Going cold turkey when it comes to heat may not be for everyone, but there are a growing number of folks who, for all, or part of the year, turn off heat and air conditioning. The NY Times reports that Justen Ladda has lived heat-free in his Lower East Side loft for three decades and the Cold House Journal tracks a Maine couple trying to live comfortably in a house without a furnace.
Many folks aren’t ‘hardcore’ and have some heat, whether it's space heaters, electric blankets, or woodstoves. Some just turn the thermostat down to as a way to conserve on fuel, heating bills and help the environment.
Heatless Houses
Chilly Choices to Conserve Fuel and Improve the Environment
Trend Themes
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Heatless Living — The trend of living without heat, or with less heat usage, is growing as people seek to conserve fuel and reduce their environmental impact.
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Alternative Heating — As people look for ways to heat their homes without traditional furnaces or air conditioning, there is an opportunity for disruptive innovations in alternative heating sources.
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Smart Temperature Control — With more people adjusting their thermostats to conserve energy, there is an opportunity for innovative temperature control systems that allow for precise, targeted heating without wasting energy.
Industry Implications
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Home Energy Efficiency — The trend of heatless living and alternative heating sources highlights the need for industry innovation in home energy efficiency, including insulation, weatherization and renewable energy sources.
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Smart Home Technology — As people look for innovative ways to control their home temperature, the market for smart home technology, including sensors and temperature control systems, is expanding.
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Sustainable Living — The trend of heatless living and alternative heating sources also presents opportunities for industries that promote sustainable living practices, including renewable energy technologies, sustainable building materials, and waste reduction solutions.