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
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
Spray Foam Insulation
The advantages of spray foam insulation. Icynene is a form of spray foam insulation. The thermal conductivity of the insulation is about the same as mineral wool. It has the advantage of making the building very air tight. Because of
Sheep’s Wool Insulation
What are the pros and cons of Sheep’s wool insulation? Sheep’s wool insulation is made into rolls and slabs very similar to those made from fibreglass and mineral wool insulation. Rolls of insulation are generally used above flat ceilings
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
What is Passivhaus?
Passivhaus is a German word for passive house. The literal meaning of the word is a house that is unheated. Imagine having so much insulation in your house and such good triple glazing that heating was completely unnecessary. The sun
Waste Water Heat Recovery
When you take a bath the waste water goes down the plug hole. Obviously this waste water is quite warm. Waste water heat recovery means recapturing the heat from this water. A copper pipe is coiled around the pipe that
Sunpipes
One of the major sources of heat loss is through windows and doors. A typical window or door has a U value of 1.60 (a good quality modern type) and that’s 5 times as much heat loss as a wall
Vacuum Insulation
Vacuum insulation works in the same way as a thermos flask. The thermos flask uses a vacuum between two glass walls in order to prevent heat travelling by conduction and silver on the walls to reflect radiant heat travelling as