5
Jan, 2023
heat

What You Need To Know About Thermodynamic Storage Tanks

Heaters are at the heart of heating in the home. However, it is a good idea to adopt a water heater that can filter the calories present in the water. The thermodynamic balloon then reinforces the energy savings. Want to know more about this thermodynamic water heater? In this article, you will find a guide dedicated to thermodynamic water heaters.

Thermodynamic tanks: What are they?

recycle

A thermodynamic tank, also known as a thermodynamic water heater, is a combination of a domestic hot water production tank with a heat pump. The role of this heat pump is to capture calories from the atmosphere and transmit them in the form of heat to the hot water tank. In this way, the tank heats the water in it.

In short, the air in the room where the tank is installed is used to heat a refrigerant. The temperature is then raised in the tank via a compressor, and the heat produced is finally transferred to the water in the tank. Find a professional in the field who can give you more guidance on the subject.

What happens if the outside temperature is too low? No problem! An electric resistance can be used to provide additional heating if necessary, for example, during periods of extreme cold or for essential domestic hot water (DHW) requirements.

Thermodynamic balloon: how does it work?

The thermodynamic tank must capture outside air to function properly. The 3 types of air captured by the heat pump differ from each other.

1. Ambient air

The heat pump and the hot water tank are incorporated into the same body. Therefore, the heat pump captures the heat in the room around the device. It is, therefore, important to choose the right heating system for your home.

2. The outside air

The heat pump and the cylinder are different. The heat pump is placed outside the house. This is the necessary solution if the interior room is smaller. It helps to save energy in the house.

3. Extracted air from the house

This is the combination of the heat pump and the storage tank. A system of ducts then recovers the heat from the air leaving the controlled mechanical ventilation system (VMC).

The heating medium of this type of tank is very advantageous. Its advantage lies precisely in its use of air as energy to create heat and hot water.

A thermodynamic tank is, therefore, an ecological and economical choice, as air is a renewable and free energy. The tank releases 3 kWh of heat to produce hot water from 1 kWh of electricity used. As a result, your hot water bill is three times lower. Isn’t that very interesting?

Where to install your thermodynamic tank?

In order for the tank to work efficiently, you can install it in the following locations:

  • A room of at least 20 cubic metres for an ambient air heat pump
  • Outside the building for an outdoor heat pump
  • Or a living room such as the kitchen for an extracted-air tank.

Once installed and functioning, it is necessary to know how to maintain it. Its regular maintenance also allows it to function over a long period of time.

Thermodynamic tank: how to take care of it?

heat

The maintenance of a thermodynamic balloon requires a particular maintenance such as:

  • Cleaning the ventilation grids and filters
  • Maintenance of the thermodynamic unit

It is nevertheless advisable to call on a heat pump professional to clean your thermodynamic tank. The specialist in heating solutions and professionals must be RGE certified in order to better help you install your thermodynamic tank. So don’t hesitate to tell them about your project. You will not be disappointed!

Sound off in the comments section below, and tell us what you want to read next and if you want to read more about thermodynamic tanks.

26
Dec, 2022
home

Top 5 Things To Know Before Buying Solar Panels

Even today, it is worthwhile to have solar panels installed. This green energy source allows consumers to become energy independent and costs a little less each year to purchase. So the investment is well worth it! Find out our tips for increasing the yield and making the best use of your solar panels. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and learn some of the things you need to know before buying solar panels.

1. Check your roof before installing solar panels

solar

Before anything else, it is crucial to thoroughly examine your roof. Have a professional builder inspect the roof structure to be on the safe side. For example, he can determine whether your roof has the right coverage to reduce the risk of water leakage. They can also check that your insulation is suitable for mounting solar panels.

2. Choose the right roof

Not all roofing materials are suitable for solar panels. Some materials contain plasticizers that can shorten the life of your solar panels. A bituminous roofing system is always a good choice. This material guarantees extra safety if it is laid in two layers and has a very long service life. TPO is also a suitable cover for solar panels. With this material, you have a guaranteed life span of 25 to 30 years.

Both materials are also available with a white finish on the top side, including products. This significantly increases the yield of your solar panels and ensures optimal operation. After all, solar panels work best at a temperature of 20°C to 25°C. With a white background, you create an ideal temperature on the roof surface.

