MARKET
Why today’s first time buyers want energy saving homes and appliances
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We all know how hard it is to get on to the property ladder, and whether you’ve managed to buy or are saving up, paying bills is a challenge in a cost- of-living crisis. But, thanks to their design and appliances, some newly designed houses are cheap to run and kind on the planet. Ginetta Vedrickas discovers what is happening
THE “CLOSE TO ZERO ENERGY HOUSE”
tariffs to power appliances. Haier will be working and monitoring energy consumption with the housebuyer to evaluate energy savings and compare them against household averages. Macdonald explains, “All of our Haier white goods in the kitchen and utility room are the most energy-efficient devices we have on the market, again controlled by the hOn app. Scenario plans can be added to the app, so they automatically work when there is enough energy in the battery.This is another first for Haier.” Just over a year ago, Haier was awarded a 2023 Terra Carta Seal, which recognises global companies which are actively leading the charge to create a climate and nature- positive future. The appliance manufacturer also recently unveiled another project that it has been working on, an energy- efficient house on Liverpool’s waterfront; a steel-framed modular home built to a high specification by Wirral-based modular homes specialist Starship. The company believes that these types of homes could have an estimated heating, hot water, and lighting bill of just £124 a year, or potentially even zero. Starship is building similar family homes in Wirral, including 13 in Wallasey. Starship’s founder and chief executive Dave Dargan is hopeful that this prototype might one day become the “new norm in housing, available to as many families as possible”.
“zero bills” which Macdonald says is now possible during summer months, and thanks to a photovoltaic (PV) system and battery solution, in dull and grey winter months the householder will be able to take advantage of cheap overnight tariffs resulting in energy bills that are 80% cheaper than average. All appliances in the “close to zero energy house” use less energy than many on the market. Haier’s latest Gen 3 Air to Water Heat Pump requires just 1kW of energy to deliver around 5kW to power the house and heat water.The pump is linked to Haier’s latest battery/PV technology, which converts light into electricity and provides energy to the house. Stored in the battery, any excess can be used to heat water. Heating
Doncaster-based housebuilder Strata and domestic appliance manufacturer Haier recently revealed a joint project that has taken 12 months to complete.The two-storey “close to zero energy house” in Sheffield contains a full suite of Haier’s energy- efficient appliances, including its X Series 11 washer and heat pump dryer, the I Pro Shine Series 7 dishwasher, Series 6 oven, hob and hood and small kitchen appliances including air fryer, toaster, kettle and blender. Business director at Haier UK &
Ireland Steve Macdonald explains, “We finally have a full Haier ‘smart
house solution’ with appliances
which are controlled by one app; Haier’s app, not multiple apps for multiple products.” The
hOn
too will be controlled via a single app
allowing homeowners to use free solar or battery storage
project’s aim was to create a property that has
or cheaper electricity
92 First Time Buyer February/March 2025
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