Category Archives: Home Improvements

Home Improvements, interior design

Small but Mighty: Why Cushions Are Vital for Comfort and Style

Although often overlooked in interior design, cushions are crucial for adding comfort, style, and character to any space. Better still, they’re relatively inexpensive and can be easily swapped out to refresh the look and feel of a room without breaking the bank.

Keep reading to discover why you should start working on your collection of cushions immediately.

Elevating the Home’s Aesthetic Appeal

When they go to shop cushions, UK homeowners are often stunned by the sheer variety of colours, styles, and designs these décor delights come in. But it’s precisely this variety that allows them to be the perfect accessory for any space.

You’ll be surprised how much a few cushions can transform the entire look of your home. They’ll enhance each room, effortlessly elevating its aesthetics. Check out just some of the ways you can play around with cushions below.

Adding a Pop of Colour

Picture this – you’ve gone through the time-consuming process of decorating your room, paying close attention to every detail, from the colour scheme to the furniture placement. But now that the room is complete, you don’t like the impression it gives off. It appears monotonous, and you can’t help but feel underwhelmed.

The solution? A few bright cushions of bolder colours! This simple touch can breathe new life into a dull space, adding a pop of colour in all the right places. As a bonus, the brightly coloured cushions will add visual interest to your room, transforming it into a dynamic haven you won’t want to leave.

Creating a Cohesive Look

Although seemingly simple detail, cushions can tie the whole room together. Coordinate your cushion choices with other attention-grabbing elements, like curtains and rugs, and watch the entire room come alive with a harmonious look.

Adding Warmth

Your home can be the most tastefully arranged space, but if it doesn’t make your visitors feel welcome, you’ve probably missed the mark. Luckily, cushions are an easy way to fix this and instantly inject warmth into any space.

By their very nature, cushions epitomise comfort and cosiness, inviting visitors to sit back, relax, and enjoy a pleasant conversation. Choose cushions in warmer colours, from earth tones to deep yellows, and boost this sense of warmth even more.

Changing up the Ambiance

Most impactful interior design elements operate on a high risk-high reward principle – you invest a pretty penny, and they utterly transform your space. But what if you end up not liking the final look? Changing up elements like furniture, artwork, and flooring can be pretty expensive. The solution? Changing up the cushions!

Playing around with cushions is an easy way to achieve a complete style overhaul without straining your budget. You can swap them out seasonally, when prepping your home for an important event, or simply as your tastes change.

Enhancing Comfort and Functionality

While the aesthetic appeal of carefully selected cushions can’t be understated, let’s not forget about their functionality. After all, a cushion’s primary purpose is to provide comfort and support. These handy additions will instantly make any chair, sofa, or armchair more comfortable, especially if these pieces of furniture are getting old.

Even if your furniture is brand-new, adding big fluffy cushions is a great idea. It will make you want to sink into your sofa and properly unwind after a busy day.

Relieving Pain

Most people, especially those working from home, are familiar with the discomfort caused by sitting on an uncomfortable piece of furniture for a prolonged time. Back pain and stiff joints are just some of the consequences on your health and overall well-being. To avoid this unfortunate scenario, line the uncomfortable surfaces with super-comfortable cushions. This simple addition will do wonders for pain relief by reducing the pressure on your muscles and joints.

Covering up Mishaps

Is your favourite sofa starting to show signs of ageing? While a hole here and there and a few loose threads and stubborn stains might not be enough for you to get rid of it, it will be detracted from your home’s overall appearance. But don’t worry, cushions offer a win-win scenario – you get to keep your favourite piece of furniture and the mishaps and unsightly marks are visible no more.

Comfort That Speaks Volumes

As you can see, cushions can be your best friend when decorating your home. Fortunately, when wanting to shop cushions, UK homeowners and interior design enthusiasts will have no issues finding reputable retailers specialising in high-quality cushions. With numerous colours, textures, and patterns at your disposal, there are virtually no limits to the number of creative possibilities at your fingertips.

Home Improvements, Homeowner Advice, News

Insulation boards: weighing the pros and cons

Poor insulation has a direct impact on your utility bill. To keep your home warm enough during the colder months and cool enough during the hot season, you must ensure it is properly insulated. In this situation, you must first choose a suitable high-quality material with excellent thermal insulation properties and a long lifespan. Optimum thermal insulation can be ensured with the help of special plates. The best solution is to use insulation boards. Several advantages speak for this material, and you should learn about them before choosing the right insulation boards. 