3. Take into account the orientation of your roof

solar

Your solar panels will, of course, receive the maximum amount of sunlight if your roof faces south. But solar panels can also be interesting if your roof is oriented differently. Facing 30° to the west or east, they will still work well. Look at the plans for your house and if possible, choose a western rather than an eastern orientation.

4. Pay attention to the slope of your roof

A roof slope of 30 to 35° is optimal for a roof with solar panels. In principle, all roofs with a slope of 15 to 50° are suitable, but the yield will be lower. Also, consider that the angle of inclination will determine the fastening system of the panels.

5. After-sales service

solar

For good order tracking or for any technical or customer support issues, make sure that you can communicate with the person responsible for your order and that your contact can provide a quick and accurate response. Answering a simple price query is easy, but make sure your contact is professional and can provide you with all the technical information you need, as well as explain all the details of the products.

All businesses have complaints or problems, but how you resolve them is important. Make sure your supplier has valid ISO: 9001 certifications and ask about their actual experience. Factories are often at the root of the problem and know how to solve it. It is, therefore, best to contact the solar panel manufacturer directly. Buying solar panels in China should be done with a company that is easy to communicate with.

Looking for help?

Are you in Campbellfield? Are you looking into buying a solar panel? Then look no further than Battery Stop. With over 2 decades of experience, they pride themselves on being the premier one-stop shop for all your battery needs in Campbellfield. They provide a wide range of services, from batteries to solar panels and accessories across Victoria.

So, what are you waiting for? Give them a call to learn more about their services. Solar energy saves you money on your electricity bills and is environmentally friendly. So let’s take steps in the right direction and make a difference for our planet.

22
Dec, 2022
Lean1

The 10 Basic Principles of Lean Manufacturing

The origin of lean manufacturing can be traced back to Henry Ford’s assembly line. If there’s one thing Ford did impeccably, it was cutting waste. Yet, it wasn’t until the mid-1940s, when the Toyota Corporation picked up on the idea of minimal waste and perfected the process, that lean manufacturing really became mainstream. Toyota’s lead engineer, Taaichi Ohno, designed an operating system solely focused on reducing errors, ordering parts and supplies, shrinking inventory, and above all, eliminating waste – all with the aim of reducing warehousing costs.

The following are principles that constitute lean manufacturing. Due to the practicality and applicability of these concepts, most companies (even in office settings) try to replicate them. To help you gain a comprehensive understanding of lean manufacturing, here are 10 things you should know:

1. Levelled Production

Levelled production is simply smoothing out the quantity or type of production over a period of time. In Japanese, it’s known as “heijunka.” The idea of levelling is to optimize manufacturing capacity, allowing production that meets demands while at the same time avoiding inventory accumulation. It helps maintain minimum production lead time, manpower, capital costs, and inventories.

2. Continuous Improvement

Known as “kaizen” in Japanese, continuous improvement goes hand in hand with documenting procedures. Managers and employees work together to achieve regular, incremental improvements within processes, diligently documenting each change to achieve best practices. The ultimate goal of kaizen is to build a company culture that promotes proactive employees who are always looking to improve inefficiencies. Learn more about kaizen.

Lean2

3. Efficiency Through a Customer-First Approach

Finding efficiency that helps cut waste, a manufacturer has to step into their customer’s shoes and learn about their needs and expectations. This way, the manufacturer can devise ways to cut out waste such as slow transportation, overproduction, and defective products. Deeply understanding the customer’s needs not only improves customer service, but reduces waste and ultimately increases the product’s value.

4. Total Productive Maintenance (TPM)

TPM is a management philosophy stressing the importance of equipment maintenance in the manufacturing process. The idea of the program is to eliminate any loses tied to maintenance of equipment, keeping the process flawless without any unplanned downtime. Training, safety, and office efficiency all have a role in TPM. Employee participation in improvement proposals and maintenance is critical, as multidisciplinary teams work together to improve machine reliability.

