The 'Close to Zero Energy Home', a project a year in the making, is now fully equipped with Haier’s premier energy-saving appliances, marking a significant step in sustainable home design.
Haier, the world’s leading domestic appliance brand for 15 consecutive years and headquartered in the UK at their Warrington office, was selected to provide appliances for a close to zero energy house in Sheffield. The two-storey home showcases Haier’s latest energy-efficient innovations, including the X Series 11 washer and heat pump dryer, I Pro Shine Series 7 dishwasher, Series 6 oven, hob and hood, and an array of small kitchen appliances, such as the air fryer, toaster, kettle, and blender from the Haier I Master Series 5 range.
Steve Macdonald, Business Director at Haier UK & Ireland, expressed his excitement about the project, saying, “Welcome to ‘Haier’s Smart Home Solution’ in partnership with Strata. After 12 months of development, we now have a complete Haier Smart House Solution, with white goods, small kitchen appliances, heating, and energy appliances—all controlled through Haier’s hOn app, streamlining management under a single platform.”
Macdonald outlined Haier’s ambitious goal of creating a “Zero Bills” solution, noting, “In the summer, this will be achievable through our PV and battery solutions. In winter, with less sunlight, homeowners can take advantage of low-cost overnight tariffs for charging the battery and heating water, reducing energy bills by more than 80% compared to the average.”
One highlight of the home’s setup is Haier’s Gen 3 Air to Water Heat Pump, boasting a coefficient of performance (COP) of over 5, meaning that with just 1 KW of energy input, it delivers more than 5 KW of output, efficiently heating the home with water temperatures up to 60°C. “This system, linked to our 10 KW Battery/PV System and water heater, stores excess electricity to heat water as needed,” Macdonald explained. “All of it is seamlessly controlled through the hOn app.”
The hOn app integrates with a Home Energy Management System (HEMS), allowing homeowners to set scenarios that prioritise free or low-cost electricity, such as solar or battery storage, to operate appliances at optimal times.
Haier will collaborate with the buyer to monitor and evaluate energy savings against similar properties and household averages, adding practical insights to the system’s performance. “Our kitchen and utility room appliances are the most energy-efficient in our range, and all are hOn-enabled to work when energy is available, providing a first-of-its-kind solution for Haier, the world’s top home appliance brand,” Macdonald concluded.
Antony Peart, Director of Brand and Communications at Haier Europe, added, “We’re thrilled to support a project with so much potential to reduce household costs. Haier’s dedication to sustainability and energy efficiency is reflected in every appliance, from washing and cooking to heating and cooling, all controlled by the hOn app. Supporting a project like this aligns with our commitment to minimising environmental impact.”
This initiative follows Haier Smart Home UK’s receipt of the 2023 Terra Carta Seal, recognising global leaders in climate-positive innovation.
Elsewhere, Haier recently presented an energy-efficient house on Liverpool’s waterfront during the Labour Party conference. The modular steel-frame home, constructed to a high standard by Wirral-based Starship, is to be reassembled as a prototype at Wirral Waters. Starship estimates similar homes could have heating, hot water, and lighting bills as low as £124 annually—or even zero. Starship plans to build similar homes across the Wirral, including 13 in Wallasey, as part of its mission to make energy-efficient housing accessible to more families.
Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram praised the two-storey eco-home as a potential model for sustainable housing nationwide.