The post Should I Insulate My Shed? appeared first on Energy Efficiency Centre.
]]>Whether it’s your workshop, games room, man cave or home studio, sheds can often be prone to becoming overwhelmingly hot in the Summer and freezing during Winter – and dark for the most part if no windows are installed.
As such, you run the risk of the contents of your shed deteriorating due to the extreme conditions.
Insulating your shed will mean that it is comfortable throughout the year, allowing you to get maximum usage from it whatever the weather while protecting the contents inside.
The first step in both building a shed or renovating your existing shed is to carefully consider what you shed will be used for.
New Shed build : This is the best time to be thinking about insulating your shed. Why? At this point you can ensure the insulation is integrated into the build which can save you money upfront. The best product in our experience to insulate an shed under construction is Bradford Anticon. This product combines a reflective foil face with glass wool blanket to provide excellent thermal and acoustic properties. It is best fitted between the external cladding and the roof /wall framing.
Shed already built: If your shed is already built you have a couple of options. If you are fairly handy, you can line the inside of your shed with plasterboard/chip board (or similar) and fit batts between the external and internal linings. This approach will provide excellent thermal and acoustic properties but it is labour intensive. The alternative is to retrofit a foil faced flexible form style insulation, such as Bradford Polyair Performa. This product can be screw fixed to internal framing members and will also provide good thermal performance
Natural Light: If you plan to spend time in your shed working on projects, ensuring you have plenty of natural light is essential to keep your electricity bills down. Considering a wind driven ventilator such as the Edmonds TurboBeam is an excellent way ventilate your shed while the clear acrylic head allows the natural sunlight in.
Insulation in your shed will provide numerous benefits including:
Sheds give you extra space in your home, provide a haven to escape to and act as priceless storage when it seems like every room in your house is fit to burst!
Investing in your shed by opting for high quality insulation and ventilation will ensure that your shed is future-proofed for the long run, and your valuables are well protected.
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]]>The post What is uPVC? appeared first on Energy Efficiency Centre.
]]>uPVC is a form of unplasticised PVC used for window frames to enhance their durability while delivering energy efficient benefits through limiting the transfer of heat and cold through the window frame.
There are lots of good reasons to consider using uPVC for your windows. These can include some of the following:
If you have large window frames and are worried about the strength of the window, uPVC windows can be strengthened with steel reinforcements.
Most people are surprised to find out that uPVC is actually competitively priced when compared to aluminium or timber window frames.
You may also experience savings due to the energy efficiency of the high standard of insulation which uPVC window frames are able to offer. uPVC windows and doors are designed to enhance the indoor living comfort of your environment by maintaining the internal temperature, creating a high performing and energy efficient home.
With uPVC, you will be assured that the material is durable and won’t need replacing within a few years – meaning that long term you could also be saving money.
As a material, uPVC is pretty low maintenance – hence it’s become increasingly popular in Australia in recent decades. You’ll need to make sure it’s cleaned regularly but you won’t have to worry about rot or decay as you would with timber frames.
It’s natural to be concerned about using certain materials in your home but rest assured that uPVC is a safe and non toxic material as long as it’s not burnt. It can also be recycled safely.
uPVC frames are generally suitable for moderate bushfire areas, which translates to a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) of 29.
If you’re unsure about whether uPVC is the right option for you, consider your individual needs and the type of property that you own.
Do you want an efficient, low cost material for window frames that offers security, sound insulation and can withstand extreme weather conditions? Give us a call and talk to us today about uPVC windows to find out more!
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]]>The post What Do the R Values in Insulation Mean? appeared first on Energy Efficiency Centre.
]]>In your home, insulation aims to provide resistance to heat flow – thereby lowering your heating and cooling costs. Good insulation can mean reduced energy bills and increased comfort.
Insulation materials function by slowing the conductive heat flow and (to some extent) the convective heat flow. All insulation materials can be rated in terms of their thermal resistance or R Value.