5. Streamlining Processes

One main idea in lean manufacturing is creating a streamlined process, and this means delivering products on time. This does not only entail the end product, but also includes raw materials from vendors. Keeping the sales, production, and engineering departments in fluid communication is fundamental for streamlining. They must be in sync to spot buying trends, choose reliable vendors, and determine forecasts.

6. Develop Error-Proof Processes

Poka-yoke in Japanese means “mistake-proofing.” This principle stresses error-proof processes, which should be developed to prevent unintended errors. The goal is to immediately reveal any errors so they can be addressed quickly. By doing this, workers are able to focus their energy on other important factors, rather than back-tracking to fix mistakes. Error-proof processes come in many forms, from double-checking work quality to inventing mechanisms that activate in the event of an error.

7. Focus on Quality

Lean manufacturing encourages its adherents to focus on quality as they try to eliminate waste. Companies have to develop a system whereby quality is maintained, whether in the accounting process or the product itself. After all, the goal of lean is to deliver the maximum customer value in the shortest amount of time with the highest possible quality.

8. One-Piece Flow

This principle is pretty simple. In a production line that has several workstations, one-piece flow means that one item is moved to a work station where any pending work is completed before it moves on to the next station. The idea is to ensure that the product spends as little time as possible at each station and travel time from one station to another is minimal. This process also increases quality assurance, as it is easier to trace product errors back to a single station.

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9. Mapping the Value System

Value Stream Mapping (VSM) creates a visual representation of all the steps in a process. It puts on display every element required, from start to finish. In manufacturing, it’s common to find one or two steps in the process that don’t create or add value. Mapping the value system involves finding these steps and eliminating them completely.

10. Respect for Humanity

To keep things working efficiently, a company has to have high respect standards for employees, and this means not overworking them, aligning the company’s purpose with individual and team goals, and maintaining high accountability for both failure and success. If an organization wants to implement lean, they need support and participation from everyone in the company.

These 10 principles of lean manufacturing are all geared to eliminating waste and helping a company gain value while delivering quality. Big manufacturers such as Toyota have employed these principles for ages, promoting lean as a global trend. But these practices are not just for huge corporations, even small businesses, like Les Industries Capitol Inc. have adopted the over-arching mindset of what it means to be lean to great effect.

12
Dec, 2022
heat

Top 4 Tips For Saving On Heating

Discover 4 simple and effective tips to save on heating (temperature control, radiator cleaning, ventilation…). To keep the whole house warm, even on the coldest winter days, it must be heated continuously. But many mistakes are made when it comes to heating, which can lead to unnecessarily high energy consumption. With our “smart” tips, you will not only save on energy and heating costs, but you will also protect the environment.

There is no shortage of heating tips. But most of them are so complex that they’re hardly worth mentioning. Our 4 tips, on the other hand, are very simple to implement and extremely effective. Once you’ve learned them, these tips will provide you with many benefits (comfort, energy savings).

1. Heat the rooms differently according to your needs

heat

One of the first pieces of advice regarding heating is to heat the rooms “at the right temperature”, sometimes with some differences. The recommended comfort temperature in the living room or dining room is between 20 and 22°C. At this temperature, heating costs remain under control, and the room does not cool down too quickly.

It’s a little different for the kitchen. In this room, the optimal room temperature is between 18 and 19°C. The reason for this is that there are other heat sources, such as the oven or stove, which also emit heat. Therefore, this room should be less heated. The recommended room temperature is also between 18 and 19°C in the bedroom. It is true that there are no additional sources of heat in this room, but you usually get under a blanket.

The children’s room and the bathroom, on the other hand, should be heated a little more. The following advice applies to the children’s room: when the children are still small, their room should be a little warmer. Whether the kitchen or the bedroom, these rooms do not need to be heated much all the time. Lowering the temperatures by just one degree Celsius can save up to 7% in heating costs!

2. Clean and clear the radiators

Now to the second part of our heating tips: people often place their furniture in front of the heater, either because of lack of space or because they prefer to sit near the windows. This is inefficient, as it leads to heat build-up, and the air cannot be distributed optimally in the room. If it is not possible to place the furniture elsewhere, you should maintain a distance of at least 20 centimeters between them and the heater. Even curtains that partially or completely cover the radiators cause unnecessary energy consumption and hinder the proper distribution of heat in the room.

