Many of us are trying to save power by turning off lights, switching to low energy bulbs, and not using 'standby' on TV's, etc, but there is one CO2 factor that many of us don't consider enough - hot water.
Now the carbon impact of hot water use in the home has been revealed - and the figures are shocking. The EST (Energy Saving Trust) has said that hot water use in the home is responsible for nearly a quarter of domestic CO2 emissions.
Of the total UK carbon emissions from water, 89% of it comes from the home - as opposed to the treatment of water and pumping. Hot water use in the home leads to a total of 33 million tonnes of CO2 being released into the atmosphere every year - 5% of the total CO2 emissions for the UK.
Heating of water costs the average household £200 per year – or nearly a third of the average gas bill.
What can you do? The EST has launched a new website helping people to see how much CO2 they are emitting and showing them how to save on water use in the home in general.
Water meters could be one effective measure. They encourage people to look at how much they are using, which can lead to a drop in consumption of both hot and cold water, and cheaper bills as a result.
Other options to consider include solar water heating, using more efficient appliances such as low water shower headswashing machines and dishwashers, as these can also help to save water and energy.
Info courtesy of water-guide.org.uk
