Building Regulations Part L to Help Reduce Carbon Emissions by Tal Potishman Part L was introduced as part of the 2005 Building Regulations and it set a new standard with regards to energy efficiency. It called for all new boilers installed or replace...

Microgeneration: is it really a solution to extreme CO2 Emissions by Tal Potishman Microgeneration is likely to be an important step towards the Millennium Goal of ensuring environmental sustainability by the year 2015. This is an ambitious, if not id...

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) panels are designed to absorb the sun's energy and then use that energy to power your home or office building. They use a sophisticated structure of silicon wafers which react when light photons hit them and become chemically unsta...

It is generally known that systems such as your domestic boiler require periodic service in order to keep them in good operating condition. There are several ways to ensure the maintenance is done on a fixed schedule, such as using the service interval ti...

Since their successful introduction to the UK market back in the 80s, pressurized water heating systems, alternatively known as unvented cylinders, have proven to be very popular. They are winning hearts both with the general public and the plumbing and h...

In years gone by your typical plumber would show up in his old white van, most likely a Ford Transit with a rusty wheel arch and a few scratches and scuffs down the side. Things have moved a long way since then, and today's plumbers are spoilt for choice ...

It has happened to all of us, you turn on the hot water tap just to get a scalding flow of very hot water from the tap. The pain and sensitive skin that follows is the lowest level of injuries that are caused every year in the UK from overheated water, wh...

As part of its strategy to dramatically reduce CO2 emissions, the UK government has introduced the Code for Sustainable Homes. The code covers many important issues, but one of them has particular relevance to the plumbing and heating industry in the UK. ...

What seems like a basic hot water system in many countries around the world is finally catching up in the UK. Unvented hot water cylinders and central heating systems provide hot water at mains pressure level. Unvented systems eliminate cases where two us...

Unvented hot water systems are finally growing in popularity in the UK, which is still mostly reliant on gravity fed systems throughout the housing stock. This system which has its roots in the nineteenth century, suffers from low pressure of hot water (e...

In the last few years it became impossible to get away from the hype about green technologies versus fossil fuel technologies. Solar panels, solar thermal and wind turbines have ruled the headlines with major projects undertaken around the world. However,...

If you ask the public what is the most popular renewable energy technology, you are likely to hear solar panels and wind turbines. These technologies probably have the highest profile within the much hyped green energy sector. Solar panels and wind turbin...

Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs) have proven to be a hit seller in the UK in recent years and as such become an important part in fighting global warming. All central heating radiators must be fitted with a TRV, following the amendment to the Building ...

The Energy Using Products (EuP) Directive was introduced by the UK government in August 2007. It forms the bases for the EcoDesign requirements for the components and systems that use energy. The new directive is critical for any manufacturer and distribu...

They are essential for an efficient domestic central heating system, yet radiators rarely make the news headline in the central heating space. Central heating systems are often associated with a good boiler and a large cylinder in most people’s minds. H...