The third tip is often overlooked. Over time, dust accumulates on the chest of drawers and the television, but also on the radiators. This is not only unsightly but also has a negative impact on heating performance. The dust has an insulating effect and reduces heating efficiency. In addition, airborne dust has a negative impact on the atmosphere of the room, which can be uncomfortable for people with allergies. Generally, a damp cloth is all that is needed to remove the dust from the radiators. To clean the interstices of finned radiators, it is advisable to use a slatted brush.

3. Heating properly when you are away

heat

One of the most frequently mentioned heating tips is to heat the rooms when you are away. Most consumers turn off their heating when they are away. They want to save energy and money, but the opposite is true. When a heater is turned off for an extended period of time, the house cools down, and it takes a lot of energy to heat it back up. In the worst cases, there is a risk of mold. It is, therefore, advisable to leave the heating on continuously at a low setting. If you are away for a long time, a temperature of 12°C is sufficient to prevent the house from cooling down completely. If you are away for the weekend, the radiators can be set to about 15°C.

4. Ventilate well

Good ventilation is a prerequisite for efficient heating. And this does not only apply to the kitchen, where a lot of food is cooked, and there is a lot of humidity. An adult produces several liters of water per day through evaporation. For a family of four, this is a significant amount. To avoid mold, it is, therefore, advisable to ventilate three times a day. A common mistake in thinking about ventilation is to think that by tilting the windows, less heat will be lost to the outside. Repeated ventilation is much more effective. Windows should be left fully open for 4 to 6 minutes to allow moisture to escape.

In the fall, when temperatures have not yet dropped below zero, windows can be left open for 10 to 15 minutes without any problem. Of course, the warm air also escapes. The floor, furniture, and walls do not cool down completely during this short time. It is, therefore, not necessary to heat them again.

It is advisable to open two windows facing each other to create a draft where possible. During ventilation, the radiators should be turned down. Proper ventilation is one of the most important heating tips. It prevents the formation of mold and also ensures better air quality in the house.

Looking for help?

With over 25 years of experience in the HVAC industry, Coretemp Heating And Air Inc. is a well-established family-owned company specializing in installing and maintaining heating, ventilation, and air conditioning solutions for residential applications. They offer their services in Mississauga, Toronto, Burlington, and the surrounding areas.

They promise that once you’ve experienced our 24-hour service and the associated quality, you simply won’t turn to anyone else to keep your house comfortable! So, what are you waiting for? Give them a call today or visit their website for more information about their services!

5
Dec, 2022
sustainable

Sanitation By Phytodepuration: Advantages And Disadvantages

Phytodepuration is a method of wastewater treatment without a septic tank. Used for more than 20 years, this ecological sanitation is adapted to grey water and black water. Designed to treat domestic wastewater, this method goes far beyond the septic tank because of its advantages. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and learn some of the things you need to know about sanitation by phytodepuration.

Ecological

UNESCO’s Declaration of Ethical Principles in Relation to Climate Change (Part 2)

We only have one habitable (as far as we know) planet in our solar system, but we treat it as if we have other backup plans. We need to start treating it properly before it is too late. Phytodepuration allows the collection of water to come straight from the toilet, the bathroom, and the kitchen. 100% ecological, this natural mechanism uses planted filters. Plant species are carefully selected to naturally treat the nitrates and phosphates in the wastewater. The roots of these plants take care of the absorption and digestion of the polluting loads.

With the phyto-purification system, the pollution of the surface and the groundwater is reduced by itself. As no energy is needed, the water cycle is reintroduced into our daily life. Even for watering the vegetation above the pond, you can use the naturally filtered water in the second pond.

Low maintenance

Easier to maintain and less expensive than a conventional septic tank, this device has a long life span: 40 years. Unlike a septic tank that requires annual emptying, it requires only simple gardening work such as pruning, mowing, and weeding. As for maintenance, you only need to remove the sludge composted on the surface of the filter every ten years.

In addition, this type of sanitation is eligible for the eco-loan at zero rates. As this method does not need electrical energy to operate, it is not energy-consuming.

