When you replace one of your windows with double glazing, why doesn’t the house fall down? This is because there is a lintel above the window that holds up the bricks. This lintel has to go right the way through
Insulated Lintels
LED Lights
The brightness of an electric light is measured in lumens. A 60 watt incandescent light bulb has a brightness of 800 lumens. The efficiency of an electric light is measured in lumens per watt. Incandescent light bulbs have an efficiency
Smart Heating Systems
The central heating in my shared house is controlled by a white plastic box on the wall. This winter it broke down. I spent several hours downloading the 20 page manual from the internet and reading it. So far I
Thermal Bridging
I remember seeing a ladies’ sheepskin coat that had no buttons on the front. The sheepskin coat is one of the warmest winter coats, but only if it is buttoned up. If it is left unbuttoned then it is not
What is CHP?
CHP stands for Combined Heat and Power. A CHP unit is a heating system fitted with an electrical generator so that it can provide heat and generate electricity at the same time. You might be forgiven for asking why anyone
Solar Glazing
Windows have a U value. This is a measure of the amount of heat that they lose. A high U value means they lose more heat. A typical modern double glazed window might have a U value of 1.8. A
What is a Delayed Start Stat?
There was an Energy Forum in the Civic Centre at Gateshead. One woman asked if she could save fuel by leaving the central heating on all day. She couldn’t save fuel by doing this but I can imagine her thinking
What is a Radiant Heater?
A radiant heater produces heat in the form of light. There are different wavelengths of light and our eyes see a limited range of wavelengths. The wavelengths of light we can see are the colours of the rainbow – red,
SAP 2012 – Your Problems Solved
On April 6th 2014 a new version of the regulations relating to Energy Efficiency of Buildings came into force in England. These regulations are Part L1A (new dwellings) and Part L2A (new industrial buildings.) A new version of SAP was