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If you’re planning to install an air source heat pump in your home or property, one of the first questions you’d probably want to ask is, how long does it last? In this post, we aim to provide an answer to this question and more. Let’s take a look!

Generally, heat pumps are considered to be very durable and long lasting. In the previous years, their average life expectancy was at 15 years, however with the advancement in modern technology, the newest units are able to last for about 20 to 25 years before they become due for replacement. The longevity and durability of air source heat pumps is as a result of their design as you won’t find many things that can go wrong and even more so with their latest models. As you would have expected, their lifespan normally varies with the manufacturer as well as model. However, while having them regularly maintained can help to extend their life expectancy and efficiency, they’re not considered to be a necessity.

When compared to other types of heating sources, heat pump comes out on top when it comes to longevity. The significance of this is immense due to the fact that the nature of the RHI scheme is to recoup sufficient funds so that after 7 years, the system will ultimately have costed nothing beyond that of a new boiler depending on the performance. Other heating sources such as oil, gas and electric boilers will only have to work for about 10 to 12 years before their parts will need to be replaced and times the manufacturer may have well stopped producing such parts.

The bigger the ground source heat pump, the better right? Wrong! And you’ll definitely be sorry to make such a huge mistake. When planning to install a heat pump, determining the size of the ground source heat pump is not as direct and straightforward as many homeowners would think. Here, you’ve got only a small margin for error. When the pump is too small, the heat pump will make use of the backup heater too often and in the event whereby the heat pump is too big, it’s going to short cycle. Both situations are preferably avoided as they’ll both leave you with an expensive and inefficient system.

To get the accurate size of a heat pump, there’s usually the need to hire the services of an expert and licensed heat pump installer who possesses a top notch design calculation software. In reality, the majority of inefficient systems are caused by a lack or poor understanding of the suitable design software.

There are many factors that can influence the calculation of a home’s heat pumps size. These includes

✓ Radiators and underfloor heating sizes

✓ Insulation, property fabric as well as heat loss

✓ The number of rooms in the property

✓ The types of rooms and their uses.

✓ The desired indoor temperature for varying rooms

✓ Seasonal temperature fluctuations.

Generally, a bigger house will require a bigger ground source heat pump. With an eye on the age of the property, heat loss as well as the types of the rooms, a house of about 100 square metre can require up to 4kW ground source heat pump. And for a house that’s about 200 square metre, the ground source heat pump also doubles to 8kW.

How To Get A Gas Fireplace Installed

A gas fireplace is one of the most popular means of adding warmth to homes which so many homeowners have now come to terms with, especially with natural gas prices being fairly low for an extended period of time. Properly installed gas fireplaces are not only capable of adding a much needed ambiance and warmth to your home, but also significantly more efficient than the traditional wood-burning fireplaces which mostly produces less heat from the large amount of drafts they consume. Meanwhile a good gas powered fireplace with a properly functioning blower, is very close to being as efficient as a furnace when warming up a room. What’s more? Gas fireplaces also possess a great visual appeal and are also very practical especially when they feature realistic ceramic logs as well as good gas burners.

Installing a gas fireplace by yourself is definitely up there as one of the most advanced DIY tasks you can attempt to try. If you lack proper training and experience, it’s advisable you leave the task to a reliable professional that’ll guarantee the best results while also ensuring costly errors are avoided. This guide will, however, put you in the right direction.

• Construct wall recess to accept the fireplace.

• Punch a hole through the exterior wall of the house to fit in stovepipe thimble.

• Fix a small part of the stovepipe to the exhaust port in the fireplace’s rear.

• Use construction adhesives on the wall around the fireplace opening’s sides and top.

• Apply granite slabs into the adhesive around the opening of the fireplace.

• Put the fireplace in position and ensure the stovepipe goes outdoors through the thimble.

• Use a termination hood to seal the exhaust pipe’s exterior.

• Employ the services of a professional plumber to connect the gas to the fireplace.

• Fit the removable front

• Test the functionality of the fireplace.

is spray foam insulation good

With age and use any electrical installation in your home will wear. A periodic inspection is therefore carried out to ensure your home electrics are in a satisfactory condition. With a periodic inspection: Ensure your electrical circuits aren’t overloaded, Avoid accidents such as shocks and fire hazards, Discover if there are any defective lines,Highlight any lack of earthing or bonding..

How To Clean Moss Off Roof?

Although moss attack on your roof is a less common occurrence, but when they occur they can be very harmful to your asphalt shingles if not attended to. Generally, moss are commonly found in damp environments such as the North slopes, overhanging treses or overhanging regions of the roof which causes shade which enables moisture to be stagnant and moss to develop. If you observe a green fuzzy stuff appearing on your roof, that’s likely to be moss.

The same way algae navigated its way to your roof as they can be airborne and travel via wind, squirrels, birds or other little flying or climbing animals, moss also gets carried similarly. One moss finds its way up your roof, they’ll find spaces between the shingles where they’ll form thick spongy moss which can be difficult to clean off if you don’t know the best way to go about it.

If you’re not a competent DIYer or confident enough to carry out this task, we’d strongly recommend you hire the services of a professional who can guarantee the best results effortlessly.

The best way to go about the cleaning task for both your roof and environment is to incorporate a product called Spray and Forget or Wet and Forget. You can get these at most local hardware stores. Simply put the product into a hose end sprayer and can be applied from the ladder at the edge of the gutter or even from the ground. This method may take a up to 6 months before you’ll start seeing the results but it happens to be the safest. Another method that can be used is bleach and water which is very aggressive but provides a quicker result. However, this is best done by a professional to avoid seriously damaging your roof.

How To Dot And Dab A Plasterboard

If you want a fast and simple way to achieve a smooth and sturdy wall which is decoration-ready, then dot and dab plasterboard is the way to go! It’s a relative simple process but can also be a bit challenging. Therefore, if you lack the necessary training or experience, hiring a professional would be a great step to protect your investment and guarantee the best results. Here, we’ll provide you with a deep insight into the plasterboard’s dot and dab procedures. Let’s have a look!

• At the thickness of the board with the adhesive, mark the ceiling and floor as well as the wall to indicate the centre of each board.

• Ensure the wall’s height is 15mm more than the plasterboard

• Make a mixture of the adhesive and achieve a thick consistency. Apply a consistent layer of the mixture around the wall’s perimeter, edge of the ceiling and any other openings with the use of a trowel.

• Select dabs that are about 250mm long and 50mm to 75mm wide and apply the adhesive in them. Make use of 3 vertical rows for individual boards. Also ensure to apply, at skirting level, a band of adhesive.

• Position the board’s reverse side against the dabs, and laying against the packers. Then make the board align with the ceiling and floor marks with the help of a straight edge.

• Raise the board till its tight against the ceiling with a board lifter. Once done, use the plasterboard to wedge the board into place before you remove the board lifter.

• Repeat the same process for the remaining parts of the room. Once completed, make sure the adhesive is set before you remove the boards.