Our article is a good place to start if you are serious about insulating your home. Our short guide will help you understand all the features of the material. 

What insulation boards for home isolation  are: the main features

Insulation boards are produced in the form of a flat rigid panel. It can be fixed to various surfaces: roofs, walls and floors. Insulation boards differ in thickness, size and other parameters. Choose the right material depending on your needs and the features of your house. The optimal material is selected based on your own requirements and the characteristics of the object.

Insulation boards are highly resistant to moisture. You can easily install the boards yourself, even if you are inexperienced. Compared to fiberglass and other thermal insulation materials, these boards cost less, are quicker and easier to install, and provide optimal protection for residential and industrial buildings.

What types of PIR insulation boards are available

If you shop for insulation boards, you should first find out which brands of this material can be found on the market. Each brand has its characteristics. 

Mannok 

In favor of insulation boards from the presented brand is evidenced by the zero potential for destroying the ozone layer. It means that they can boast a long service life and ecological compatibility.

Ecotherm 

The insulation boards of this brand are characterized by their excellent durability. For this reason, the material can be installed immediately together with the plasterboard walls of the house.

Celotex

The insulation material from the Celotex brand has a foil-lined surface to minimize heat loss as much as possible.

Recticel

When you want to cover all surfaces (roof, floor and walls) at once, Recticel is the perfect solution.

Kingspan

This insulation material competes with Celotex products. But the main difference with Kingspan is that the manufacturer offers a thicker board.

Why use insulation boards: benefits of the material

Insulation boards have been widely used for thermal insulation for a long time. Over the years of active use, the material has the following advantages.

  • low weight;
  • easy handling and application – no special knowledge or practice is required for installation, so even an inexperienced person can cope with the task;
  • the low thickness of the boards maintains excellent protection against heat loss;
  • they are resistant to damage caused by moisture, steam and mould
  • safety and environmental friendliness;
  • reasonable cost compared to other insulating materials;
  • minimization of heat loss and additional soundproofing.

Despite these positive qualities, insulation boards are unsuitable for every thermal insulation application. You must first understand when you have to install this material.

When is it best to install insulating boards?

The main characteristic of insulation boards is that they are not afraid of water vapor and other dampness. That is why you don’t have to worry about getting the material wet and its performance deteriorating after installation. Insulation boards are well suited for installation in places exposed to moisture: cellar, attic, and exterior walls.

Suppose you need to know what type of insulation is suitable for building and how to properly protect your home from heat loss or looking for a universal solution for any house. In that case, insulation boards are the best solution available to everyone.

What do I need to know about installing insulation boards?

An experienced home craftsman is fine with coping with the task. The installation principle is similar to that of wall cladding with plasterboard. If you are new to the subject, you should cut the boards with a circular saw or knife. You should use large screws and washers to ensure the boards are firmly fastened to the surface. In addition, you can buy special adhesives for installing the boards from a construction shop specifically designed for this insulation material.

Where can I buy a complete set of insulation materials?

If you have decided to minimize heat loss in your home, you will find everything you need in this shop – insulation boards https://insulationwholesale.co.uk/insulation/insulation-board/  from different brands and materials for fixing them. 

 

Home Improvements, Security

Securing Your Property with Stylish Security Doors

Security doors are crucial elements in protecting homes and businesses from unauthorized entry, break-ins, and burglaries. As the first line of defence, it is important to choose the right material for your security doors. In this article, we will discuss the three most common materials used in security door construction and their respective benefits and drawbacks.

Material Selection for Security Doors

The choice of material plays a significant role in determining the level of security offered by the door, its durability, aesthetics, and cost. The three most common materials used in security door construction are steel, aluminum, and fiberglass. Check this security doors from strongholdsecuritydoors.co.uk website

Steel Doors: Maximum Security and Durability

Steel is one of the most popular materials used in security door construction. Steel doors are incredibly strong and durable, making them an excellent choice for high-security applications. They can be customized to fit any size or shape of the door frame, making them a versatile option for a wide range of properties. Steel doors are resistant to corrosion and weathering, ensuring that they maintain their strength and appearance over time.

