Anna Stenning asked:


Like most people, I often struggle to get into work when the world outside is a big blanket of grim darkness and sparkling cold frost. What makes it worse is when I can clearly see my own breath; this is when you know it is very cold and most likely to be a long day into work. It is at times like these that I wished I could drive and enjoy the heating from my car. Better still if only the ground had floor heating, a very unlikely prospect I imagine.

However, in the midst of my self-woes and complaints about the British winter weather, it makes me wonder about what people did before the invention of central heating. Even if they used fireplaces, it certainly must have been very cold even in your humble abode. Before cars people had to travel great distances that I am almost certain did not have central heating. Central, fan, electric and floor heating are a luxury compared to the life we had lived prior to our technologically advanced society now.

History

The Roman Empire is recorded to have used central heating in the cities around 100AD, using a system called the hypocaust. The hypocaust, literally meaning ‘heat from below’, conducted air heated by furnaces through empty spaces, under the floors and through pipes in the walls. The hypocaust was most commonly used for public baths and private houses. Keeping the hypocaust running was labour intensive and very expensive requiring constant attention, so only the wealthy were able to afford to have one in their homes.

Traditional Korean homes used the Ondol, (also known as the Gudle) that was very similar to the Roman hypocaust, but differs in that it circulates heated air used mainly for cooking and floor heating, whereas the hypocaust was used to heat public baths. This consisted of a furnace or stove, situated underneath the floor, heated floor under-layed by smoke passages and vertical chimneys to allow a draft. Traditional Ondols used rice paddy straw and agricultural crop waste to keep the heat running. Now modern day Ondols use circulated air and heated water for under-floor heating.

Engineers from Russia, around 1700, had begun developing hydrological based central heating; an example of this is evident in The Summer Palace (1710 - 1714) of Peter the Great in Saint Petersburg. Later in the year in Sweden of 1716, water was used to distribute heat in most buildings. Steam heating systems were then developed and installed in England during the 1830s, by Angier March Perkins.

Modern Heating Systems

Modern day heating consists of either water, electric, gas fired, hydronic or steam system heating. Heating systems that use water system use the following components for central heating: gas supply lines, boiler, pump (to circulate water in a closed area) and radiator (most commonly used in most buildings and almost all households in the UK). Electric heaters convert electricity into heating and are more expensive.

Hydronic heating systems circulate heated water, whereas steam heaters use steam as a heating medium as opposed to water. Hydronic systems are also used for floor heating, using a boiler and a pump to distribute hot water in plastic pipes installed in concrete slabs. These systems are also used with an anti-freeze system which would come in very useful during times of snow and ice along walkways, parking lots and streets.

These days’ people have become very aware of the environmental issues with using central heating. Much of the heat used is wasted, as single rooms that do not need heating waste a lot of energy. Energy efficiency attempts have come across in the form of architects designing low-energy buildings, water based combustion central heating offers more energy efficiency and wet under-floor heating which allows easy usage for future technological advances in pumps and solar combi-systems.

So whenever you get up to go to work and find yourself complaining about the cold weather, think yourself lucky that we live in a period where heating is not a problem to obtain, more affordable and is no longer labour intensive to distribute. It is as easy as switching it on and fiddling with the thermostat, which makes a change from gathering wood using it all day and tending to it day and night making sure you maintain a consistent circulation of heat.



Micheal

smartenergy uk asked:


SmartEnergy UK Ltd was first registered in February 2000 and started trading as a Company in July 2000.

The first Installation centre to open was in Chester in January 2001. Following immense success, a further two Installation centres were opened in the same year; Colchester in May and Eastleigh in November. To ensure the Company could reach as much of the UK as possible, a further two Installation Centres were opened; Exeter in May 2003 and Tewkesbury in April 2004. This continued expansion helped Smart Energy UK Ltd promote the use of thermal solar energy in the UK with the following objectives:

To create awareness of the benefits of solar energy in the UK To provide the highest specification of equipment To provide the highest standard of installation To provide the highest quality of customer service To give the customer the most advanced, efficient and cost effective methods of harnessing FREE solar power

The success story continues as SmartEnergy UK Ltd is now the largest installer of domestic solar water heating systems in the UK and the only National Company with regional sales and installation centres across the UK to give the best sales, installation and service.

All BPEC Certification Ltd approved centres are continuously examined to ensure that high standards are maintained and procedures are carried out in accordance with a series of strict requirements.  Smart Energy have their dedicated BPEC approved training centre in Tewkesbury.

What’s the best way to convince you to switch to solar power?

To tell you that you could halve your hot water bills for life? To tell you that there’s so little to go wrong with your system that it will be working just as efficiently in 20 years time? To tell you that our solar energy system works just as well in cool, cloudy Britain as it might in sunnier climates? To tell you that you can even take your solar panels with you if you move house?

Smart Energy Master

Smartenergy Master is an intelligent central heating boiler management system which works on temperature as well as time, ensuring that the boiler works at maximum efficiency. It is compatible with most boilers including combo, condensing and back boilers and all types of fossil fuels. This system has plenty of useful advantages and features that could make all the difference at home, but the one that most customers are probably interested in is that the system could save you up to 20% off your energy bills at home

Smartenergy UK is the leading solar energy providers in the country which provides invaluable product for anyone hoping to save money on their energy. Smart Energy UK Ltd one of the largest installer of domestic solar hot water systems in the UK, operating from regional sales and installation depots, using our own fully trained BPEC accredited solar energy technicians to ensure the highest standard of installation..

 



Colby

Leaftech asked:


Groan, creak, rattle, hiss, clang!! Remembering the sounds of hot water heating systems of decades past can certainly bring back memories of cold, damp mornings.

Isn’t everyone today looking for up-to-date energy-efficient home building materials and equipment? With the increasing cost of fuel and the continued growth of energy conservation, everyone, builders and homeowners alike, is looking for cost savings and efficiency in every nook and cranny. We all know about improvements in windows, doors, furnaces, flooring, siding and roofing.

But have you investigated hot water heating? More specifically, have you ventured to consider what is available on the market for central heating boilers? Most people, when they think of boilers, imagine the large steam boilers of yesteryear. Although it may sound unbelievable, today there are companies specializing in space saving, energy efficient, compact wall mounted boilers and hot water equipment. Some of these wall mounted boilers are no bigger than a kitchen cupboard, small and quiet enough to install in a bedroom closet.

The traditional heating and hot water systems override precious living space because of their requirements for a separate mechanical room and bulkhead space. The compact size of a wall mounted boiler will increase your living space. What a terrific investment for a building that is already space compromised.

If you are a developer considering construction of a multi unit building, think about installing a high-end wall mounted boiler. What a unique convenience to offer your purchaser the ability to pay only for heat they consume. Manufacturers of these products boast that your heating and hot water bills can be reduced to half of your current expense. Terrific selling features for individuals on fixed incomes or for individuals who only reside in the building 6 months of the year. Additional features of installing wall mounted boilers systems are the options to custom design and install radiant in-floor heating, heated towel racks or snowmelt applications. These upgrades increase efficiency and cost saving if they are installed during construction.

Originating mostly in European countries, these boiler systems are now emerging into the North American market. As energy costs continues to rise, the North American consumer and building contractor are becoming more knowledgeable and responsible about designing, constructing and purchasing energy efficient buildings with environmental consciousness.

Consider a central heating boiler for your next project, whether it be a multi-unit development, or just replacing that groan - rattle - clunk in your basement.



Lewis