Beautiful to see

As part of the installation of sanitation by phyto-purification, the technician plants a mix of aquatic plants. In the hands of an excellent landscaper specialized in the design and creation of green spaces, your garden will keep its greenery while adding the color of reed flowers, cattail, yellow iris, scented acore, sedge, common rush… These vegetations will ensure the treatment of large particles, pollutants, and composts.

Few risks

As the bacteria work in good condition, there is no risk of smelling bad odors with this sanitation. Installed in the open air, this device even produces organic matter. It is true that you will smell some odors at the beginning of the operation of this installation, but they will disappear once the reeds invade the surface of the filter.

You also won’t attract flies and mosquitoes. Mosquitoes only lay eggs and breed on standing water, whereas in a wetland, not even a drop of water is visible. Since a safety grate is installed on the wetland, there is no risk of children or pets drowning.

Large area required

Landslides

A septic system is not for everyone, especially for city dwellers whose homes and subdivisions are connected to the sewer system. A small piece of garden, about 3 m², is, in fact, necessary for the installation of the device. However, it takes up less space than a sand filter because the sewage garden requires 10 m² per filter.

Nevertheless, the inhabitants of villages that do not benefit from collective sanitation can take advantage of this individual sanitation device. After two years of use, they even have the possibility to recover the compost from the pond for their ornamental plants. As for the older homes with septic tanks, the presence of a specialist in phytodepuration is essential. Moreover, the installation of a phyto-purification system is ideally placed on sloping ground. If there is no slope, a lifting pump is necessary.

Sound off in the comments section below, and tell us what you want to read next and if you want to read more about sustainability.

3
Nov, 2022
insulation

5 Effective Tips To Reduce Your Heating Bill

The average heating bill of an American exceeded 1500 dollars in 2020. Several factors come into play to make the expenses climb so high: the disparity, the geographical location, and the energy performance of the housing. Rest assured, it is possible to take control of your energy expenses in order to reduce them as much as possible. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and learn some of the things you need to know about reducing your heating bill.

1. Avoid drafts

insulation

20% of the energy bill is due to loss caused by airtightness. Simply install door seals and adhesive insulation for the windows to remedy this. To prevent drafts, you can even make your own beading using newspaper.

2. Optimize the insulation in your home

The solution to limiting heat loss is to improve the insulation of the house. Heating a poorly insulated house is a futile effort. With financial aid and insulation materials available to everyone, you will have no trouble insulating walls, roofs, and attics. Moreover, changing a single-glazed window into a double-glazed one will improve the insulation of your home. There’s no need to install triple glazing, which will only cost you money.

3. Program the electric heating

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To regulate the heating in your home, invest in a programmer. This device will turn on the heating once you are home, or even before you return. Heating only the living rooms is also a good way to become a financial winner when it comes to heating.

Also, heat it to the right temperature when you turn it on. The ideal is to heat a home to 19° and 17° for the bedrooms. When you are away for a period of 2 days, for example, maintain the indoor temperature at 12°. This will avoid freezing the various pipes.

If you use the heating system collectively, have a heating engineer install a heat distributor to evaluate the heat produced in each apartment. This way, each inhabitant will be responsible for his or her expenses, and this will encourage everyone to watch their consumption.

4. Warm up your home without heating

To warm up the interior of a house without turning on a heater, you can close the shutters when the sun is not shining. Don’t forget to renew the indoor air daily by opening it for about ten minutes. Using thick curtains also helps to limit the cooling in a room because it limits the entry of cold air. Remember that one degree less is equivalent to 7% of the energy supplied by your heating system. If you’re really cold in bed, consider using a hot water bottle before bed. Inexpensive but able to heat for a long time, you can save a ton of money with this container.

5. Invest in new heating equipment

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If your heating equipment is getting old, consider investing in maintenance. You can bleed your radiator regularly to ensure its proper function. However, avoid hiding it with furniture or damp cloths. For those who use electric radiators, dusting this appliance helps you save energy. Some people also use aluminum foil to improve the heating in a home. Putting them behind the radiator releases heat throughout the room instead of heating the wall. And why not buy a more efficient heater?

