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How can I build an ecological house?

10 green ways to transform your house into an eco home Let the light in. ... Use less gas. ... Choose solar panels. ... Get smart at home. ... Choose triple glazing. ... Don't forget to insulate your home. ... Install a bidirectional battery. ... Choose an air pump or underfloor heating. More items... •

housebeautiful.com - 10 green ways to transform your house into an eco home
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Whether you want to make some energy efficient improvements or are leaping into green home design, transforming period properties into eco homes isn't as difficult as you might think. Going solar, triple glazing windows, maximising natural light and using insulation are just a few ways to retrofit older homes. 'There are simple steps everyone can take to improve the energy efficiency of their home,' says Ben Gallizzi, an energy expert at money.co.uk. 'Some measures are more complex than others and will require more investment but there are some things we all can do quite easily if we are to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and tackle climate change.'

1. Let the light in

Increasing natural light will not only give you a healthy boost of vitamin D and B, but it's also been proven to increase our level energies. For those of you working from home, try to place your desk close to a window for the ultimate mood lift. 'Consider a roof window, sun tunnel or find other creative ways to maximise natural light into your home,' says Professor Mark Gillott. 'The more sunlight can find its way inside the less the need for both electric lighting and artificial heating.'

2. Use less gas

With fuel costs rocketing, now is the perfect time to do a home energy check and reduce those bills. If you're looking to reduce your carbon footprint, find ways to use less gas, opting for clean electricity instead. Renewable energy tariffs will require some research, but it's a great way to transition to clean energy – and help the planet at the same time.

3. Choose solar panels

Solar panels might be a more expensive option up front, but they have become increasingly cost-effective over the years. According to Mark, all available roof space in Britain which is south or south-westerly facing should be utilised for solar energy. As well as being a truly renewable energy source, solar panels help reduce electricity bills and keep your carbon footprint down. It's a great option to consider if funds allow.

4. Get smart at home

Make your home more convenient to live in with smart devices. Something as simple as switching energy sources to ensure efficient management of energy flows from solar panels can help make your home greener. Mark adds: 'If the grid is constrained, meaning not enough energy for the neighbourhood because of increased need from heating etc, the car can supply. The car is used as a balancing mechanism, it can discharge when extra is needed but then will be charged when there is an excess on the grid, typically from the solar energy or at night when we use less electricity as a nation.'

5. Choose triple glazing

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Triple glazing, which adds a third pane of glass to double glazing, is a great way to make your home truly energy efficient. While double glazing has become standard for many new homes, Mark believes we should be choosing triple glazing where we can. 'Triple glazing will become the standard of the future,' he adds. 'It's much more effective at stopping heat being lost from the home, thereby greatly reducing energy consumption.'

6. Don't forget to insulate your home

'Keeping heat inside the house is the simplest thing you can do to vastly improve energy efficiency – and reduce gas and electricity bills,' adds Mark. If you're not sure where to start, some of the things you can do include covering any air leaks with weatherproofing, adding thick curtains to windows, and picking up a draught excluder.

7. Install a bidirectional battery

'It may sound like the stuff of science fiction but rechargeable homes are already a reality,' Mark explains. 'By installing a bidirectional battery your home's energy can be topped up from the battery of a compatible electric vehicle (EV). The home's energy needs are then balanced between its solar array, battery and the grid.'

8. Choose an air pump or underfloor heating

If you're in the process of redesigning your home, opt for an air source heat pump or underfloor heating – both more efficient options which will help your house to retain heat far longer. An air source heat pump works by converting the energy of the outside air into heat, while underfloor heating will evenly distribute heat around the room (and keep your toes toasty come winter).

9. Work together with neighbours

Do your neighbours also have green aspirations? Why not work with them to install a community battery — this will allow homes on your street to recharge electric cars and act as a power hub across several homes.

10. Make some extra cash

You'll be pleased to know that you can cash in by selling some of your excess energy back to the grid, effectively meaning that you've turned your home into a tiny green power station. 'Vehicle to grid technology means even power stored in your car battery can be sold to the grid if it's not needed,' Mark adds. Love what you’re reading? Enjoy House Beautiful magazine delivered straight to your door every month with Free UK delivery. Buy direct from the publisher for the lowest price and never miss an issue!

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housebeautiful.com - 10 green ways to transform your house into an eco home
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