One of the primary benefits of steel security doors is their ability to withstand forced entry. They are difficult to break through, making them an effective deterrent against burglars and intruders. Steel doors can also be reinforced with additional security features, such as multi-point locking systems and heavy-duty hinges, to provide even more protection. However, they can be heavy and cumbersome, making them challenging to install and maneuver. They also tend to be more expensive than other materials, which can be a limiting factor for some property owners.

Aluminum Doors: Easy to Install and Budget-Friendly

Aluminum is another popular material used in security door construction. Aluminum doors are lightweight and easy to handle, making them an ideal choice for properties where ease of installation is essential. They are also resistant to rust and corrosion, ensuring that they remain in good condition for years to come.

In terms of security, aluminum doors are not as strong as steel doors, but they still offer a decent level of protection. They can be fitted with high-quality locking mechanisms and reinforced with additional security features to increase their strength and deter burglars. One of the main advantages of aluminum security doors is their aesthetic appeal. They can be customized with a wide range of finishes and colors to match the style of the property. They also tend to be less expensive than steel doors, making them a more affordable option for some property owners.

Fiberglass Doors: Lightweight and Weather-Resistant

Fiberglass is another material that can be used in security door construction. It is lightweight, durable, and resistant to weathering and corrosion, making it an excellent choice for properties located in areas with harsh weather conditions. Fiberglass doors can also be customized to fit any size or shape of the door frame, making them a versatile option for a wide range of properties.

In terms of security, fiberglass doors are not as strong as steel doors but offer a decent level of protection. They can be reinforced with additional security features, such as high-quality locking mechanisms and heavy-duty hinges, to increase their strength and deter burglars. Fiberglass doors also have some aesthetic benefits. They can be customized with a wide range of finishes and colors, making them an attractive option for properties where appearance is important. They are also relatively affordable, making them a budget-friendly option for some property owners.

 

Image credit: https://www.strongholdsecuritydoors.co.uk/

Home Improvements, Homeowner Advice, Property, Property News

Which doors are worth choosing? Check these bestsellers.

The role of a front door cannot be reduced to aesthetic. Front doors are important not only for the appearance of your home but also, above all, for your comfort and safety. That’s why their choice should be a well-thought one.

In Fenbro we understand that choosing the right door material and type for your house may be difficult. To help you, we have prepared a list of bestsellers, presenting the most popular products in our offer.

Steel doors and composite doors

Steel doors are made of one of the strongest materials out there, thus they offer safety, durability, and comfort. But the list of benefits does not finish here. Easy maintenance is yet another asset. Steel doors, as well as composite doors, do not require time-consuming and costly maintenance work. And you will find them surprisingly easy to keep clean. The construction is also well-known for its insulating properties. Front doors made from steel are very effective in reducing heat loss and blocking outside noises.

Focused on the needs and expectations of the most demanding clients, we offer WIKĘD Steel Doors for apartments and WIKĘD Composite Doors for houses. They are commonly used for both new builds and refurbishment projects. Homeowners choose them for their high quality and timeless design. The doors are durable, functional and look very well. What is more, WIKĘD Doors come with glazing that adds to their unique design and helps to illuminate the interior.

Aluminium doors

Aluminium doors offer modernity in terms of technology and security. Their elegant look comes with very good properties. Aluminium doors are resistant to weather conditions and require very little maintenance. They are also easy to keep clean.

The elegant collection of aluminium exterior doors from Fenbro is addressed to the most demanding customers. We have selected top brands and their bestselling models especially for you. Our offer includes:

  • Aluprof Exterior Doors
  • AluLine Exterior Doors
  • WIKĘD Exterior Doors

We have a wide range of panel designs that match your house exterior with an uncompromising manner. Depending on the house style you are going for, we offer door panels with glazing, stainless steel applications and a decorative cutter.

Wooden doors

Traditional materials are still highly appreciated by homeowners all over Ireland. For this reason, many choose wooden doors, which can last for decades with proper maintenance. As a construction material, wood offers many beneficial properties:

  • it’s a great insulator that reduces the heat loss significantly,
  • it blocks outside noises,
  • it’s resistant to external conditions,
  • it can be renovated many times and get an up-to-date look when trends change.

Our offer of high quality wooden doors is based on well-known brands, such as:

  • Naturo
  • Derpal

Wooden doors are a great fusion of tradition and modernity. They come in many different styles, colours and finishes, also with elegant glazing panels that add to their modern appeal.

uPVC doors

uPVC doors are far more popular than you may think. Homeowners select them because they provide a good balance between security, insulation properties and cost. They also offer a vast selection of designs to choose from. You can either opt for a classy look or modern design, with or without glazing.

