ECO-POWER
Converting your home into an ‘eco-home’ might seem like a daunting prospect, but
the truth is that it doesn’t need to include too much change. In fact, there are many eco-friendly solutions that you can adopt around your home that will reduce your carbon output and save energy. Here,
Karl Tulloch of Rightio examines ways in which you can create an eco-home
E
co-living is the foundation of an eco-home. With this in mind, it’s important to remember that everyday decisions to be more sustainable
can make a big impact. Conserving water is one of the most accessible ways that you can act
sustainably, while saving some cash in the process. There are, however, some simple changes we can make to minimise our water usage. For example, dishwashers and washing machines use a lot of water at once, so make sure that you’re filling them completely. Swap your shower head out for a water- efficient option, or limit the length of your showers. By shortening showers by one minute each day, you could save £8 a year on your energy bill.
EFFICIENT HEATING An efficient heating system is at the very core of an eco-home. We all want to live comfortably at home, and in the Winter putting the heating on is a
HOW TO
UPGRADE YOUR HOME TO AN ECO-HOME
necessity. But if your boiler is old or less efficient, then your bill will be higher than necessary, and you’ll be using more energy than required. Combi boilers are both a cost-effective and energy-efficient choice of a
boiler as they heat water on demand. To ensure that your boiler is working at maximum efficiency, make sure to check it with a combi boiler service. Regular checks will guarantee that your heating system is working as energy-efficiently as possible.
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES If you’re looking for ways to drastically adapt your home into a sustainable powerhouse, making use of renewable energy is the way forward. An instantly recognisable mark of eco-living, solar panels are a great
option for households looking to become eco-friendly. Relying on solar energy will cut your carbon emissions by a lot and it is a fairly unobtrusive method of gaining renewable energy. The downside, however, is that solar panels are a relatively expensive
sustainable solution, costing around £6,000–£7,000 for an average-sized home. If you can afford the high initial investment, solar panels can start saving you money on your energy almost immediately, and it’s unlikely that they’ll need any costly maintenance in the future.
ECO FROM THE START We’ve looked at both short- and long-term ways to turn your home into an eco-home, but some people may want to go a step further. To make the ultimate commitment to eco-living, you might decide to build your own home from scratch and make use of sustainable building techniques and materials. When building an eco-home, making use of local materials will immediately
reduce the carbon impact of the construction process by eliminating long- haul transportation costs. Additionally, making use of recycled materials is a great option. For example, choose cellulose insulation, which is a non-toxic and mostly recycled material, for your walls. This choice, paired with a boiler that has been checked for efficiency, will make sure that the energy used to heat your home is working as well as it possibly can.
AN ECO EVOLUTION The evolution of your home into an eco-home doesn’t have to be a dramatic change. Whether you choose to make more sustainable decisions every day or prefer to build an eco-space that suits your needs, having an eco-home can be a reality for many. We hope these suggestions will inspire you to craft the perfect sustainable home.
Rightio
https://www.rightio.co.uk
Sources
https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/simple-ways-to-save-water-at-home/ https://www.solarguide.co.uk/how-much-does-it-cost-to-install-solar- panels#/
https://www.rightio.co.uk/services/boilers/ https://www.leafscore.com/eco-friendly-living-products/the-best-materials- for-eco-friendly-insulation/
www.energymanagementmag.co.uk
ENERGY MANAGEMENT - Summer 2022
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