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The Weekend in Black and White

What to be Aware of When Installing Underfloor Heating During the Winter

Many people make the decision to install underfloor heating once winter has already started, which often means that it’s often a few months before they’re enjoying the benefits. If the installation is set to occur during the winter, there are a number of mishaps that could occur, which can severely damage your system before you’ve even used it! In this article, we have outlined some of the main things that you need to be aware of to avoid these mishaps.

There is always a chance that the pipe will burst

Firstly, we felt it is was important to stress that, no matter what the manufacturer has claimed, if water expands with the pipes there is always a chance that they will burst. Whilst some pipes really are more robust than others, you have to wonder whether you’re willing to take the risk. Consider the fact that, if a pipe were to burst, you will have to find the leak, dig up the screed, fix the pipe and re-test the system in order to get it back up and running.

So, what do you need to be aware of when installing underfloor heating during the cold winter months?

• Introduce Anti-Freeze
  After the pipes have been laid and the system is pretty much ready to go, ensure that an anti-freeze inhibitor has been introduced. This will help to prevent the water from freezing in the pipes and should be introduced to your system every winter. Freezing is the main cause of bursting, as it causes the water to expand and break through the pipes. When the weather or system warms up, the water melts and leaks through.
  
  
• Pressure Test
  Before the underfloor heating system is signed off, it needs to be pressure tested to ensure that the pipes can withstand the force of water being pumped around. You have the option to pressure test the system using air rather than water, which greatly reduces the chance of water freezing somewhere in the pipes. If the installer is performing the test for you, they may have already decided to use air rather than water.
  
  
• Drain the System
  If the system will not be used immediately and your installer has decided to pressure test it using water, it is important that you completely drain the pipes once the test is complete. Air can be used to force the last of the water out of the system, ensuring that not a single drop is left to freeze and wreak havoc in the pipes. If the system is going to be used straight away, however, the water can be left and anti-freeze added.

At the end of the day, the best way to avoid mishaps with the installation of underfloor heating is to have it installed at a warmer time of year (such as spring or summer). For some homeowners, however, this is simply not an option – perhaps you’re building and the system needs to be installed before the next stage can commence, for example. In these cases, it is important that you complete the above steps to ensure that mishaps are kept to a minimum.

Benefits and Functions of Using Water Jet Cutting Systems

Water jets are considered are accurate, adjustable and swift. In the last few of years, they are said to have become much easier to be used. Principle behind its use is regarded to be a simple one that is combined with complex engineering design from performing the required task. High pressure water in this machine gets forced through narrow hole for generating appreciable energy in very high amount but through extremely smaller surface area. The narrow hole’s function is to create high velocity beam and high pressure that is later projected on smaller surface region.

Types

There are basically two waterjet cutting types that exist for the purpose of cutting different kinds of materials, which are namely Abrasive waterjet and pure waterjet. In case, of abrasive waterjets, there is an abrasive substance that is mixed along with water for creating for creating high pressure beam to cut through extreme hard materials like quartz or granite with great ease. Pure waterjet makes use of only water without abrasive substances for cutting through materials. These are used to cut soft materials.

In pure waterjet, the inlet water is said to be subjected towards high pressure that is within the range of about 20,000 – 55,000 pounds / square inch. It is then forced through tiny hole in jewel of diameter between 0.1 – 0.4mm for creating the much needed energy on impact. In regards to abrasive waterjet, the water beam of high velocity leaves the jewel, thereby creating a vacuum, which again rapidly pulls abrasive materials towards beam, to get mixed with in mixing tube. The abrasive material particles are forced with the high velocities towards material surface area for generating sufficient energy for cutting through tough materials.

Uses

As waterjets can easily cut through both hard and soft materials, they do find extensive usage especially in fabrication shops. To cut hard materials, granite bridge saw also can be used, however, it tends to produce plenty of heat and mechanical stress that are not found in water jet. The latter is much easier to be set up, not requiring any kind of manual movement, since cutting head would actually move over material that  is placed on table. Using CNC programming, different designs can be produced conveniently at a much faster rate.

These are ideal for cutting through materials, which are sensitive towards heat, since they are known to produce negligible heat at the time of cutting. On the other hand, a bridge saw that is utilized for cutting hard materials like granite does produce plenty of heat while cutting thereby increasing wear and tear of this machine. Fixturing in very small amount is required for majority of the parts, since waterjets do produce very small sideways forces while cutting. Moreover, no mechanical stress is subjected on materials when using waterjet.

In short, it can be stated that Semyx water jets could be utilized for cutting variety of materials, be it hard or soft. When being used with CNC machines, these are sure to be capable enough to produce intricate designs in seamless manner.

How to Create Energy Efficient Homes

image:en.wikipedia.org

The energy resources of the world have been declining steadily over the years. There has been an increasing demand for homes to become more energy efficient. People want to be able to take the necessary measures that will lower their energy bills while reducing the negative impact they have on the environment.

Importance of Good Insulation

Your home should help you achieve the goal of enhancing energy efficiency. Good insulation is one of the most important factors that can influence efficiency in your home. Insulation causes a reduction in the amount of cool and hot energy that goes through the walls of your home.

When weather conditions are considered to be extreme, insulation will ensure that less energy is required for your heating and cooling system. This will further enable you to have the ideal atmosphere for your needs.

Efficient Heating and Cooling

Your heating and cooling system is probably the highest consumer of energy in the home. This is why it is necessary for you to have a system that runs efficiently in order for you to be able to increase overall efficiency in your home. Proper installation of insulation can be carried out during the construction process or after depending on what you consider to be more cost and time efficient.

Green Sources of Energy

Other features such as solar panels can be considered as green sources of energy to supplement what you already have. Ensure that your home is designed to prevent air leakage that can make the heating and cooling system use more effort and excessive amounts of energy. This can have the adverse effect of providing too much heat or cold in the home and increasing your energy bills.

Trees provide a natural and efficient way to block out the rays of the sun and reduce exposure to the cold during winter seasons. Eco friendly materials that are used in the process of building homes and making furniture reduce energy costs on a global scale.

Benefits of Energy Efficiency

An energy efficient home is one that is able to consume lower levels of energy in comparison to other homes. The home has the capacity to save energy without compromising on the comfort or lifestyle of the occupants.

• Energy savings arise from being energy efficient through the incorporation of innovative technological advancements that create efficient appliances.
• As a homeowner, going green will help you save money and enjoy a healthier lifestyle. With improvements in technology and building processes, many more homes have been able to meet the standards of energy efficiency.
• Homes become greener when they use resources that are efficient and eco friendly. They also constitute environmentally friendly structures that are created through natural and sustainable products. If your goal is to run an energy efficient home, you need to observe the aspects of your home that are energy draining and address them.

Spare the time and effort to find ways that will help you reduce the amount of energy you need to perform different tasks around the home. Energy savings will become a reality when you invest in efficient resources. 

Read this also : 101 Ways to save energy in your home

Bio

Marshall Matthews is a writer who focuses on various aspects of home décor and construction. He has written for numerous publications. Visit his website for business energy rates. 

Swinging

I forgot to note the name of this vine which found inside Bogor Botanical Gardens. The long and thick trunk is strong enough to support the weight of the girl.

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The Weekend in Black and White