When it comes to uPVC doors, we highly recommend Aluplast Doors.

High quality doors from Poland

Fenbro offers high quality doors with full guarantee and installation services all over Ireland. Our offer includes:

  • Steel doors
  • Composite doors
  • Aluminium doors
  • Wooden doors
  • uPVC doors

We also provide you with front door accessories, ranging from useful and aesthetical door fittings to intelligent technological solutions. With our accessories, your external door will be fully decorative and functional.

Are you looking for the perfect front door for your home? Contact Fenbro and take full advantage of high quality solutions at low prices and the professional service. Our doors from Poland come in a variety of textures, styles, and finishes.

Home Improvements, Homeowner Advice, Property

4 Ways to Attract Potential Buyers

If you’re thinking about selling your home and moving into an exciting new property this year, you might be looking for quick and easy ways to attract potential buyers. We’re not talking about a complete home re-design (although you’re more than welcome to venture down that path if you want to), we’re talking about some simple DIY jobs that will have a big impact on the way your home looks and feels.

1 – Apply a fresh coat of paint

If you haven’t painted your home in a couple of years fresh lick of paint can make a real difference. Walls near high-traffic areas, like around doors and up the stairs, are notoriously dirty because people are constantly touching them. If you have children or pets, you might also notice that the lower levels of your walls have gained muddy paw prints and crayon scribbles that can’t be simply wiped away. Potential buyers are sure to notice this as they scrutinise the quality and cleanliness of your home, so it’s best to try and rectify the situation with a lick of paint – if you can.

Painting the rooms in your house can be a bit of an awkward job, especially if you have high ceilings. We’d highly recommend investing in a good quality step ladder to help you reach difficult areas. The best type of step ladder for painting and decorating is a platform step ladder. As the name suggests, these ladders come with a large platform at the top which allows you to keep all your equipment in one place while you’re working at height.

It might take a little bit of effort, but freshening up your walls is worthwhile if you want to sell your home quickly. We recommend opting for neutral colours, as these tend to appeal to the majority of potential buyers.

2 – Improve loft insulation

If your home lacks insulation, now might be a good time to consider rectifying that. With everyone thinking about the rising costs of energy and the environmental impact of their homes, taking the time to improve the efficiency of home will pay dividends when it goes to market.

Now, you could ring round a few local builders to get the job done for you, but you can probably tackle the insulation on your own and save a few pennies. Nowadays, you can purchase loft insulation in your local DIY shop, so you shouldn’t have any issue getting hold of the necessary materials.

When it comes to installing your new loft insulation, we’d highly recommend investing in a sturdy loft ladder – especially if you home doesn’t already have one. A sturdy loft ladder will help you make the insulation improvements in the loft, but it will also be a big asset for future owners. Once the new loft insulation is installed, you should keep a record of it so that you can notify potential buyers about the improvements you’ve made.

3 – Better curb appeal

The way your home looks from the curb is a huge influencing factor when potential buyers come to visit. That first impression is really important, because if you can make someone fall in love with your home before they’ve even stepped foot inside, then you’ve already won half the battle.

There are numerous different ways you can improve your home’s curb appeal, starting with a good jet wash. As much as we try to sweep and maintain our driveways, dirt will inevitably build up. Power washing the driveway, front of your home and pathways will instantly lift the appearance of your home. You could also consider panting the outside of your home, adding some potted plants, cutting the front lawn and cleaning the windows. All of these little jobs will give your home the facelift it needs to steal people’s hearts.

4 – Tidy up your garden space

If you’re feeling especially adventurous with your DIY skills, you could try your hand at some garden jobs to help improve the value of your home and attract potential buyers. If you don’t already have a garden shed or summer house, they can be a real asset to your garden space. A garden shed can be used to store all kinds of tools, including the lawn mower, freeing up space in the house/garage.

If you don’t want to add additional storage with a shed, you create a cosy outdoor seating area for the summer nights by adding a summer house. Nowadays, you can find everything you need to build your very own garden shed or summer house in your local hardware store.