Consider seeking the advice of a heating engineer, so you don’t spend money on a heater that doesn’t suit your needs. He offers heating solutions that can help you save even more. This gas professional will ensure the optimal performance of your appliance. The choice of wood stove, wood or condensing boiler, and heat pump depends on each home and its needs.

Sound off in the comments section below, and tell us what you want to read next and if you want to read more about reducing your heating bill.

25
Oct, 2022
waste

Everything You Need To Know About Green Waste

Respect for environmental protection measures and the rules of easy waste management is at the origin of the categorization of our garbage. The most common ones are plastic or metal waste and recyclable or organic waste. Green waste is one of the organic wastes of vegetable origin. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and learn some of the things everyone needs to know about green waste.

Where does it come from?

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In general, green waste results from the pruning of plants during gardening and the maintenance of fruit trees or green spaces and parks carried out by households, private companies, or public authorities. These plant debris can also have a natural origin, such as the fall of dead leaves and stems. Therefore, it is made up of tree branches, dead leaves, grass, brush, and residues of plant and hedge pruning.

Why dispose of it?

Since vegetable waste is biodegradable, the inconvenience caused by its storage and the stench of its degradation causes a neighborhood disturbance. It is important to know that green waste is subject to certain regulations that must be respected:

    • The storage of green waste whose volume is lower than 5 cubic meters is authorized, provided that it does not pollute water or the street. Beyond this threshold, municipal authorization is required.
    • It is forbidden to throw them in the household garbage bins.
    • Burning of vegetable waste is prohibited for individuals.
    • The storage of bulky vegetal waste constitutes visual pollution. This aesthetic or visual damage done on a neighboring property is punishable by a fine
    • For safety reasons, pruning work must be carried out by a company equipped with the appropriate materials.

How to get rid of it?

Generally, the disposal of green waste is under the responsibility of the municipality. The transportation of the waste is also the responsibility of the municipality. In practice, municipal technical services deposit dumpsters in each neighborhood. Thus, households, companies, or public communities are required to deposit their green waste there. In addition, in the absence of dumpsters, some municipalities offer to transport non-hazardous waste to the waste disposal center. This easy access has only two conditions:

    • The cost of transporting the waste is at the expense of the depositor 
    • The depositor must bring proof of address issued by the commune in question.

What happens to vegetable waste?

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It is taken to a dedicated area called the green waste area. Their destination varies according to the strategy of the commune concerned.

    1. Some of it is destined for recycling. For this purpose, green waste is sent directly to composting plants. There it is transformed into biogas, fuel, or fertilizer.
    2. Some municipalities enter into agreements with local farmers. This public-private partnership is called a co-composting agreement. The public authority deposits the sorted and shredded green waste on the partner’s farm through this partnership. This green waste is then processed and later used as fertilizer to promote agriculture.
    3. Wood and useful plant debris can also be purchased by companies specializing in the treatment and processing of wood. Properly dried, these wastes can be used later as firewood. Insofar as they are transformed, they will become recycled wood, ideal for the development of terraces and gardens, or will be used for modern carpentry activities.

Thanks to recycling, vegetable waste is transformed into essential elements of our daily life, such as firewood, fertilizer, garden furniture, and energy. The present facts only confirm the quote: “Nothing is lost, nothing is created, everything is transformed”.

Sound off in the comments section below, and tell us what you want to read next and if you want to read more about green waste.

12
Oct, 2022
solar

Ecological House: The Essential Equipment

If you want to participate in the protection of the environment, opt for an ecological house. To do this, you can renovate your old house or build a new one with the appropriate materials and equipment. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and learn some of the things that can help you choose them.

Natural materials

The roof

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Start by choosing a natural wood roof. With this material, the frame can be erected in the shortest possible time while keeping the site clean. You can add brick, stone or wood panels for more aestheticism.

For the roof, use shingles, as they offer the advantage of being both light and resistant. You can also opt for terracotta tiles without dyes, which can last for over 150 years. You can choose between a cone-shaped, flat, or mechanical tile, depending on your taste. It is also possible to install concrete tiles by choosing flat shapes with a roof pitch of 45°.

