Posted by Bob Bulmer on Thu 31st July 2008 at 09:06 PM, Filed in Bathroom, Baths
The Aqualisa Quartz Bath is one of those pieces of kit that you kind of wish you had a long time ago.
It’s premise is to offer accurate, thermostatic temperatures, the option of wireless remote control, and a simple start/stop switch. Some of these things have long been seen in shower units but not in bath systems. The Quartz Digital Bath promises to change that.
So how does it work and what exactly does it offer? Aqualisa say:
“The Quartz Digital Bath is controlled by a remotely sited processor - smaller than a shoebox, the processor is typically installed in an airing cupboard, the loft or under the bath. A slim data cable connects the processor to the bath control. Hot and cold water flows into the processor, blending it with thermostatic precision to the user’s selected temperature. Then, it’s fed back through Quartz Digital Bath’s contemporary bath overflow filler.
There are no taps to fiddle with, just a simple, one-touch start/stop button on the Quartz Digital Bath control. And best of all, there’s no big toe test, either. Because like Quartz Digital Shower, Quartz Digital Bath’s control also features an LED display. This flashes whilst your bath water is still warming up and then turns to steady when it’s reached your selected temperature. There’s also peace of mind; Quartz Digital Bath has a factory pre-set maximum temperature of 45ºC – reassuring for when the more vulnerable are in the bathroom.”
A particularly nice feature is the Quartz Digital Bath’s clever wireless remote. The wireless remote can be used up to 10 metres away from the bathroom and can be positioned wherever is convenient for you – just inside the bathroom door, on the landing – or for en suite bathrooms, on a bedside table. Alternatively, there is the cabled dual switch, which also allows Quartz Digital Bath to be turned on and off from a remote location.
There are some other nice touches to consider like Aqualisa’s offer of free installation and 5 year guarantee.
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Posted by Bob Bulmer on Thu 31st July 2008 at 08:36 PM, Filed in Bathroom, Showers
If you’re looking for cutting edge shower technology then the Aqualisa Digital Shower could be just the ticket.
This sophisticated shower unit delivers thermostatically controlled flow with spot on temperatures. It’s housed within a stylish but compact digital processor box that claims to offer “impressive flow of water, whatever the type of plumbing system.”
The Aqualisa Visage Digital Shower also incorporates a small LED that flashes green whilst the water is warming up and then turns to steady once the water has reached the user’s selected temperature.
I have personally been scolded by a shower - so it’s reassuring that the Visage Digital shower is supplied factory set with a maximum temperature of 45ºC.
Rising water bills can also be mitigated when the eco setting is selected during installation. This can reduce water flow down to 8 litres per minute, which is apparently 10 litres less than a typical power shower. A multimode showerhead should mean that showering performance remains relatively undiminished.
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Multifoil insulation is sparking some debate as to it’s effectiveness.
So here are the key points to consider:
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We’re considering a new build project at the moment. Exciting times.....!
However, a debate with our architect arose about whether to incorporate underfloor heating. The crux of the matter is that it’s more expensive to install, but more efficient in terms of heat distribution and costs.
Umm, personally I’m all for it and the long term heat cost savings are fairly compelling in the current climate. However, who do you go to for advice installation. Well one company we found (but haven’t tried) are Nu-Heat. They claim to be the largest supplier of warm water underfloor heating systems to the domestic market. Interestingly they have also recently added heat pump technology, including ground source, air source and exhaust air to their offering.
Two things to consider here:
1. Underfloor heating is likely to save on heating costs, but costs more to install.
2. It’s likely to make your home more desirable when it comes to sale time.
Keeping abreast of planning permissions in your area can be a great way of determining what you might be able to achieve with your own property. This has taken on an increasing importance as people delay moving in turbulent market conditions.
The web site Planning Alerts.com allows you to scrutinise planning applications and consents in your area. Check out what your neighbours are getting consents for and then apply for something similar. For instance, if they’ve just got consent for a 500 sq ft flat roof extension - then you know that you will be in with a good chance of achieving a similar consent. This can be absolutely vital, considering it can take several expensive amendments and applications to get a consent - why not just piggyback someone else’s work.....
