Given environmental considerations, the heat pump offers a genuine green alternative to the conventional boiler.
It works by extracting heat from the ground by circulating a fluid through pipes that are lowered into bore holes of around 100 metres deep. The system almost acts like refrigerator in reverse creating output temperatures in the early 40 degrees centigrade.
The heat pump or heat exchange system is dependant on elevated temperatures below a depth of 2 metres.
A condensing boiler increases efficiency by converting more fuel energy into hot water by salvaging heat from gases that are normally expelled out through the boiler flue.
This technology offers genuine efficiencies of up to 90% in comparison to older boilers running at around 50% efficiency.
The heat extraction from the excess flue gases causes reduction in lost heat of up to 50%.
As opposed to a heat only boiler system - a combination boiler offers heat and hot water on demand. Water is taken from the mains and heated when required. This is hugely beneficial in saving space - given that you don’t need any water storage.
The combination boiler therefore negates the need for a huge reservoir of hot water awaiting use. This in theory makes it a more efficient hot water system.
The one draw back and it’s a big one in my opinion - is that hot water can not be supplied simultaneously to many outlets. So if someone decides to do the dishes while you’re in the shower - you get a cold shower…
Posted by Bob Bulmer on Tue 25th December 2007 at 06:00 AM, Filed in Plumbing
A heat only boiler provides hot water straight to radiators. The system needs a storage cylinder for supplying hot water to taps.
The heat only boiler also requires a cold water cistern and expansion cylinder. The real benefit from this is that hot water can run to many outlets simultaneously.
Personally, timber floors have no pier. Here are the reasons why:
• Tough and hard wearing.
• Can be stained to blend with decor.
• Timber floors offer rustic appeal that carpets, tiles and marble can’t. Flag stone flooring comes close.
• Timber flooring is easy to keep clean and maintain - unlike carpets.
• Timber flooring actually looks better with age - unlike carpets.
• Works well with under floor heating.
• Timber acts as a natural insulation.
• Timber is environmentally friendly - particularly if you buy from sustainable stocks.
