We’ve been through a long cold winter and keeping our home warm and cosy may feel like an extravagance. You can’t help worrying about the bills and there are only so many jumpers you can wear around the house. I think we have become so much more mindful of how we can live in a more sustainable way. Our day to day habits must change if we are going to make a difference to the environment. Here’s how I am making healthy habits around the home to limit wasting energy and money.
I switched to a Hive thermostat a few years ago after recommendations from so many friends who had one and was so pleased I did it. For a start, who can ever remember how to set the timer on their thermostat and what about when the clocks go back and forward? It’s the simplest process with a Hive smart thermostat, turn the dial up or down or change the temperature really easily from your phone on the app; it couldn’t be more straight forward.
Gone are the days when my heating was coming on for hours before I got up, because that’s what engineers who fit your boiler tell you to do, in a small flat I was wasting so much energy and money. Consider the amount of time your heating is on when you are not home, just so the house can be warm when you get in. With a Hive smart thermostat you can control your heating directly from your phone, so making sure it’s off if you decide to stay out for longer and on just long enough to heat your place before you arrive home.
Installing a smart thermostat in your home is a great way to conserve energy and save money on your heating bills, as it connects with your smartphone so you can control your boiler from anywhere. Get off the plane and turn the heating on from your phone while you are at baggage reclaim, so simple!
Hive has some great smart accessories in its collection of smart home gadgets too, light bulbs, sensors, plugs and radiator valves. You can fit individual heating valves to your radiators so you are not paying to heat a room you are not using. Smart radiator valves, plugs and light bulbs are all part of the Hive smart family collection, you can feel like Elon Musk controlling everything with your phone. They are not called smart for nothing, it’s all so clever, like living in the future, you’ll be signing up for a trip to Mars next.
I have just fitted my radiator valve, which is my favourite smart device, it’s so much better to sleep in a cooler bedroom, easier to get to sleep and it has been proven that the ideal temperature to keep your bedroom is around 18 degrees. That might be a bit chilly to be curled up on the sofa watching a Line of Duty on a Sunday night with a Pukka tea but perfect for good sleep hygiene. A cooler room can aid the body in lowering its core temperature, naturally signalling that it is time to sleep. Sleeping in a cold room helps you stay asleep, and in turn, allows you to get through the critical sleep stages naturally. Your overall health and well-being are dependent on your ability to consistently get a good night’s sleep. Sleeping in a cold room can help you do this while saving money on your heating bill. It’s a win-win situation.
Hive Home Hacks:
According to The Energy Saving Trust turning your temperature down on your Hive
Thermostat by one degree can save up to £80 a year.
Increase
security by scheduling your Hive Smart Lighting to come on in
random patterns when you are away, using the Hive app
Relax on holiday with
a Hive Motion Sensor, it can detect any movement in your home and send you a
notification on your phone.
Get a better night’s sleep by controlling the temperature in your bedroom with
a Hive radiator valve, while the rest of your home stays warm and cosy.
More ways you can live in a more sustainable way:
Go Plastic Free; shop local at places where you can take your own
containers to save on plastic waste. Stop using clingfilm and invest in some
beeswax wraps that are reusable.
Use natural cleaning products, avoid harsh chemicals, synthetic days and
petrochemicals.
Set your washing machine for a cooler setting to save on energy, I always use
my 30 mins fast wash.
Insulate your home, check those drafty windows and line your curtains with a
thermal fabric.
Conserve water, baths are for special occasions or weekends and don’t spend so
long singing in the shower.
Eat less meat; this will help you as well as the planet. It is far healthier to
aim for a 20:80 diet, so that’s 20% of your meals containing meat, fish or dairy.
Try it for a month and see how much healthier you feel.
Walk more, drive less and get friendly with your neighbours and set up a
carpool if you can.
Your home and lifestyle should reflect your beliefs and help support the
planet, by making small changes day-to-day we can have a positive impact on the
environment. Using Hive products around the home will reduce your energy
consumption, how are you doing with transportation, reducing your waste and
improving your diet? If we all work on creating better habits consciously we
will make a difference.
See the full selection of Hive products on their website here
#AD This is a sponsored post in partnership with Hive.
I have been gifted products mentioned in the post by Hive.