Other thing you can do to attract potential buyers are; increasing the privacy of your garden, building an outdoor BBQ or dining area, or adding easy-to-maintain planters. Whatever improvements you make in your outdoor space are sure to capture the attention of potential buyers, especially if they have a young or growing family.

So there you have it, if you’ve been looking for a few ways to attract potential buyers, we hope you’ve found this blog useful.

 

Home Improvements, Homeowner Advice, Property, Property News

How To Finance A House Extension

Before we dive into financing options, it’s important that you understand the costs associated with a house extension. The average cost of an extension depends on several factors such as the size of the extension, the materials used and the level of finish you want.

According to the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the average cost of a single-story extension is around £30,000 to £50,000 whilst a double-story extension can cost anywhere from £50,000 to £90,000.

Therefore, financing a house extension can be a tricky task due to the amount of capital required.

What Are The Financing Options For A House Extension?

1. Remortgaging

Remortgaging involves switching your existing mortgage to a new lender or a new deal with your current lender. By remortgaging, you can release equity in your home to finance your extension.

This means you’ll be borrowing more money than you currently owe on your mortgage, which will increase your monthly mortgage payments. However, the advantage is that the interest rate on a mortgage is usually lower than other forms of borrowing.

2. Home Improvement Loan

A home improvement loan is a secured loan specifically designed for home improvements. You can borrow a fixed amount over a fixed term and pay it back in monthly instalments.

The interest rate on this type of loan is usually higher than a mortgage but lower than a credit card or personal loan. If you want to use this type of finance option, you’ll need to speak to a broker that offers home extension loans.

3. Personal Loan

A personal loan is an unsecured loan that can be used for any purpose such as a house extension. The interest rate on a personal loan is typically higher than a mortgage or home improvement loan but lower than a credit card. It’s also available from a range of lenders, including banks, building societies and online lenders.

4. Equity Release

Equity release is a way to release some of the value in your home without having to sell it. There are two types of equity release: lifetime mortgages and home reversion plans.

With a lifetime mortgage, you borrow against the value of your home but you don’t have to make any repayments until you die or sell your home. With a home reversion plan, you sell a percentage of your home to a provider in exchange for a lump sum or regular payments. Both options can be expensive and the interest rates can be higher than other forms of borrowing.

What’s Involved To Extend A House?

Once you’ve decided how to finance your house extension, it’s time to plan and execute the project and below are some steps to follow:

1. Get Planning Permission

Before you start any work, you’ll need to get planning permission from your local authority. This is a crucial step in extending your house because it ensures that your project complies with local planning regulations and won’t cause any harm to the surrounding environment.

Planning permission is required for most house extensions and you’ll need to submit an application to your local authority detailing the proposed work, including plans, elevations and site location.

To ensure your planning goes smoothly, it’s highly recommended that you hire an architect. Although an architect’s fees can be costly, it’s a worthwhile investment to ensure you get your planning permission.

Once submitted, your local authority will review your application and consider factors such as the impact on the local area, the size of the extension and any potential issues such as access and parking. The process can take up to eight weeks and it’s important to note that some applications may be subject to further review or appeal.

2. Set a Budget

Once you have planning permission, it’s time to set a budget for your extension. This will depend on the size of the extension, the materials used and the level of finish you want. It’s important to be realistic about your budget and to factor in any unexpected costs, such as planning fees, building regulations and professional fees.

It’s also worth getting multiple quotes from builders and tradespeople to ensure you’re getting a fair price.

3. Choose Materials

The materials you choose for your extension will depend on your budget and the style of your home. You’ll need to consider factors such as the cost, durability and maintenance requirements of the materials, as well as their impact on the environment.

Some popular materials for house extensions include brick, stone, timber and glass. It’s worth discussing your options with your professional to ensure you choose materials that are appropriate for your project and meet your requirements.

4. Prepare the Site

Before any construction work can begin, the site will need to be prepared. This involves clearing the area, installing temporary fencing and creating access for machinery and equipment.

It’s also worth considering the impact of the extension on your neighbours, such as noise and disruption. You should communicate with your neighbours in advance to let them know about the project and to address any concerns they may have.

5. Build the Extension

Once the site is prepared, construction work can begin. This will involve digging foundations, constructing walls, installing windows and doors and adding any fixtures and fittings. It’s important to ensure that the work is completed to a high standard and that all regulations and safety standards are met.