An R value relates to an insulating material’s resistance to conductive heat flow. The higher the R value, the more effective the material will be for insulation.
So remember, the higher the R value, the higher the resistance and therefore the better the rate of thermal insulation the material offers.
R value can depend on a variety of factors including:
Sometimes, the R value of an insulating material can depend on temperature, age and the accumulation of moisture.
It’s important to remember that when you’re calculating the R value of multi-layered insulation, you’ll need to add together the R values of individual layers to get the overall rating.
When considering this, you’ll want to think about your individual needs – such as your budget for insulating your home as well as the maintenance and durability that you require for the insulation process and materials.
It’s really important that you consider the R values in any materials that you consider – and bear in mind modern batt-type insulation can very from R1.5 all the way up to R7. As an example most homes across Australia would require either R4 or R5 level of ceiling insulation.
There’s no doubt that the R value of insulation materials is very important when choosing how to insulate your home and what to use.
However you’ll also want to consider some of the following factors including:
Get in touch with us today to find out more about the benefits of insulating your home and the right solution for your requirements.
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]]>The post The Odyssey Air Exchange System Explained appeared first on Energy Efficiency Centre.
]]>The Odyssey air exchange system is an energy efficient air exchange system, which could make a huge difference – not only to your comfort levels but also to your energy bills.
Odyssey air exchange system is designed to reduce your air conditioning usage by using intelligent air exchange.
The system works by removing hot air from your home. During the day, the outside temperature is generally warmer than the temperature inside your home – Odyssey works in Roof cool mode to relieve your roof space of hot air.
By exhausting the hot air from a roof space, your home stays cooler and heat is not soaked into the property’s structure, which would allow it to potentially cause long term damage.
Customer satisfaction is extremely high when it comes to the odyssey air exchange system.
Did you know that with its large capacity ventilator, just one odyssey unit has the ability to exchange the air in a 150-metre squared space up to five times per hour?
The Odyssey air exchange system is incredibly easy to use – it has a touchscreen control panel allowing you to control and monitor the conditions in your home and set your preferences for the air exchange system to maintain.
With the touchscreen control panel, you can set your preferred settings and then leave it to Odyssey to automatically achieve these throughout the year. You can also track the temperature data in your home as far back as 6 months if you’re interested to analyse how things are going.
Did you know your roof space can reach up to 70 degrees celcius during the day in summer? Luckily, odyssey air exchange will work automatically to regulate your home.
The Odyssey valve shuts to the home and hot air is exhausted from the roof cavity, helping to reduce the load on insulation.
The set level for your roof space temperature will be set between 35-50 degrees. If this temperature is exceeded, the Odyssey air exchange system reverts to power operation, which allows it to remove a greater quantity of roof space air.
The walls and floors in your home store heat from the day and would usually radiate this of a night, which can often lead to uncomfortable sleeping conditions. Instead, the Odyssey air exchange system works to regulate the temperature of your home to achieve a comfortable and consistent environment throughout the night.
There are so many positive things to enjoy about the odyssey air exchange system – both day and night.
As well as settling into your comfortable home and to track data on your energy usage and temperature records, you’ll also be able to measure and manage condensation.
This can help you to avoid long term issues such as damage to rafters and ceilings as well as ongoing problems such as mould.
Would you like to learn more about the Odyssey Air Exchange system? Get in touch with us today and speak to our team of knowledgeable experts.
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]]>The post What is the Ideal Temperature Required for my Baby’s Room? appeared first on Energy Efficiency Centre.
]]>Figuring out the ideal temperature for your baby’s room is really important to do from the very beginning as newborn babies may especially struggle to regulate their own temperature.
Generally, experts recommend that a baby’s room must be set at a temperature of between 16-20 degrees celcuis for optimum health and safety.
At 16-20 degrees, the baby can also use light bedding or a lightweight baby sleeping bag to ensure they are comfortable and secure.
