We all know the detrimental effects that fossil fuels have on the environment. They are pollutants, they are expensive and most importantly, they’re non-renewable. In other words, they are running out. For a long time now, we’ve been aware that an alternative energy source needs to be found, if we’re going to keep heating our homes and powering them for generations to come. The Australian government have recognised this too, and have pledged that by 2020, a fifth of Australia’s energy will come from renewable sources.
That’s where solar power comes in – the sun is infinitely renewable and it’s a powerful energy source, so innovations have been developed to try and capture it. The most popular way to do this is with solar panels on the roof of your house. Precision Roofing explains that it catches the sunlight and turn it into domestic energy..
But there are pitfalls to solar panels – they are large and unsightly, require careful positioning and alignment and something as simple as a tree growing in the wrong direction can overshadow them and stop them working altogether. Most importantly, they are weather-dependant so can only work in direct sunlight. Not so good for overcast or rainy days!
Luckily, there’s an alternative that’s going to help overcome all these problems and provide the environmentally friendly hot water homes need. The heat pump uses energy from the air and coverts it into water-heating energy using a refrigerant and a compressor. It’s clean, efficient energy that comes from the sun without the problems of solar panels. In addition to choosing this kind of efficient, environmentally-friendly water heater, monitoring your water usage with a flow meter can also help in conserving water and energy.
The all-year performance is also great for the environment too. If you can heat your water on even the cloudiest of days, there’s no need for the large batteries or back-up generators that solar panels often need. As well as cutting your energy bills and saving on specialist equipment, heat pumps provide a long-term solution to energy problems. If everyone had one, the effect on the environment would be incredible. Not to mention the savings! No wonder the Australian government are offering rebates for anyone who purchases one.
By now, you’re probably convinced that heat pumps are the way forward for renewable energy sources. So, how do you choose the right one? There are lots of models on the market, but only one – the Hydrotherm – has all the features that make it both energy efficient and eco-friendly. It’s the only one to use an environmentally-friendly refrigerant called R410a, which contains no bromine or chlorine, so doesn’t deplete the ozone layer. It also requires no electrical booster, unlike some of the other models. The parts are also tough and long-lasting, so there’s no clogging up landfill sites with old bits of machinery. And it’s all independently tested, so you’re not just believing the hype. If none of that sets your mind at rest, how about the 15-year tank warranty?
The Hydrotherm also comes with a programmable timer, so you can set it to only be on when you need it. The all-in-one design includes acoustic dampening, so there’s no risk of noise pollution either. It’s the same decibel level as an air-conditioning unit, so barely noticeable. So, no noise pollution, ozone depletion or “disposable” parts? Almost sounds too good to be true!
But it is true and it’s available to buy now for an affordable price, with installation causing minimal disruption. The energy savings are so great that, on average, it only takes two years to recoup the cost. Plus, you know that you’re helping the environment and ensuring the inheritance of your children! What are you waiting for? Change your boiler over to a Hydrotherm!
Many of us are returning to carpets after a fling with other types of flooring and there can be a number of reasons behind the switch. Whether it is down to comfort, noise, insulation properties or just the look of a carpet, these factors all help us choose the perfect new carpet. Here are a few tips from the Leicester Carpet Cleaning company (www.carpetcleaningleicestershire.co.uk) on how to use that inspiration in making a choice.
If you are planning to install the beautiful timber flooring homes love, you can rest assured that you are investing in a highly rewarding feature that will not only enhance the beauty but also the value of your property. You must, however, get it installed correctly to reap the benefits of your investment both aesthetically and financially. It pays to read up on some how-tos of wood floor installation; here are some basics.
Where once home automation appeared only in the world of Sci-Fi or futuristic films, they are today a feature in many homes. With the increasing popularity of home automation systems offered by industry leading companies, resulting in an ever growing market, automating your home is now more accessible than ever.
Damp is one of the problems that can sneak up on you and cause significant damage before the homeowner realises what is going on. Damp is most common in older buildings and there are some types that have tell tale signs while others are more stealthy. Here we look at the type and causes of damp.