The walls

Three options are available for having an ecological wall:

  • Brick walls: bricks are noble and are very resistant to fire ;
  • Terracotta walls: they blend in perfectly with the wooden equipment to harmonize your interior decoration;
  • Wooden walls: in addition to their durability, these walls have a good natural hygrometric regulator. Favour labelled models to limit the importation of exotic woods. Don’t hesitate to call a renovation specialist if you want to change the type of wall.

An ecological heating system

By choosing an ecological heating system, you can save more energy and optimize your comfort. It also contributes favourably to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. To benefit from renewable energy by using a boiler, opt for the following:

    • A low-temperature boiler 
    • A condensing gas boiler
    • A micro-generation gas boiler
    • A wood pellet boiler.

As for the heat pump, choose:

    • An air-to-water heat pump
    • An air-to-air heat pump
    • A geothermal heat pump.

You can also use stoves by choosing :

    • Wood pellet stoves 
    • Log stoves
    • Mass heating stoves.

Insulation

A natural insulator is the most effective in enjoying thermal and acoustic comfort.

Cork

Cork comes from the cork oak tree and is available in the form of loose sheets or granules. Its quality lies in its resistance to humidity and its rot-proof character. It is often used to fit out uninhabitable attics. You can also install it on floors or walls.

Wood fibre

insulation

Wood fibre insulation is suitable for floors, walls, partitions and roofs. It is available in rigid, semi-rigid and bulk panels.

Hemp wool

Hemp is renowned for its rot-proof, anti-fungal and thermo-regulating properties. This insulation is suitable for walls, attics, roofs and partitions.

Flax fibres

The fibres to be used must be short for them to become insulating. They are resistant to insects, rodents and moulds thanks to the presence of boron salt. Attics, roofs and walls can accommodate them well.

Sheep’s wool

Sheep’s wool is the ideal insulator to avoid hearing airborne noise. Available in panels, rolls and felt, it is intended for roofs and attics that are not habitable. To have better resistance, it is better to treat it with boron salt.

Duck feathers

Duck feathers are reserved for lost attics, walls, ceilings and floating floors. They exist in rolls and panels.

Cellulose wadding

insulation

 

Cellulose wadding insulation is intended for lost attics, partitions, floors and false ceilings. It prevents the creation of thermal bridges thanks to its lightness.

However, some of these insulations are not suitable for houses under construction. Call an eco-builder to get the right one if this is the case.

Sound off in the comments section below, and tell us what you want to read next and if you want to read more about building a green and sustainable home.

7
Oct, 2022
home

How To Connect A Solar Panel?

For the sake of energy saving and ecology, you have decided to turn to renewable energy by opting for green energy. There are a plethora of hot water systems on the market, and you have a wide array of choices to choose from. However, this can be a bit dicey because you don’t know what hot water system is perfect for you.

The type of water heater you choose should depend on your budget, but we advise you to invest in a solar water heater if you have the money. This is a great idea! You already have everything you need, and all that’s left to do is to make the connection. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and learn some of the things everyone needs to know about solar panels.

Installing the solar panels

solar

Before you can connect the solar panels, you must first successfully install them. This task must be done step by step:

1. Properly orientate the solar panels

This first step should not be neglected. For optimal efficiency, you should choose a sunny location, placing the solar panels according to the orientation of the house’s slopes: on the southwest, south, or southeast side.

2. Finding the right tilt

To produce the maximum amount of energy, find the right inclination: 30°, no more, and no less. This way, the panels can easily and optimally capture the sunlight.

3. Question of shading

The principle is simple: the less shade there is, the more sun there is. In other words, avoid areas where there are large trees, as they only reduce the production of solar energy.

Choosing the type of solar panel connection

There are two main types of connection: parallel wiring and series wiring. To know which one to choose, we will explain the difference between these two systems:

1. Parallel wiring

solar

A connection of solar panels by parallel wiring generally allows for an increase in the intensity. It consists in connecting all the positive terminals together and all the negative terminals together.

2. The series connection

The purpose of this one is to add the voltages. To make a connection of solar panels in series, it is enough to connect a positive terminal of a panel to a negative terminal of another and vice versa. The choice between these two types of connection depends mainly on your regulator.