Many people overheat a baby’s room for fear of them getting cold but it’s really important to know that the chance of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) may increase when a baby is too hot.
If you want to aim for an exact temperature, go for 18 degrees and this should give you a little room either side depending on the conditions outside.
As a parent or carer, you’ll want to do everything possible to ensure your baby is safe and healthy. Having a well insulated home with efficient heating and cooling systems can be one of the best ways to achieve the ideal temperature in each individual room and avoid secure temperature fluctuations.
Here are some top tips for getting the temperature right in your baby’s room:
This is one of the most reliable and accurate methods. Measure the temperature at regular intervals by using either an analogue or digital thermometer. You can then adjust your heating or cooling systems accordingly to ensure that the temperature stays within the range of 16-20 degrees throughout.
If you have a thermostat, move it into the baby’s room to ensure that the temperature is always recorded and reacted to. Often people make the mistake of having a thermostat in a hallway or near the kitchen so temperatures for the home are often unequal.
Having smart heating controls makes adjusting the temperature in your baby’s room even easier. Whichever system you use, make sure that your baby’s room is between 16-20 degrees and set this as an ongoing status.
Try to ensure that your home is well prepared before your baby is born. The most important thing is to make sure that your insulation is good and that your home functions efficiently in both the hot and cold weather. Insulating your home will also help you avoid spending excess money on heating and cooling bills – reducing your energy costs and your carbon footprint.
Draughts can make a room feel very cold and dramatically reduce the energy efficiency of a room. Always check for draughts around window and door frames to make sure you’re not losing heat in Winter or letting out cool air in Summer. Your baby will benefit from a room free of draughts – which can really alter the temperature.
It’s important that as well as achieving an ideal temperature of between 16-20 degrees, your baby also enjoys adequate air circulation whilst they are sleeping. You can do this with a conventional fan or you can rely on air conditioning or cooling systems. Always make sure that the air is circulating well in the room.
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]]>The post What Is Low-E Film? appeared first on Energy Efficiency Centre.
]]>Understanding a little about what low e film is and how it works could help you decide whether it may be a suitable option in your home or work place.
Low E film stands for Low Emissivity film. It’s a very thin film made from polyester which has a micro thin, transparent metal coating.
Low-E film can be stuck directly onto your current glass windows or doors to help to reflect radiant heat, which in turn reduces the amount of energy required in order to heat or cool your home.
With low emissivity film, less heat is able to pass through the glass than with a standard pane of glass.
Daylight from the sun can still pass into your home but the low e film helps to reduce the amount of long wavelength infrared heat that often escapes through windows and clear doors.
Most Low-E films have an emissivity rating of around 0.33 – meaning that around 67% of the heat in a room is reflected back into the room in winter. This can significantly reduce the cost of heating your home and the energy that you require to keep it comfortably warm.
We offer a number of low emissivity (i.e. “low-e”) window films that offer the best of both worlds by keeping energy requirements lower in both Summer and Winter, while offering additional benefits such as reduced glare and increased privacy.
There are many advantages to choosing low e film as an option for your home, especially if you are keen to conserve energy and keep your heating and cooling bills low.
There are a huge number of benefits – both financial and environmental – which come with installing Low-E film in your home.
It’s important to consider your individual circumstances carefully. Think about the location of your home and the direction that it faces, working out which windows and doors will benefit most from Low-E film with relation to their level of exposure to the sun.
We recommend asking your sales person if the film they are offering is Window Energy Rating Scheme (WERS) accredited. This means that the manufacturer of the product has tested their product to assess its ability to reduce energy requirements during both summer and winter to ensure you achieve the best outcome.
Are you looking for personalised advice when it comes to selecting the most suitable window film for your home or office? Contact us today for an obligation free measure and quote to see if Low-E film is right for you.
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]]>The post Your Guide to Roof Ventilation Systems appeared first on Energy Efficiency Centre.
]]>Let’s take a look at why roof ventilation systems are essential for the healthy running of your home and the efficiency of your energy usage throughout the year.
