Display:
The attic insulation has been done to 300mm of rock wool.  The new windows will be just double glazed, but to a high U value.  I don't think ambient temperatures in Ireland justify triple glazed.  Have already installed insulated wooded laminate flooring (over concrete) in most rooms.  Have considered ground source heat pump but the cost is considerable and not really an option until the time comes to replace the Kerosene range.

notes from no w here
by Frank Schnittger (mail Frankschnittger at hot dotty communists) on Wed Apr 14th, 2010 at 07:08:22 PM EST
[ Parent ]
after having the pipes in the collector burst on me a couple of times, i now empty the water out of them during then refill them in april.

you might want to do that and save your glycol costs.

if your roof is too dangerous, maybe you could install  taps at ground level.

solar heated water tingles more in the shower.

;)

~"When an inner situation is not made conscious, it appears outside as fate." Karl Jung~

by melo (melometa4(at)gmail.com) on Thu Apr 15th, 2010 at 03:42:53 AM EST
[ Parent ]
during winter, duh.

i hear their happy gurgling right now.

~"When an inner situation is not made conscious, it appears outside as fate." Karl Jung~

by melo (melometa4(at)gmail.com) on Thu Apr 15th, 2010 at 03:44:04 AM EST
[ Parent ]
The sales guy recommended against the vacuum pipe solar collection system saying they have lifespan and maintenance issues. Presumably the pipes burst because water freezes and glycol shouldn't.  There is not much point in my having a solar heating system if it doesn't work in winter...

notes from no w here
by Frank Schnittger (mail Frankschnittger at hot dotty communists) on Thu Apr 15th, 2010 at 04:36:13 AM EST
[ Parent ]
i'm N. facing, with a hill to the S.W., so with the ambient temp going down to -5-10C in winters, it doesn't do diddly. i drain it and shut the taps filling it from late oct. to mid april. even now, with sporadic spring clouds passing, i'm lucky if it raises the temp from 15C to 40C after all day, which is OK for a quick shower without any cold added.

alternatively lighting a small fire tips it up to very hot.

on a full sunny day, such as we had a few days ago, it went to 60C on solar.

 

~"When an inner situation is not made conscious, it appears outside as fate." Karl Jung~

by melo (melometa4(at)gmail.com) on Thu Apr 15th, 2010 at 05:15:44 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Display:
Login
. Make a new account
. Reset password
Occasional Series