Posted by Bob Bulmer on Fri 2nd May 2008 at 06:00 AM, Filed in Appliances, Kitchen
I think most us aspire to furnishing our kitchen with the ultimate in fridge freezer technology. The AEG Electrolux S75598kg is that ultimate fridge freezer.
To Buy American Fridge Freezer technology gives a kitchen an added bow to the string, but what about a fridge freezer that has it’s very own wine cooler cabinet built in. That’s the added USP of the AEG Electrolux.
It’s a fine American Fridge Freezer, but the added 39 bottle wine cooler elevates it to another level.
If you’re pushed for kitchen space, then a secret dishwasher is a good idea.
This elegant stainless steel in sink model from Kitchenaid comes as part of a double sink. It costs £1,299 ($2,600), is B energy rated and has space for five place settings.
Great for a studio flat or apartment.
Whilst most washing machines and appliances are becoming more efficient and less noisy - the majority still output quite a bit of vibration. This can be a particular problem if you live in a first floor flat.
A company called sound service might have come up with a mitigating solution to this problem. They have developed an anti vibration pad made from hard recycled rubber and is available in 10mm or 20mm thickness and one square metre panels. Each panel can be shaped using a jigsaw or hand saw.
I’m not a huge fan of radiators. Even the stylish, contemporary types tend to be a little out of place in today’s minimalist mantra.
The solution can often be found in under floor heating. However, if you want something “a little out there” you should check out IQ Glass heated windows.
Their double glazing installation acts as a radiant heating system. This works by a rather clever coating of metal oxide on the inside of each pane. This creates electrical resistance and heat - the outer pane of the glazing retains the heat by reflection. Interestingly, it also works in reverse by reflecting unwanted heat during summer.
Posted by Peter Brady on Mon 31st July 2006 at 08:29 PM, Filed in Appliances
Air conditioning is becoming increasingly important in an ever changing climate. In particular old people and children are vulnerable in periods of extreme heat.
It may be inevitable that over time we will see all new builds coming with AC as standard - which is great. But what about integrating an AC system into an existing house. Not so easy.
Firstly, it’s always important to study the design of your house, using the structural schematics. Many AC companies can extrapolate a solution from these by looking at wall thicknesses, cavity insulation, heat given off by other appliances etc etc. If any AC engineer is worth his salt he will be able to shape the most appropriate solution for you around these factors.
Secondly, the size and orientation of your house will determine the size of the unit required and by implication the cost.
Thirdly, pushing the cold air through your house can be a tricky business. A certain pressure needs to be maintained within the ducting and this can be achieved by a reduction in duct diameter leading to the extremities of the AC system.
Finally, it is important that the hot air in each room is extracted back into the air handler system. This is ideally achieved with a return duct pipe situated in every room at an optimum height of approx 6 ft. To achieve a draw of air it is important that the air entry and return ducts are placed as far apart as possible.
Not getting some of these details correct can ruin the effectiveness of your AC system, so it pays to keep an eye on the engineer fitting the unit. There are cow boys out there, so watch out!