Summer in Australia can be incredibly hot. It’s important that excess heat does not get trapped in your roof as this will make your entire home feel uncomfortable. Equally, in Winter you’ll want to ensure that ventilation vents moisture away from your home.
Without effective roof ventilation, the rooms in your home are likely to overheat or be cold and damp and these conditions can cause you far higher air conditioning or heating bills.
The main benefits of roof ventilation include:
There are many roof ventilation systems available to suit your needs. From designs that require no power, to those that are extra quiet – the systems are simple to install and will suit the majority of roof types.
Many of the systems have a 15 year warranty giving you peace of mind if anything goes wrong.
Find out about the different types of roof ventilation systems by contacting us today. We will happily guide you through the range of systems on offer and advise you on which one could be right for your home.
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]]>The post Why Could Window Tinting Work For You? appeared first on Energy Efficiency Centre.
]]>Would you like to reduce glare, increase privacy or improve the energy efficiency of your home? With an extensive range of quality window film and tinting options now available on the market, there is a solution to meet your needs.
If you want to find out whether window tinting could work for you, have a think about your home or office and whether it’s as comfortable as it can be. Think about the temperature during the Summer and Winter months, as well as asking yourself if you’d prefer increased security and privacy.
Some of the top advantages of window tinting include:
There are many different types of window tinting and you should think carefully about the best option for you. Considering factors such as the design of your home, the location of the windows and the key reasons for installing window tinting will dictate which option you go for.
Speak to us today to find out how we can help. We have years of experience in helping customers find the right window tinting options for them and will be able to work with you to find the perfect solution.
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]]>The post What Are The Benefits of Home Ventilation Systems? appeared first on Energy Efficiency Centre.
]]>Having a well ventilated home means that you and your family will be breathing cleaner, purer air. This can have a huge impact on your health and your general well being.
There are endless benefits to installing a home ventilation system. These can include:
We are proud to offer the Odyssey system as a fully automated air exchange system.
The home ventilation system is designed to minimise air conditioning costs yet still provide you with a fresh, well ventilated home throughout the year.
Effective through both Summer and Winter months, the system is able to provide cool, fresh air on warm days and nights whilst bringing in warmer air during Winter.
Moisture levels are managed through humidity sensors and there is a manual boost function which will allow you to use the system manually whenever it is required.
Contact us today to discuss your home ventilation needs and to see how a home ventilation system could help you. Whether you or your family suffer from conditions such as asthma or allergies, or you simply want to create the most comfortable environment possible, we want to hear from you.
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]]>The post Passive Design: How to Utilise Skylights appeared first on Energy Efficiency Centre.
]]>Skylight allow at least three times more light in as a vertical window of the same size – immediately saving you energy and giving you the advantage of a home filled with natural light.
Similarly, skylights can help with ventilating rooms and internal spaces which would otherwise require electricity powered systems.
Passive Design relates to any design that takes advantage of the property’s natural climate in order to achieve and maintain a comfortable temperature within.
By using Passive Design, you can reduce the need for expensive heating or cooling systems – often reducing your energy usage by up to 40%. This not only helps to reduce the negative effects on the environment but also saves you money with lower energy bills.
Before you begin planning your skylight installation, it’s important to consider the following factors – all of which will effect how much daylight can be captured:
Australia is very fortunate to have high levels of sunshine throughout the year however it’s important to consider factors such as air pollution as well as extreme seasonal occurences such as bush fires.
There are a huge amount of skylights on offer – with different designs, shapes and styles. You don’t need to worry about how they’ll fit into your home as you can adapt them by using different materials and colours available within most ranges.
Some of the types of skylight include:
Skylights also come with different operating systems – they can be manually or automatically opened so they’re adaptable depending on the height of the ceiling and whether they’re easily accessible.
When choosing your skylight you can opt for the following materials – all of which are fairly durable within the harsh Australian climate:
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