble drier.<\/p>\n<p>Opt for gas cookers over electric cookers: a gas oven produces just 38kg of CO2 each year and costs just \u00a37.60, compared to the 91kg of CO2 an electric oven produces, and the \u00a321.08 it costs to run.<\/p>\n<h2><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-18680 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/gascookers.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><\/strong><\/h2>\n<h2><strong>Opt for a renewable energy tariff<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>A number of green suppliers offer electricity generated from 100% renewable resources, including, wind and solar. Increasing the presence of green gas, or biomethane in their gas mixes. Prices have fallen so it\u2019s likely you won\u2019t pay anymore for being environmentally conscious at your meter then you would otherwise. <span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplyswitch.com\/\">Compare gas and electricity tariffs from green suppliers<\/a><\/span> and the Big Six and see what savings you can make, both in your bills and household carbon budget.<\/p>\n<p>Ref :<\/p>\n<p>The UK has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050 in order to stop a climate crisis and a significant amount of weight will need to be pulled by households. The average British household <span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theccc.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/5CB-Infographic-FINAL-.pdf\">contributes 8.1 tonnes of CO2 or CO2 equivalent<\/a><\/span> into the atmosphere each year\u2014down from 12.8 tonnes in 1990 but still higher than it should be. This account for 40% of the country\u2019s total carbon emissions.<\/p>\n<p>You can reduce your individual carbon footprint through lifestyle changes, such as driving less, eating less or no meat, avoiding flying, and simply buying fewer things. However, space for improvement can be found within the walls of your home\u2014sometimes literally, with cavity wall insulation. The heating of our domestic spaces accounts for 29% of each household\u2019s carbon emissions while the generation of the electricity we use\u2014to light our rooms, power our appliances, and charge the device you\u2019re reading this on right now\u2014accounts for another 21%. Improve the energy efficiency of your home and your carbon footprint will shrink.<\/p>\n<p>The Committee on Climate Change found that increasing efficiency through better insulation, more efficient appliances, LED lighting, and a smart heating system can reduce the yearly carbon emissions of the average British household by 0.6 tonnes, while also notching you an annual savings of \u00a3184.<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ll have to make out outlay of cash to transform your property into a low-carbon, efficient hub, but don\u2019t consider it money lost: you\u2019ll see savings on your energy bill, and improvements that increase the energy efficiency of your property will increase its resale value, particularly as future buyers become more sensitive to the rising cost of energy and to their impact on the climate.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Service or replace your old boiler<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Old gas boilers can be incredibly wasteful so even if you think yours is functioning well, have it serviced and assessed by an engineer and consider a replacement. A new boiler is a significant investment, with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.newboilercosts.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">cost of a new boiler<\/a> starting at more than \u00a32,000, but a more efficient one could trim your gas usage by a third, lowering your energy bills and narrowing your carbon footprint as a result.<\/p>\n<h2><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-18679 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/boilercheck.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><\/strong><\/h2>\n<h2><strong>Turn down your thermostat\u2014and smarten up your heating<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The UK is battling fiercer and longer winters as a result of climate change, but rather than use the next blizzard or month of freezing temperatures to crank up your thermostat, carefully consider the climate and how and when you\u2019re heating your home. Turning down your thermostat by just 1 degree Celsius during the winter can shave 10% from your energy use\u2014savings your bank account and the planet will thank you for. According to NHS advice, anyone who\u2019s in good health, under 65, and active can safely turn their thermostat down below 18C, as long as they\u2019re comfortable.<\/p>\n<p>Be more strategic in using your central heating, thinking of your carbon emissions\u2014and your energy bill\u2014every time you fiddle with the thermostat or turn a radiator valve. Use valves to turn off the heat in rooms you don\u2019t need to be warmed right then, such as your bedroom during the day, or your kitchen when the oven and washer are running. Additionally, turning down your heat 5-8 degrees Celsius for 8 hours overnight, and snuggling over a higher tog duvet and flannel sheets, can knock another 10% from your annual energy consumption.<\/p>\n<p>If your boiler is compatible, get a smart thermostat, which can give you more control over how much heat you\u2019re using and when. With a smart thermostat, you can set timers and turn on and off your heating remotely (for example, turn heating down during the day and then dial it up just before you leave work so you\u2019ll come in from your chilly commute to a cosy home) and track your usage over time.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Insulate your home<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>We lose a third of the heat of our homes straight through our walls and lofts. Add extra loft and cavity wall insulation to keep that precious heated air in\u2014and block draughts to keep winter out\u2014and your boiler won\u2019t have to work as hard, reducing its gas consumption and carbon footprint.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Buy more efficient appliances<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Outside of heating, your kitchen, packed with electricity-hungry appliances, is the main source of carbon emissions in your home. Running an electric tumble drier 148 times a year will <span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ransomspares.co.uk\/blog\/news\/truth-about-carbon-footprint-of-appliances.htm\">add 159kg of CO2 to the atmosphere each year<\/a><\/strong><\/span>\u2014and cost you \u00a337.<\/p>\n<p>Opt for A+++ rated appliances when replacing old ones: the energy consumption of the best-rated appliances on the market can be a fraction of that old ones. You\u2019ll see the return in falling running costs. And buy a clothes rack and ditch that tumble drier.<\/p>\n<p>Opt for gas cookers over electric cookers: a gas oven produces just 38kg of CO2 each year and costs just \u00a37.60, compared to the 91kg of CO2 an electric oven produces, and the \u00a321.08 it costs to run.<\/p>\n<h2><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-18680 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/gascookers.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><\/strong><\/h2>\n<h2><strong>Opt for a renewable energy tariff<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>A number of green suppliers offer electricity generated from 100% renewable resources, including, wind and solar. Increasing the presence of green gas, or biomethane in their gas mixes. Prices have fallen so it\u2019s likely you won\u2019t pay anymore for being environmentally conscious at your meter then you would otherwise. <span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplyswitch.com\/\">Compare gas and electricity tariffs from green suppliers<\/a><\/span> and the Big Six and see what savings you can make, both in your bills and household carbon budget.<\/p>\n<h6><span style=\"color: #999999;\">Ref : <span style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;\">THSI-2668 \/ <\/span><span style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;\">ZD. 23957<\/span><\/span><\/h6>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The UK has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050 in order to stop a climate crisis and a significant amount of weight will need to be pulled by households. The average British household contributes 8.1 tonnes<span class=\"ellipsis\">&hellip;<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"read-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/improve-your-homes-carbon-footprint\/\">Read more &#8250;<\/a><\/div>\n<p><!-- end of .read-more --><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41,"featured_media":18678,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wl_entities_gutenberg":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","spay_email":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[],"wl_entity_type":[602],"modified_by":"Editor","_wl_alt_label":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/solarpanels.jpg","wl:entity_url":"http:\/\/data.wordlift.io\/wl0502\/post\/improve_your_homes_carbon_footprint","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18676"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18676"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18676\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":26756,"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18676\/revisions\/26756"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18678"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18676"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=18676"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=18676"},{"taxonomy":"wl_entity_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/wl_entity_type?post=18676"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}