During the construction phase, it’s worth staying in regular contact with your builder to ensure the project is progressing as planned and to address any issues that may arise.

6. Final Touches

Once the construction work is complete, it’s time to add the final touches to your extension. This will involve painting, decorating and installing any fixtures and fittings, such as kitchen units and bathroom fixtures. It’s important to ensure that the finishes are of a high standard and that they meet your requirements.

Conclusion

Extending your house can be an exciting project that can add value to your home and enhance your living space. However, it’s essential that you plan the project carefully, set a realistic budget and choose the right financing option.

Home Improvements, Homeowner Advice

How to find a Reliable and Trustworthy Plumber

Finding a trustworthy plumber can be a daunting task, especially when you have a plumbing emergency and need one fast. However, with a little bit of research, you can find a reliable plumber who will not only solve your plumbing problems but also do so at a fair price. In this article, we’ll provide some tips on how to find a trustworthy plumber.

1. Ask for recommendations:

One of the best ways to find a trustworthy plumber is to ask for recommendations from people you know. Word-of-mouth recommendations can provide valuable insight into the plumber’s work ethic, professionalism, and quality of work.

2. Check their credentials:

Make sure the plumber you are considering is qualified. A trained plumber has completed a high standard of specialist education and training, often via an apprenticeship. However, there is no licensing system for plumbers in the UK, and anyone can call themselves one, even if they hold no qualifications.  Nonetheless, anyone working on Gas (absolutely anyone) is required by law to be on the Gas Safety Register.  If you are looking for a plumber to work on a gas appliance like a central heating boiler, you can check whether your plumber is on there.  If not, they are not legally able to do the work and you should steer clear.

3. Check their insurance:

If the person offering to work on your home or workplace is not insured, this means you won’t be covered if anything goes wrong. A reputable plumber won’t mind you checking, in fact they will probably appreciate it.

4. Research online:

Check out their website – and read online reviews and ratings on websites like Google and Facebook. You can also check the plumber’s website to see if they have any testimonials from previous customers. Online reviews can give you a good idea of the plumber’s reputation and level of expertise.

We spoke to Nathan, who is the director of the Cardiff-based firm NJ Harkus Plumbing & Heating and he told us that he always goes above and beyond to achieve his positive reviews. Currently, NJ Harkus is the highest-rated plumber in Cardiff (based on Google reviews of plumbers in Cardiff) and he told us that he has set a goal to achieve 1,000 5-star reviews by 2025.

5. Get multiple quotes:

Don’t just hire the first plumber you come across. Get quotes from at least three different plumbers to compare prices and services. This way, you can make an informed decision and find a plumber who offers fair pricing for the work you need done.

6. Don’t be scared to ask about their experience:

Make sure the plumber has experience working with the type of plumbing problem you have. It’s also a good idea to ask how long they have been in business and if they have any specialities, such as kitchens or bathroom installations. An experienced plumber will have the knowledge and skills to handle any plumbing issue efficiently and effectively.

7. Ask about warranty:

A reputable plumber should stand behind their work and offer a warranty for the services they provide. This shows their confidence in their work and ensures that you’ll receive quality service.

8. Does the company speak about a customer care charter, guarantee or promise?

A customer care charter should set out the minimum standards you can expect when dealing with them. It isn’t required, but if a company has taken time to do this, it is a good indication they care and are committed to good customer service.

9. Do they offer transparent pricing?

A reputable company will be happy to give you a clear quote so you have a reasonable idea of cost before you instruct them.

10. How professional do they seem?

One of the biggest complaints people have about plumbers is reliability.  Nobody wants to wait in all day for someone who doesn’t turn up.  If they are late for an appointment, expect a timely telephone call to let you know.  If they turn up late and don’t call when quoting, you can probably expect the same when they undertake your work.  If someone does not value your time or treat you like an important customer, go elsewhere.

In conclusion, finding a trustworthy plumber takes a bit of time and effort, but it’s worth it to ensure that your plumbing problems are resolved properly. By following these tips, you can find a plumber who is reliable, experienced, and offers fair pricing. With the right plumber on your side, you can have peace of mind knowing that your plumbing problems are in good hands.

Home Improvements, News

Different Types of Heat Pumps & Their Uses

Whether you’re building a new property and want to comply with UK’s 2025 carbon emission laws and regulations or are looking to replace your home’s current heating system with a more environmentally friendly one, heat pumps are a fantastic way to do that.

