PRODUCTS Efficiencyoptimiser SOLUTIONS When air temperatures in the house fall below the setting on the room thermostat, a signal is sent for the boiler to fire and warm the house. A disadvantage of this simple arrangement is that the thermostat only tells the boiler to turn on or off when the house is too cold or too hot. Some systems are even installed without a room thermostat, relying solely on control by individual thermostatic radiator valves. In either case no consideration is given to maintaining the correct flow and return temperatures that enable a boiler to operate in condensing mode, or to any external temperature fluctuations. With an efficiency optimiser, boiler flow and return temperatures are monitored and controlled and the system is able to react promptly to internal and external air temperature changes. This increases the efficiency of the central heating system in a very cost effective way. 31

Under floor heating HEATING Underfloor heating systems work using radiant heat rather than convection, so the warmth is evenly spread through the room with no draughts or cold spots. This even distribution of heat also means that the temperature of the water you are circulating is much lower than with a radiator system – less heat input is required to maintain a comfortable temperature. And the heat that you do use is concentrated where you need it, rather than wasted in heating dead space above your head. The benefits are clear. Running costs can be up to a third less compared with radiators and because there are no convection currents creating draughts, the air is cleaner and your heating system is not constantly circulating airborne germs, dust, pollen and mites. Underfloor heating systems are available to suit almost any building and can be placed under tiles, laminates and carpets. Underfloor heating benefits include • It can cut running costs by 30%. • It takes up no wall space and creates no noise. • It is virtually maintenance free and easy to control. Underfloor systems are supplied in two forms: Plumbed Underfloor heating where the main central heating system supplies hot water through pipes under the floor such as that supplied by polypipe. These systems are ideal when used in conjunction with Ground source heat pumps or Air to water heat pumps. Electric underfloor heating This product comprises electrical conduits under the floor which are heated by an electric supply to provide the heating requirements. 32