In any case, you can find out which connection to make in the user’s manual or in the assembly instructions of your device. If you don’t know where to start, the best solution is to call an experienced installer. It is made up of a team specialized in the installation of photovoltaic panels.

Connecting a 12 and 24 V solar panel

As you have seen, there are two types of solar panels: those that work in 12 V and those in 24 V.

1. A 12 V assembly

This is the perfect assembly for devices that do not support a higher voltage. However, it requires a parallel connection.

2. A 24 V assembly

To obtain a power of 24 V, you need two batteries of 12 V and to connect them in series. The connection of solar panels must also be in series. This is the best way to produce more solar energy. If you plan to use your lights and appliances at the same time, choose a 24V connection.

Is it necessary to connect a photovoltaic inverter?

solar

The answer is yes! Indeed, a photovoltaic installation must contain:

    • Solar panels
    • A regulator: to secure the connection
    • A photovoltaic inverter.

The latter is the element in charge of transforming the direct electric current into alternating electric current. This means that it is essential to supply all your circuits in the correct way.

Sound off in the comments section below, and tell us what you want to read next and if you want to read more about solar panels.

5
Oct, 2022
recycle

The Different Types Of Recycling

Several methods have been deployed to preserve the environment with the piling up of waste and their long degradation time. In the waste reduction framework, they are sorted according to their categories and recycled for the manufacture of new products. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and learn some of the things you need to know about recycling.

Recycling plastics

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Lightweight and easy to use, plastics are essential to our daily lives. They are, however, used for a short period of time, but once thrown away; they do not degrade easily. Therefore, restrictive measures have been imposed to limit plastic consumption. In the meantime, some have chosen to opt for recycling for optimal use. To do this, manufacturers have marked a triangular logo indicating their level of recycling.

Indeed, some plastics, such as yogurt pots and plastic bags, are not profitable for recycling, as the quantities of materials that make them up are very small. On the other hand, recycling opaque containers such as milk bottles and transparent bottles such as water bottles are both economic and beneficial.

Classified as HDPE or high-density polyethylene, opaque plastics are strong and resistant to chemicals and other impacts. Transparent plastics are classified as polyethylene terephthalate or PET. They are light, waterproof, and gasproof, but also strong.

To recycle, a large number of bottles must be collected. You can rent a dumpster to facilitate collection and processing. After collecting the plastics, the PET bottles are ground into flakes, washed, and stripped of their labels. Then they are subjected to a high temperature for a homogeneous assembly.

This component can be used in manufacturing new bottles or in manufacturing polyester fibers, including fabrics, carpets, and synthetic cottons. As for HDPE, the recycling process is almost the same as for PET, but it can be used to make watering cans, chairs, or even pipes.

Paper and cardboard recycling

Paper, juice cartons, and cardboard also make up a large part of the waste stream. Fortunately, they are perfectly recyclable. To do this, they are crushed and immersed in a large tank to remove impurities, including staples, glue, etc. After grinding, the inks and water contained in the pastes are extracted. The pulp is then processed into new paper, cardboard, toilet paper, and gift wrap.

Recycling of metal materials

Like wrought iron, cans and tins can be recycled in several ways. Steel is widely used in the manufacture of household appliances, automotive parts, and new cans. Aluminum is used in the manufacture of trays, automotive parts, kitchen utensils, and windows. The recycling steps are crushing, thermal cleaning, melting in a 1600°C furnace, and processing.

Glass recycling

recycle

Glass packaging is very popular for serving and storing food. It is heat and gas-resistant and preserves the quality of the food. Moreover, it is almost intact and without wear after use. This characteristic gives it a very special second life, including the manufacture of bottles, flasks, and jars. To do this, start by gathering a pile of glass in the trash. Since it is sharp and difficult to work with, it is essential to hire a skip-hire service to help you with the collection and recycling work.

Once collected, the glass containers are sorted and stripped of caps and other accessories. They are then crushed to obtain a cullet. At a very high temperature of 1400°C, the cullet is melted and mixed with other components such as silica and soda, colorants, and limescale. These components prevent the crystallization of the glass in order to obtain a tight and solid material. The melted paste is then blown and cooled to produce new products.

Sound off in the comments section below, and tell us what you want to read next and if you want to read more about recycling.