With that said, providers of heat pump services all over the UK offer their clients various types of heat pumps to pick from, so choosing the one that best suits your needs is very important to ensure it can help you achieve your goals.

In this article, we will look at the different types of heat pumps available, their uses, and when each is most suitable. But before we do any of that, let’s first look at what heat pumps are.

What is a Heat Pump?

Heat pumps are a type of heating system that, unlike traditional heating systems, don’t use unsustainable fuel sources like fossil fuels. As a result, they are significantly more environmentally friendly and will be the government’s solution to reaching carbon net zero and minimizing air pollution when heating the many millions of homes throughout the United Kingdom.

Some of the most common types include ground-source heat pumps, water-souce heat pumps, air-source heat pumps, and more, which we will be taking a better look at below.

Types of Heat Pumps

There are four major types of heat pumps. Below, we’ll look at each one and explore their individual uses.

Air Source

Air source heat pumps are the most inexpensive and common heat pumps available. These are typically only reserved for residential use due to their relatively simplistic and straightforward nature.

These heat pumps use a refrigerant to absorb warm air from the outside and pump it inside. These pumps can also be used to cool the air, making them a very versatile all-season appliance.

With that said, air-source heating pumps aren’t the best option for colder climates, and as a result, they should only be used in climates with moderate temperatures.

Ground Source

Ground source heat pumps, also known as geothermal heat pumps use the thermal energy naturally stored underground to heat the indoor space of a property. Instead of incinerating fuel, this type of heat pump gathers heat from underneath the ground, which can effectively and efficiently raise the temperature indoors.

These heat pumps work similarly to air-source heat pumps as they pump natural heat through the vents and into a home. However, since there’s a constant deposit of thermal energy underground, these tend to work much better than air-source heat pumps, especially in colder climates.

These pumps are fairly expensive and cost much more to install than air-source pumps. The installation process of such pumps requires the contractor to conduct excavations and install complex piping systems, which is the reason for the increased cost.

Water Source

These are one of the least common types of heat pumps. As the name suggests, these pumps distribute heat in an indoor space through water, not air. While this can make for a very efficient and effective heating system, there are some major issues with it.

To start, the structure needs natural access to a body of water. This could be a lake, river, stream, or similar. However, most people in the UK don’t have such easy access to water which is one of the main reasons why these aren’t more common in modern households.

Hybrid

As the name suggests, hybrid heat pumps use two different heating pumps, such as the ones described above. The most common types are air/ground source heat pumps and air source/boiler heaters. The air/ground source combination is a great option for homes as you can switch between two different heat sources depending on your needs.

For example, you can switch to air-source if you need to control the temperature during the autumn. But when winter comes, you can switch to the ground-source option to provide more robust heating.

The other option, air source/boiler, works similarly to the previous one, wherein you can switch between two different sources as needed. However, instead of ground-source, the second heating unit is a boiler, which is not as efficient or environmentally friendly.

Others

Some notable heat pumps that are also gaining traction include:

  • Solar heat pumps
  • Absorption or gas-fired heat pumps

Conclusion

Heat pumps are a fantastic replacement for gas boilers and other carbon-emitting alternatives and the UK’s best chance at making the heating of homes throughout the UK significantly more environmentally friendly.

When it comes to heat pumps, there are various alternatives, including water source, air source, ground source, and even hybrid models that use two or more of the previously listed heating pumps.

And now that you’re familiar with the different types of heating pumps and their uses, it will be much easier to decide on the best option for your home.

 

Home Improvements, Jobs, News

What do heating engineers do and how to become one

Heating engineers primarily work on the heating of a specific building or structure. Their role involves maintaining and installing pipe work, to assessing the various fixtures and fittings that are used to heat up a variety of buildings. These include residential, commercial and industrial properties.

Heating engineers or plumbers?

People often get heating engineers and plumbers confused as their area of work is very similar. However, heating engineers don’t venture into any other area other than heating. They typically work on boiler servicing, as well as radiators, thermostats and air source heat pump installation.

Plumbers are involved with water-based appliances and fixtures, including taps, toilets, sinks and dishwashers. From clearing blockages and fixing water leaks, to installing water-based appliances and maintaining drainage and sewage systems – plumbers are your go-to for these particular types of issue.

