Steven J. Thompson

Solar Panels and Battery Storage: Achieving Energy Independence at Home

Solar Panels and Battery Storage: Achieving Energy Independence at Home

Rooftop solar panels provide clean, renewable power and lower utility bills. But matching solar energy generation to your household’s usage still requires a grid connection. The folk at Vivint Solar say that adding a solar battery system allows homeowners to tap into sun power anytime, achieving true energy independence. 

How Solar Battery Storage Functions

Solar panels produce direct current (DC) electricity whenever sunlight strikes their surface. This energy is converted to standard alternating current (AC) using inverters, so it is usable in your home. Any excess solar power not immediately consumed flows out to the utility grid.

With a solar battery, this excess energy gets stored in batteries rather than sent to the grid. The batteries then discharge power in the evening when solar production ceases. This cycle charges the batteries from the panels during daytime and powers your home using the stored energy at night. 

During a grid failure, … Read the rest

Problems Your Home Survey Might Find

 

Problems your home survey might find

Getting a home survey is often an underestimated step in the homebuying journey. 

After the initial excitement of finding a potential dream home, the process of understanding its structural and functional integrity begins. 

A home survey offers peace of mind by unveiling any lurking issues in your would-be residence. Here’s why obtaining a home survey and a list of the common problems that might emerge is paramount.

What is a home survey?

A home survey is a comprehensive inspection conducted by a professional – usually a chartered surveyor, like GB Home Surveys – to assess the condition of a property. 

Think of it as a health check for homes. While outward appearances might be deceiving, a home survey delves deeper, scrutinising visible and underlying issues to provide a detailed report on the property’s condition.

The home survey report becomes a valuable tool for the buyer, equipping them with knowledge, … Read the rest

The Common Options for Commercial Air Conditioning

The Common Options for Commercial Air Conditioning

Cooling or heating a commercial space is a very different proposition to air conditioning a standard home.

There’s size to consider, available air conditioning technology to factor in, and the cost of maintaining climate control within a commercial stetting.

Here’s a rundown of the common options available when it comes to commercial air conditioning…

Chilled water systems

Suited to very large commercial spaces like factories, shopping centres, and airports, chilled water systems use water as a secondary refrigerant.

This water is cooled by refrigerant then piped through each room to lower the temperature. Known as versatile and efficient, chilled water systems are excellent at cooling large, open commercial spaces, but they do come at a cost in terms of installation.

Variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems

Common in locations like hospitals, schools, office blocks and hotels, variable refrigerant flow systems allow individual areas to be heated and cooled separately.

The … Read the rest

Securing Your Investment: Why Home Buyers in London Should Opt for CCTV Drain Surveys

Securing Your Investment: Why Home Buyers in London Should Opt for CCTV Drain Surveys

The Hidden Imperative: Unveiling the Importance of CCTV Drain Surveys for London Home Buyers

For prospective home buyers in the vibrant city of London, the excitement of finding the perfect property can often overshadow the importance of thoroughly assessing the unseen aspects that lie beneath the surface. While architectural charm, location, and interior aesthetics are critical factors, it’s equally vital to delve into the less glamorous but essential elements that safeguard your investment. One such element that demands attention is the drainage system, and this is where the significance of CCTV drain surveys comes into play.

Beneath the Facade: Unseen Vulnerabilities

London’s historic and diverse neighbourhoods house an array of properties, each with its unique charm and character. However, the aging infrastructure that often accompanies these properties can lead to hidden vulnerabilities, especially within their drainage systems. Over time, drainage systems can face numerous challenges, including:

  • Blockages: Accumulated debris, grease,
… Read the rest

PH LEVEL AND TOTAL ALKALINITY: WHAT THEY MEAN FOR YOUR HOT TUB WATER

PH LEVEL AND TOTAL ALKALINITY: WHAT THEY MEAN FOR YOUR HOT TUB WATER

Whether you already have a hot tub or are considering purchasing one, it’s crucial to understand how to balance the chemical levels in your water to ensure it is clean, healthy, and safe for users. This article explains why maintaining a hot tub’s optimal condition and the efficiency of its sanitizers depends on maintaining a balance between total alkalinity and pH.

Total alkalinity and pH are closely related, and controlling them is essential to hot tub water care. Alkalinity adjustments also affect pH adjustments, and vice versa. Since high pH levels are far more challenging to control, we advise correcting your total alkalinity balance first since it serves as a buffer and avoids quick pH changes.

What does total alkalinity mean?

The amount of dissolved alkaline compounds in water is known as total alkalinity. It needs to be balanced appropriately since it helps regulate pH. You must keep the … Read the rest