If there’s a problem with your heating system or you’d like to book a boiler service or repair, the best tradesman to contact is a heating engineer.

Gas Safe Registered

It is required by law that heating engineers are Gas Safe Registered. You can always check if a company is registered by looking on their website, as a certification is usually displayed. Or, you can visit the Gas Safe Register website and look up the company’s name.

It’s important to ensure that your heating engineer has the relevant skills and expertise to perform work on your boiler or other heating systems. If they don’t appear to be Gas Safe Registered, ask them for proof of certification.

Please note that plumbers can hold the same Gas Safe Registered certification as heating engineers, but it doesn’t mean they are qualified to work on gas boilers.

When to call a heating engineer

Heating engineers are best positioned to help with repairs, replacements, services and emergencies that involve your central heating systems. You would usually contact a heating engineer for the following:

  • Central heating systems
  • Radiators
  • Thermostats
  • Hot water cylinders
  • Piping and fixtures

How to become a heating engineer

Perhaps you’re interested in becoming a heating engineer yourself. The average salary is more than £37,500 a year, with the opportunity to increase this if you have a large clientele.

To become a heating engineer, many people start as an apprentice or take up a college course to receive the appropriate qualifications. Apprenticeships are a great way to get on-the-job training and earn an income whilst doing so.

You’ll be introduced to gas safety and engineering, combining both theory and practical work as you train to become qualified in the trade. There are various level 2 certificates or diploma’s you can apply for, and there are plenty of online resources to help you get started.

 

 

Home Improvements, Homeowner Advice

6 Signs Your Home Needs Renovations

Like humans, homes also need maintenance. However, issues like mould development may persist even after routine maintenance, deteriorating the walls or the furniture. This is why renovations are important.

They make the home look new again and are beneficial in the long run. So it pays to know common signs in your home that hint towards renovation. Read this article till the end to learn about these signs in detail.

 

Cracked Walls

Cracks on the walls are a sign of ageing. These cracks may be caused due to water damage or due to some structural issues in the house. If not repaired on time, these cracks can get bigger and may cause more damage to your home.

Common areas where such cracks may appear in your home include:

  • Bathroom walls: Cracks in the bathroom walls indicate that you need to repair the plumbing in your home. Leaking pipes can cause these cracks, and if not repaired, they can lead to more damage in your home.
  • Bedroom walls: If you find cracks in your bedroom walls, it may be due to the house’s settling. This happens when your home’s foundation starts to settle and may cause cracks in the drywall or plaster.
  • Garden Walls: Garden walls are often made with brick or stone. These materials are not durable and tend to crack over time if not maintained properly. Cracks on your garden walls indicate that you need to repair these walls and the plumbing in your home.

If you notice any cracks in the walls, it is best to contact an expert for advice and repair.

 

Mould and Mildew

Mould and mildew are common problems in homes, especially in damp areas like the bathroom or kitchen. Mould is a type of fungi that grows in moist environments and can cause health problems if not removed.

Mildew, on the other hand, is a type of mould that grows on surfaces like fabrics or leather. It is usually white or grey and can cause musty odours. Both mould and mildew can be removed with available cleaning products. However, if the problem persists, it is best to contact an expert for help.

 

Sagging Roof

It is often caused by water damage or the home settling. If not repaired on time, a sagging roof can cause more damage to your home. Common sagging roof signs include:

  • Water stains on the ceiling
  • Cracks in the ceiling

 

Peeling Paint

Peeling paint is usually caused by moisture and can be fixed with available painting products. Keep these tips in mind when dealing with peeling paint issue:

  • Use a putty knife to scrape off the peeling paint.
  • Apply a new layer of paint after removing the old one.
  • Use a primer before painting to ensure better results.

 

Damaged Floors

Damaged floors are a sign of wear and tear. These floors can be made of wood, tile, or vinyl and can be damaged by water, scratches, or dents. If not repaired on time, these floors can become dangerous and need to be replaced.

 

Drafty Windows and Doors

Drafty windows and doors are a sign of poor maintenance in your home. This problem can be fixed with available weatherstripping products. However, if the problem persists, it is best to contact an expert for help. You can also contact Composite Doors Suppliers & Installers to get the best doors for your home.

 

Final Word

If you notice any of these signs in your home, it is time to renovate. These renovations will make your home look new again and be beneficial in the long run. So don’t wait any longer and start planning your renovation today!